Experimental Branch

 The **Experimental Branch** is an opt-in experience that allows players to preview upcoming content for *Subnautica 2* in an earlier state.   Saves are not compatible between branches and are stored in different locations, so main branch saves will not appear when the game is on the experimental branch, and vice versa.   [Multiplayer](Multiplayer) is possible on the Experimental Branch if all players are using the Experimental Branch.   > **Warning:** Mods that work for the stable release might not be compatible with the experimental branch and cause issues. > > **Warning:** Certain debug features might be available in the experimental branch; these are likely to be removed in stable releases.   ## Accessing Experimental Branch   ### Steam Experimental Branch   To access the Experimental branch of Subnautica 2 on Steam:   1. Open your Steam Library and right-click Subnautica 2. 2. Select Properties. 3. Go to the 'Game Versions & Betas' tab. 4. In the Beta Participation drop-down menu, select the Experimental branch. 5. Close the window. Steam will automatically start downloading the update.   ### Xbox Insider Hub   To access the Experimental branch of Subnautica 2 on Xbox, you will need to join the Xbox Insider Program. To join the Program, you need to be 18 years old and either own Subnautica 2 or have an active Game Pass Ultimate subscription.   1. Install the Xbox Insider Hub app from the Store (free) on your Xbox console or PC, if you don't already have it. 2. Launch the app and sign in with your account. 3. Go to Previews. 4. Select Subnautica 2 Experimental (Public Test) and click Join. 5. Wait for the registration to complete, then follow the prompt to install. You may need to restart your console to trigger the update.   ## Experimental Changes   Current experimental branch version: 123362   ### World   * [Atacamite](Atacamite) deposits can no longer be broken by the [Sonic Resonator](Sonic_Resonator), requiring the [Feedback Resonator](Feedback_Resonator) exclusively.     * If the player attempts to break a deposit with the Sonic Resonator a dialogue box will appear saying resonator modification is needed * Terrain changes made in [Sparse Plains](Biomes#Sparse_Plains) region     * Early terrain blockout for future parts of the [Scorpius](Scorpius) region added * New music tracks added in several areas     * [Abandoned Seabases](Pioneer_Seabases)     * [Karakorum Metal Farms](Karakorum_Metal_Farms)     * [Karakorum Power Plant](Karakorum_Power_Plant) * New debris scattered throughout the world * Increased amount of time it takes to repair the [Karakorum Power Plant](Karakorum_Power_Plant)-* Changes to [Biohacking Chamber](Biohacking_Chamber)s to make it more clear that they present upgrades+* Changes to [Biohacking Chambers](Biohacking_Chamber) to make it more clear that they present upgrades   ### Lifeforms  -* [Water Slug](Water_Slug)s now properly respawn-* [Water Slug](Water_Slug)s now properly display when attached to [Hardpoint](Hardpoint)s+* [Water Slugs](Water_Slug) now properly respawn+* [Water Slugs](Water_Slug) now properly display when attached to [Hardpoints](Hardpoint) * [Eyeball Sponge](Eyeball_Sponge) can no longer be scanned   ### Items   * [Tracking Tag](Tracking_Tag) added * [Mangalloy Ingot](Mangalloy_Ingot) renamed to Axum Ingot * [Repair Tool](Repair_Tool) fragment scans needed to unlock [Blueprint](Blueprints) reduced from 3 to 2   ### Seabases   * [Wall Rack](Wall_Rack) renamed to Carryables Rack * The [Habitat Builder](Habitat_Builder) will now display a measuring system when placing certain elements * The [Habitat Builder](Habitat_Builder) will now more accurately display what objects are preventing the [Player](Player) from building * Updated [Tadpole Dock](Tadpole_Dock) icon * [Vintage Wanted Poster](Vintage_Wanted_poster) now buildable * [Rectangular Ceiling Light](Rectangular_Ceiling_Light) and [Small Ceiling Light](Small_Ceiling_Light) can now be placed on walls * [Wall Light Small](Wall_Light_Small) can be placed on [Moonpool](Moonpool) walls * Vents can be placed on exterior walls-* [Trashcan](Trashcan)s now function, items can be placed inside and will disappear after a short amount of time+* [Trashcans](Trashcan) now function, items can be placed inside and will disappear after a short amount of time * [Tailing Rug](Tailing_Rug) can now be placed under other interior Seabase elements * Fixed placement issues with [Hanging Tailing Jar](Hanging_Tailing_Jar) * Certain modules from the Decorations section can now be placed on ceilings   ### Databank   #### New Lifeform Databank entries   * [Blister Oolapu](Blister_Oolapu) entry added * [Empedocles' Kelp](Empedocles'_Kelp) entry added * [Oblast Coral](Oblast_Coral) entry added * [Popover Sporal](Popover_Sporal) entry added * [Same Stack](Same_Stack) entry added * [Witch Hand](Witch_Hand) entry added   #### Updated lifeform databank entries   * [Sandspear](Sandspear) placeholder entry replaced * [Waxmoon](Waxmoon) placeholder entry replaced * [Harvestmoon](Harvestmoon) placeholder entry replaced * [Black Hoverthorn](Black_Hoverthorn) renamed to Blackthorn and added new databank entry * [Stagged Mephit (HiHat)](Stagged_Mephit_(HiHat)) renamed to Stagged Mephit and added new icon   #### New World Databank entries   * [Deepwing Egg Clump](Deepwing_Egg_Clump) entry added * [Axum Bacterial Culture](Axum_Bacterial_Culture) entry added   #### Updated World Databank entries   * [Atacamite](Atacamite) placeholder entry replaced * [Germanium](Germanium) placeholder entry replaced * [Plasteel Ingot](Plasteel_Ingot) placeholder entry replaced * [Strontium](Strontium) placeholder entry replaced   #### New Blueprints Databank entries   * [Rebreather](Rebreather) entry added * [Modification Station](Modification_Station) entry added * [Exterior Wall Light](Exterior_Wall_Light) entry added   #### Data Downloads   * Nahema - "Stop trusting NoA" added * Ruby - "Tadpole Ops Guide" added * Sophie - "Why are the ruins a protected zone?" added * Sophie - "In Pursuit of Nahema" updated   ### UI and Customization   * Several aesthetic and functionality changes to the in-game HUD     * Reworked [Databank](Databank) navigation with sidebar icons-    * Improved color pallets and icons throughout+    * Improved color palettes and icons throughout     * Improved pinned recipe system, with recipes that can be currently crafted being marked     * Improved notifications for acquiring [Blueprints](Blueprints)     * Reworked [NoA](NoA) notification icon     * Closing and reopening the [Habitat Builder](Habitat_Builder) menu will now retain the last closed tab and scroll position     * In [Creative](Game_Modes#Creative) mode, base power will now display as ∞     * Added new animations in certain menus * Pioneer print options "Grace" and "Jegna" added * Two new colors of suit for printing     * Grey     * Pink-* More accessibility [settings](settings)+* More accessibility [settings](Settings) * Several changes to in-game text, voice over and subtitles     * Corrected subtitles when first scanning a [Tadpole](Tadpole) fragment * Improvements to player character hand models and textures * 8th hotbar slot available   ### Multiplayer   * [Emotes](Emotes) added     * Clap     * Thumbs Up     * Thumbs Down     * Frustrated     * Wave * [Player](Player) revival added * [Player](Player) trading added * Voice Chat added     * Audio settings related to voice chat have been added   ### Datamined Content   #### New or updated Lifeforms   * [Hill Ray](Hill_Ray) prototype and model * [Descender](Descender) prototype and model * [Snorkelback](Snorkelback) prototype and model * new [Tar Eel](Tar_Eel) model and behaviors * [Tar Crab](Tar_Crab) prototype using unshelled [Coral Crab](Coral_Crab) model * [Jellyfish A](Jellyfish_A) prototype and model * [Jellyfish B](Jellyfish_B) model * [Jellyfish C](Jellyfish_C) model   #### New items   * [Hydraulic Bulb](Hydraulic_Bulb) * [Methane Clathrate](Methane_Clathrate) * [Tar Graphene](Tar_Graphene) * [Axum-tech Multitool](Axum-tech_Multitool)   #### New Seabase pieces   * [Round Room](Round_Room)   ## External Links   * [Experimental Branch Release Blog Post](https://unknownworlds.com/en/news/subnautica-2-experimental-branch)