SUBNAUTICA 2 GUIDEDeep-sea field manual
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Subnautica 2

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Created main article for Subnautica 2, including game overview, system requirements, store description, gallery, and trivia.

 ![Subnautica2STOREPAGE](wiki-images/5f/5fdf8599bf1e09196ce51328e6270b3f.jpg)  -**Subnautica 2** is an open-world underwater survival adventure game developed by [Unknown Worlds](http://unknownworlds.com). It is the first full sequel to the original *Subnautica* and takes place on an all-new alien moon, **Proteus**. Early Access was released on May 14, 2026.+**Subnautica 2** is an open-world underwater survival adventure game developed by Unknown Worlds. It is the first full sequel to the original *Subnautica*. Early Access for *Subnautica 2* was announced on October 17th, 2024, and released to the public on May 14th, 2026.  +Unlike its Unity-based predecessors, *Subnautica 2* is built on Unreal Engine 5. It is the first entry in the franchise to feature an official, optional multiplayer mode with support for up to four players and no PvP. The Early Access period is expected to last 2-3 years.+  ## Game Information   | Feature | Details | | :--- | :--- | | **Developer** | Unknown Worlds | | **Genre** | Action, Adventure | | **Platforms** | PC, Xbox Series X/S | | **Release Date** | May 14, 2026 (Early Access) | | **Game Modes** | Survival, Creative |+| **Multiplayer** | Optional Co-op (up to 4 players) | | **Engine** | Unreal Engine 5 |-| **Multiplayer** | Optional Online Co-op (up to 4 players, no PvP) |   ## Overview  -*Subnautica 2* is driven by a narrative where players, known as Pioneers, are stranded on Proteus after the colony ship **CICADA** suffers a critical failure. Unlike its Unity-based predecessors, this entry is built in **Unreal Engine 5** and introduces official, optional multiplayer support for up to four players. +*Subnautica 2* takes place sometime after the events of both *Subnautica: Below Zero* and *Natural Selection* on an all-new alien moon, **Proteus**. Characters, locations, creatures, and vehicles from previous entries will not return, though legacy references may appear as rewards or lore.  -The game does not feature characters, locations, creatures, or vehicles from previous entries, offering a completely fresh experience. There are no plans for VR support, and the developers have confirmed that there will be no season passes, battle passes, subscriptions, microtransactions, or generative AI used in development.+There are currently no plans for VR support. The developers have confirmed that season passes, battle passes, subscriptions, and microtransactions will not be added to the game. No generative AI is used in the game's development.  -### Key Features+## Store Description  -*   **Play Alone or With Friends:** Crafted primarily as a single-player experience but supports optional online co-operative multiplayer with up to three friends. Players can choose from four pre-designed characters.-*   **Adapt to Survive:** Utilize tools like the **Tadpole** submersible to traverse vibrant biomes. Design and customize bases to survive beyond shallow waters.-*   **Explore the Unknown:** Scan and study new biodiversity, from small creatures to towering Leviathans. Uncover the mysteries of why the ship's AI insists on continuing the mission.-*   **Early Access Development:** The game is in active development, with continuous expansions to biomes, creatures, craftables, and narrative expected over a 2-3 year Early Access period.+*Subnautica 2* is an underwater survival adventure game set on an all-new alien world. It is the next chapter in the Subnautica universe.  +Driven from your home by ongoing conflict, Alterra offers you the chance at a new life. But as the colony ship **CICADA** shepherds you and your fellow Pioneers to your new home, something goes awry. The ship’s AI insists that your mission should continue. Stranded and faced with near-insurmountable odds, you must do everything in your power to survive. The future of humanity on this world is in your hands.+ +### Play Alone or With Friends+*Subnautica 2* is crafted as a single-player experience that you can optionally play in online co-operative multiplayer with up to three friends. You can choose from four pre-designed characters, with more characters and customization options coming throughout Early Access. Work together to explore long-forgotten ruins and learn to adapt to a planet that might not want you there.+ +### Adapt to Survive+To survive the depths and make this planet your home, you’ll need to utilize all the tools at your disposal. Traverse vibrant and breathtaking biomes with your **Tadpole** submersible. Design and customize bases to return to when your adventures push you beyond the safety of shallow waters. As Early Access develops, so too will your array of tools, equipment, and vehicles. Upgrades will help push you beyond your boundaries and unlock the secrets of this strange world.+ +### Explore the Unknown+Scan and study a rich world of biodiversity to understand life here. Discover everything from the smallest creatures to towering Leviathans. Experience the wonder, and sometimes danger, lurking around every corner. Every dive is an opportunity to uncover why the ship's AI is so determined to continue the mission and what mysteries lie beneath the surface of this breathtaking new frontier.+ +### Designed for Early Access+*Subnautica 2* is an Early Access title in active development. Throughout this journey, the developers will continuously expand the world with additional biomes, creatures, and craftables, while expanding the narrative. Players may encounter bugs, in-development features, and performance issues. Feedback is a cornerstone of the development process.+  ## System Requirements   ### Minimum-  | Component | Specification | | :--- | :--- | | **OS** | Windows 10 or later | | **Processor** | Intel Core i5-8400 / AMD Ryzen 5 2600 (6 cores) | | **Memory** | 12 GB RAM | | **Graphics** | GeForce GTX 1660 6GB / AMD RX 5500XT 6GB | | **DirectX** | Version 12 | | **Network** | Broadband Internet connection | | **Storage** | 50 GB available space |   ### Recommended-  | Component | Specification | | :--- | :--- | | **OS** | Windows 11 | | **Processor** | Intel Core i7-13700 / AMD Ryzen 7 7700X (8 cores) | | **Memory** | 16 GB RAM | | **Graphics** | Geforce RTX 3070 8GB / Radeon RX 6700 XT 8GB | | **DirectX** | Version 12 | | **Network** | Broadband Internet connection | | **Storage** | 50 GB available space |   ## Gallery   ### Screenshots   #### Store Screenshots-  ![Store screenshot featuring a player-built seabase.](SN2_Storepage1.jpg) ![Store screenshot featuring a moonpool.](SN2_Storepage2.jpg) ![Store screenshot featuring multiplayer.](SN2_Storepage3.jpg) ![Store screenshot featuring bloom and an unknown creature.](SN2_Storepage4.jpg) ![Store screenshot featuring a player piloting a Tadpole.](SN2_Storepage5.jpg) ![Ditto, in another store screenshot.](SN2_Storepage6.jpg)  -#### Development Screenshots+#### Store Screenshots (Old)+![Preview screenshot, featuring the Wakemaker.](Subnautica_2_-_Wakemaker.png)+![Preview screenshot, featuring the Hammerhead.](Subnautica_2_-_Hammerhead.png)+![Preview screenshot, featuring the Tadpole.](Subnautica_2_-_Tadpole.png)+![Preview screenshot, featuring a Graveyard biome.](Subnautica_2_-_Graveyard.png)+![Preview screenshot, featuring a Plateaus biome.](Subnautica_2_-_Plateaus.png)  +#### Development Screenshots ![Development screenshot. Revealed in the February 8th 2024 Unknown Worlds post.](GF1Vd7DWEAEeR8f.jpg) ![Development screenshot. Revealed in the KRAFTON 4Q23 Financial Report.](02-10-24-181550.png) ![Development screenshot. Revealed in the May 28, 2024 Unknown Worlds blog post.](SN2QNAScreenshot.jpg)-![Development screenshot. Revealed in the July 3, 2025 Unknown Worlds blog post.](Subnautica 2 Welcome Center.png)+![Development screenshot. Revealed in the July 3, 2025 Unknown Worlds blog post.](Subnautica_2_Welcome_Center.png) ![Development screenshot. Revealed in the July 9, 2025 Unknown Worlds blog post.](DevScreenshot7925.png) ![Development Birthday Celebration Screenshot, featuring a Waterslug. Revealed in the January 24th 2025 Unknown Worlds post.](r9J3r1D.jpg)   #### Time Capsule Screenshots+![A zoom-in on part of a Waterslug, found in a developer-submitted Time Capsule.](WaterslugTimeCapsule1.webp)+![Ditto, from another angle.](WaterSlugTimeCapsule2.webp)+![Ditto, from yet another angle.](WaterslugTimeCapsule3.webp)  -![A zoom-in on part of a Waterslug, found in a developer-submitted Time Capsule.](Possible Subnautica 2 Teaser.jpg)-![Ditto, from another angle.](Subnautica 2 egg teaser.jpg)-![Ditto, from yet another angle.](Another new teaser for sn2.png)-  ### Concept Art+![Concept art of an unknown biome.](Subnautica_2_-_Unknown_Biome_Concept.png)+![Concept art of an unknown cave biome.](Subnautica_2_-_Generic_Cave_Colour_Sketch_02.png)+![Concept art of the Collector Leviathan in an unknown biome.](Subnautica_2_-_Leviathan_Art.png)+![Concept art of an unknown thermal spires biome featuring the Tadpole.](Subnautica_2_-_Unknown_Thermal_Spires_Biome.png)  -![Concept art of an unknown biome.](Subnautica 2 - Unknown Biome Concept.png)-![Concept art of an unknown cave biome.](Subnautica 2 - Generic Cave Colour Sketch 02.png)-![Concept art of the Collector Leviathan in an unknown biome.](Subnautica 2 - Leviathan Art.png)-![Concept art of an unknown thermal spires biome featuring the Tadpole.](Subnautica 2 - Unknown Thermal Spires Biome.png)+### Promotional Art+![2024 holiday artwork depicting several Subnautica 2 fauna as cookies.](UWE_Holiday_2024.png)+![2025 holiday artwork featuring a Waterslug and several other unknown fauna.](UWE_Holiday_2025.jpg)   ### Renders- -![A render featuring two divers.](Subnautica 2 - Players.png)-![A render of a fish currently known as a "Hammerhead."](Subnautica 2 - Unknown Fish A.png)-![A render of a fish currently known as a "Halfmoon."](Subnautica 2 - Unknown Fish B.png)+![A render featuring two divers.](Subnautica_2_-_Players.png)+![Ditto.](Divers.BplDZWHq.png)+![A render of a fish currently known as a "Hammerhead."](Subnautica_2_-_Unknown_Fish_A.png)+![Ditto.](Hammer-head.CXQXgP0S.png)+![A render of a fish currently known as a "Halfmoon."](Subnautica_2_-_Unknown_Fish_B.png)+![Ditto.](Halfmoon.BuI310-b.png) ![A render of a fish currently known as a "Marrowbreach."](Marrow.DYQ3APbq.png) ![A render of a fish currently known as a "Nibbler Mango."](Nibblershark.adj-gxEz.png) ![A render of a fish with no currently known name.](Lure-creature.BdYMgkzo.png)   ## Trivia  -*   **Development Delay:** Early Access was originally slated for 2025 but was delayed to 2026. While officially cited as needing improvement, it was later revealed in a lawsuit to be part of a hostile takeover plan by Krafton's CEO to avoid paying bonuses.-*   **Monetization:** Despite Krafton listing the game as "Game-as-a-Service," Unknown Worlds confirmed there are **no** season passes, battle passes, subscriptions, loot boxes, or microtransactions.-*   **Returning Developers:** Concept artist **Alex Ries** and composer **Ben Prunty** returned for *Subnautica 2*.-*   **Time Capsules:** In July 2024, players discovered Time Capsules with the hashtag "PEEPERSRULE." Hexadecimal translation of the capsule names revealed the creature name "WATERSLUG."-*   **Launch Events:** -    *   Watching the Pre-Launch Showcase on Twitch earned players the **Seamoth Decoration statue** blueprint.-    *   Reaching 100,000 applicants on the Alterra Career Aptitude Test unlocked the **Lost River poster** blueprint.-    *   Reaching 5 million wishlists made the **Reaper Statue** blueprint free for all purchasers.-*   **Chinese Localization:** The Chinese official name adds the phrase "异星水域" (Alien Waters). Design Director Anthony Gallegos used the greeting "Daxiedao" (Big Crab Island), a variant of "Hello everyone" lore-friendly to the planet Proteus.+*   *Subnautica 2*'s Early Access release was originally slated for 2025, but was delayed to 2026. Internal playtests revealed areas needing improvement, though later reports suggested corporate maneuvering by Krafton played a role. This leadership change was subsequently undone by a judge following a lawsuit by the original founders of Unknown Worlds.+*   Concerns regarding monetization (battle passes, subscriptions, etc.) arose when publisher Krafton listed the game as "Game-as-a-Service." Developers clarified this meant continuous updates similar to previous titles, confirming: **No season passes. No battle passes. No subscription. No loot boxes. No microtransactions.**+*   Returning developers include concept artist **Alex Ries** and composer **Ben Prunty**.+*   On April 24th, 2025, the Subnautica Official account joined Chinese video platforms Bilibili and Douyin. By June 12th, 2026, the Bilibili account reached 100,000 followers.+*   Starting in July 2024, players discovered **Time Capsules** in previous games containing close-ups of unknown creatures. One such creature was identified via hexadecimal translation of the capsule name as the **Waterslug**.+*   Launch events in May 2026 offered in-game prizes referencing the original *Subnautica*, including blueprints for a **Seamoth Decoration statue**, a **Sea Dragon Leviathan poster**, and a **Lost River poster**.+*   A blueprint for a **Reaper Statue** was made free for all purchasers as a thank you for reaching 5 million wishlists.+*   The Chinese official name adds the phrase "异星水域" (Alien Waters).+*   Design Director Anthony Gallegos used the greeting "Daxiedao" (Big Crab Island), a variant of "Hello everyone" developed by a lost colony on Proteus, referring to the local World Tree.   ## External Links   *   [Subnautica 2 on Steam](https://store.steampowered.com/app/1962700/Subnautica_2/) *   [Subnautica 2 on Epic Store](https://store.epicgames.com/en-US/p/subnautica-2-d27f94) *   [Subnautica 2 on Xbox Series X|S](https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/store/subnautica-2/9PJPCB188SVG)

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