Fans of the Subnautica series will now enter a new chapter. “Subnautica 2” was officially announced during the Xbox Partner Preview, marking the third installment of this ocean-based exploration series. This sequel, set for a 2025 release, will explore more mysteries of a new, strange planet, strange creatures, and a new environment. This time, players won’t be operating solo into the depths.
One of the biggest highlights was the addition of cooperative multiplayer for up to four players, a feature that this title has requested for a long time. The new world will appear through Xbox Game Preview and PlayStation Early Access and is scheduled for early access next year on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC. The good news is also better news for Game Pass subscribers—the game will be available on day one.
Subnautica 2: A new planet full of mysteries
Subnautica 2 isn’t just filled with the same familiar deep-sea thrills; it’s a whole new planet to explore. Unknown Worlds has designed new flora, fauna, and a wealth of surprises, and the developers behind the game keep players on their keenest toes. From a long-time Subnautica adventurer to a first-time person who likes to dip their toes in, the new planet will keep you familiar while bringing forth new experiences.
According to Donya Abrams, the community manager at Unknown Worlds, this new environment is packed with “fascinating creatures around every corner” and secrets hidden within its depths. As has always been a sign of the Subnautica series, it’s been an exciting dip into the unknown, and this one seems to be no different.
Those worried about the new cooperative mode affecting the single-player experience needn’t worry. The single-player experience won’t be changed, though Abrams confirmed up to four players will be able to fight alongside one another in co-op mode. Both modes promise tough, fun gameplay.
Cooperative mode: Exploring with friends
The biggest buzz around Subnautica 2’s new cooperative multiplayer feature is perhaps the biggest. It will allow players to go below the game’s surface and experience what the big boys experience alongside friends, so up to four people can team up. The game is designed to allow you to play solo or in a crew of your choice, and there is no loss of core mechanics at either end of the spectrum.
It’s the first time Subnautica has thrown its arms open to multiplayer, something fans have been waiting for a long time. Diving with friends is an option, but isolation won’t be much of a deal breaker for those who prefer single-player. They have also promised that the solo and multiplayer modes will be just the same in terms of the difficulty and adventure of the game, for every player’s journey feels rewarding.
Despite these major changes, Unknown Worlds has also reassured fans that there will be “no season passes, no battle passes, and no subscriptions,” further emphasizing that the game’s focus will remain on creating an immersive and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Early access and what to expect
The game will start in early access in 2025, giving players waiting for the release early a first taste of the game on Xbox Series X, S, and PC. The exact release date still hasn’t been confirmed, but there’s no doubt the developers want to offer a world with arms outstretched and polished to perfection on top of what was planted in the series’ roots.
If you’ve picked up Subnautica 2 as part of an Xbox Game Pass subscription, it is worth noting that it will be there from day one when you sign into the service, meaning you’ll be able to drop into the action with no extra cost. The game’s PC version will also be released on Steam and Epic Games Store. But as of yet, we don’t know whether PlayStation 5 players can jump in.
This sounds good, but the new planet brings new vehicles, creatures, and challenges in addition to multiplayer. Based on what we saw at the Xbox Partner Preview, its trailer shows underwater landscapes full of vibrance and threatening deep sea encounters and a peek at multiple characters working in tandem to overcome them.
Image credits: Subnautica 2
