Blog | Editorial
With its blend of deep-sea exploration, crafting, and survival sandbox gameplay, Subnautica quickly became a favourite among players when it launched back in 2018. More than eight years later, Subnautica 2 looks set to build on everything that made the original such a hit, while introducing a host of new ideas to pull lapsed players back into the depths once again.
From improved visuals and smarter creatures to long-awaited multiplayer support, here are the biggest ways Subnautica 2 improves on its predecessor.
Unreal Engine 5 Brings Improvements Beyond Just Visuals
When the original Subnautica launched, developer Unknown Worlds Entertainment used the Unity engine to bring its underwater world to life. For Subnautica 2, however, the studio has shifted to Unreal Engine 5, and the improvements go far beyond prettier graphics.
One of the biggest upgrades comes from Unreal Engine 5’s Lumen lighting system. Bioluminescent plants and creatures now properly illuminate the surrounding environment, while sunlight reacts dynamically to shifting waves above the ocean surface. The result is a much more atmospheric and believable underwater world.
Water itself has also become far more dynamic. Powerful ocean currents can now physically affect players and vehicles, sending them drifting off course or pulling them into danger unexpectedly. Navigation feels much more unpredictable this time around.
Then there are the new Bloom zones. These infected regions fill the ocean with thick, murky fog that dramatically reduces visibility. Not only do they make exploration more tense, but they also push Subnautica 2 further into survival horror territory than the original ever did.
Multiplayer Co-op Is Finally Here
One of the most requested features for years has finally arrived. Subnautica 2 introduces full 1 to 4 player co-op multiplayer.
Better still, the implementation sounds refreshingly seamless. Players can begin a world solo and later open it up for friends to join without needing separate saves or complicated setup processes.
Progression is also fully shared between players. Blueprints, databank entries, crafting recipes, and collected materials all carry across the entire group. If one player discovers something useful, everyone benefits.
Perhaps the most impressive part is how much freedom the game gives players during co-op play. Unlike many survival games, Subnautica 2 does not constantly tether players together or punish exploration. You can split off and explore the ocean freely without immediately being told you have wandered too far away.
Base Building Is Much More Flexible
Base construction has received a huge overhaul in Subnautica 2.
The rigid modular building system from the original game has been replaced with a much more flexible procedural construction system. Rather than snapping together fixed room pieces, players can now shape corridors, interiors, and living spaces more organically.
This means far greater freedom when designing underwater bases. You are no longer stuck working within strict dimensions or awkward layouts.
The new system also introduces deeper customisation options. Players can adjust interior lighting intensity and colours with far more precision, while a wider variety of window types allows for much more creative base designs overall.
If base building was already your favourite part of the original, this sequel looks set to take things to another level.
Biomods Add New Progression Systems
Character progression has also evolved significantly.
In the original game, progression mainly revolved around crafting better gear. Subnautica 2 expands this idea with the introduction of Biomods.
By harvesting DNA from local wildlife, players can unlock genetic mutations within their Biolab. These mutations feed into new skill trees that offer both active and passive upgrades.
Some Biomods improve swimming speed or resistance to water pressure, while others help players navigate dangerous Bloom zones more effectively.
It is a much deeper progression system than before and should make character builds feel more personalised.
The Ocean Is More Dangerous Than Ever
The creatures of Subnautica 2 are not just bigger. They are smarter too.
One of the standout new threats is the Collector Leviathan, a massive cephalopod predator capable of swatting vehicles aside and searching hiding spots where frightened players might try to escape detection.
Beyond that, the game’s wider ecosystem appears far more dynamic. Wildlife behaviours now shift depending on predator and prey relationships, nearby currents, and even the time of day.
Altogether, the ocean feels far more alive and unpredictable than before.
Goodbye Seamoth, Hello Tadpole
The iconic Seamoth has officially been replaced.
In its place comes the Tadpole, a modular vehicle designed around flexibility and customisation. Players can swap out different shell chassis depending on the task ahead.
Need speed? Equip a lightweight shell. Need storage space for longer expeditions? There is a shell for that too.
The Tadpole looks set to offer far more versatility than the Seamoth ever did, giving players greater control over how they approach exploration.
Final Thoughts
From Unreal Engine 5 powered visuals to seamless co-op multiplayer and deeper progression systems, Subnautica 2 looks poised to improve on the original in almost every conceivable way.
If Unknown Worlds Entertainment can deliver on everything shown so far, this could easily become one of the biggest survival games of 2026.
For long time fans of Subnautica, the wait might finally be worth it.
