The bar is high, but developer Unknown Worlds seems to be hitting its stride. We can’t wait to get our hands on the Game Preview of Subnautica 2, and this is why.
What will the gameplay be like?
Subnautica 2 takes place on an alien world that should offer you a chance of a new life, after leaving your home planet because of an ongoing conflict. The problem is that something has gone wrong during your travel and your ship’s AI insists on completing your mission. Just like the previous installments, Subnautica 2 is an underwater adventure game with a big focus on exploration. You can scan and study the rich world, gather materials, and find a way to adapt to the alien environment. But the underwater world is also a dangerous place, mainly because of the underwater life, and especially the huge Leviathans in the game. Luckily you will have some tools at your disposal.
Will the open world be bigger?
Yes, Unknown Worlds explained that the map of Subnautica 2 will be bigger than Subnautica and Below Zero. The developer is actually comparing the early access states of the games, which means they are not yet 100% certain the actual game will be bigger. But… they are “aiming for Subnautica 2 to be the biggest and most exciting Subnautica game ever once we hit 1.0”. That sounds like a developer who is being a bit overcautious, which is a smart move. Every gamer has their examples of promises that weren’t delivered in the end. We’re not going to talk about Fable, but… you get the idea.
What about the visuals of Subnautica 2?
Subnautica 2 should be stunning, as it is using Unreal Engine 5. That has some PC players worried, as you might need a very heavy PC to get this game running. It should make the game look a lot better though, thanks to advanced lighting and high-fidelity textures. The developer wants a more realistic world and the atmosphere should actually be “scarier”. The advanced AI capabilities of Unreal Engine 5 also have an impact on the gameplay, as it allows the developer to make the Collector Leviathan trickier. This new enemy will react to light and sound and even your movements, which sounds like a great bonus.
Base building, crafting tools
Base building will be better with more customization, according to the developer. The building system is completely overhauled. You should feel a lot less restricted this time around, while keeping intact the aesthetic of the base building we’re familiar with. You will also be able to find recipes in the game, which can be used to craft more advanced tools, equipment, and submersibles.
Will Subnautica 2 have multiplayer?
Yes, you will be able to play Subnautica 2 in co-op for up to 4 players! And the great thing is that it works cross-platform, which means you can form a team of PC and Xbox players. Together you can explore the vast world and take on Leviathans, which sounds like a great addition. Are you a solo player and are you wary that the focus is too much on multiplayer? Unknown Worlds assures us that going solo is still a great way to enjoy Subnautica 2.
Subnautica 2 (Game Preview) will be available for Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass on May 14. Note that it is an early access release, so the developer is still working on dotting the i’s in the game.
This article was written by a human and edited by Gemini 1.5 Flash.
Disclaimer: All content is created with the help of AI. Be aware of possible hallucinations or factual errors. When in doubt, always check with official sources.
