Subnautica 2 is preparing for its most ambitious update yet. Early Access 2.0 will expand the underwater survival game with a new story chapter, unfamiliar creatures and a huge new region designed to make exploration considerably more frightening.
Developer Unknown Worlds has already added major features since the game entered early access earlier this year, including a buddy system and the ability to defend against some particularly aggressive fish. The next update is intended to be a much larger step forward.
A larger, scarier world beneath the surface
In a video shared through the official Subnautica YouTube channel, Creative Director Anthony Gallegos called Early Access 2.0 “the most substantial update we’ve done since release”. The update will introduce a story expansion, new creatures and a completely new region made up of five biomes.
It will also add a Tadpole chassis fitted with arms and legs. Gallegos described the new region as “one of our scariest regions we’ve ever done”, suggesting that the expansion will lean further into the series’ survival-horror side.
The announcement is available as a video, although it offers only limited glimpses of the upcoming content.
No release window has been announced
Unknown Worlds has not provided a launch window for Early Access 2.0. The development team plans to reveal more through a series of follow-up video updates featuring other members of the team and further discussion of the new content.
Early player feedback has helped shape the update. One particularly welcome return is the round room base component, a fan-favourite construction option that is finally coming back. Players interested in the hardware side of arcade gaming can also explore RETROCADE’s arcade news and gaming coverage or browse the arcade machine buying guide.
Early access could still last years
The missing date has frustrated some players, particularly because it appears to indicate that the full release remains a long way off. As one Reddit commenter wrote: “Early access 2? Come on. When did we start accepting this nonsense?”
However, the game’s Steam listing has always indicated an early access period of approximately two to three years. That means Early Access 2.0 does not necessarily represent a delay to make room for another development phase; it is an additional milestone within the previously stated timetable.
Some fans are still waiting before starting Subnautica 2, despite the game already being described as being in a solid condition. Whether Early Access 2.0 attracts those cautious players may depend on how substantial the new story, biomes and creatures prove to be.
For more gaming displays and dedicated setups, see RETROCADE’s range of arcade machines and virtual pinball machines.
Leave a Reply