"You can still dive into Subnautica 2 as a solo player,” dev shares info on co-op
Subnautica 2, the upcoming sequel to the critically acclaimed survival game Subnautica, is all set to release early access on PC and Xbox later in 2025. While the exact early access release date remains unconfirmed, a recent Q&A featuring Donya, the community manager and Scott (also known as Obraxis), the Creative Producer, shed some light on the setting, gameplay, and more.
One of the main concerns of Subnautica fans was that the sequel might fail to induce a sense of terror and isolation like the original, mainly because Subnautica 2 will be a multiplayer title. However, Donya assured players that the sequel is being developed as a single-player experience with optional co-op.
While Subnautica 2 is being crafted as a single-player experience, you can optionally play it in cooperative multiplayer with up to three friends. So that equals four total players, including yourself
- the community manager explained. "You can still dive into Subnautica 2 as a solo player,” he said, further assuring players.
Subnautica 2 is set in a new world with a bigger map and tweaked vehicles
The Waterside Q&A video also shared some more details about the sequel’s gameplay, world, map, and other features. One of the most common questions was whether Subnautica 2 is still set on planet 4546B like the original games. "Subnautica 2 is actually set on a brand new world with all new mysteries, creatures, and experiences,” Donya responded.
Talking about the gameplay, Scott explained that the sequel will have a bigger map than the original and Below Zero had during early access. "Just how big and how deep you'll be able to go over the course of Early Access, we're not exactly sure yet", the Creative Producer mentioned.
As far as transportation is concerned, the iconic vehicles like the Cyclops and the Seamoth will not be a part of Subnautica 2. Instead, players will get to use new and improved vehicles. "Though a big sub won't be ready for the start of Early Access, know that the team is hard at work behind the scenes crafting one,” Donya promised.
Meanwhile, players will be able to fully customise their characters in-game, which is something that wasn’t available in the original. However, at the early access launch, players will only be able to select from a handful of prebuilt characters - full customisation will be added a little later.
Plus, the sequel is all set to bring in more customisation for base building. "You'll be able to make bases with shapes and in ways that you've always wanted, whilst keeping the same beautiful Subnautica aesthetic,” Scott explained.
While the sequel is all set to have a bigger map, new settings, and improved vehicles, it will still retain some of the important features, like the silent protagonist. "We're also returning to having a silent protagonist in Subnautica 2," Scott mentioned. To add to this, Subnautica 2 promises an “atmosphere that provides the same sense of awe as diving in for the first time did.”
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