Subnautica 2 has just launched in Early Access—and already has a roadmap. Unknown Worlds did not delay: the developers released the official development plan for the Game Preview period. The first thing I thought about as I plunged into the ocean (after emerging from the escape pod) was “what’s next?” It turns out this question is not just on the minds of players.
Table of Contents
Official update roadmap for the sequel to Subnautica 2
The plan is divided into three major sections.
-
Early Access 1.1—focus on quality of life (QoL). Fixes, balance, optimization.
-
Early Access 1.2—focus on co-op and online play.
-
Future—major additions.
There are no specific dates or even timeframes yet. Therefore, updates will be released in this order. There will also be ongoing improvements—bug fixes, gameplay tweaks, and performance. Subnautica 2 is now available on PC (Early Access) and Xbox Game Pass via Game Preview. The roadmap does not differentiate platforms, meaning both PC and Xbox will receive updates simultaneously. If Unknown Worlds ever specifies that PC will be the first, we will add that. For now, updates will be released synchronously.
Update 1.1 will improve gameplay and interface
Subnautica 2’s first major update is aimed at areas that directly impact player experience. Unknown Worlds lists “Planned Improvements,” and it includes a whole host of systems:
-
Biomodifications
-
Mold Encounters (yes, those)
-
Shipwreck Gameplay
-
Vehicle Docking and Crafting
-
PDA Database
-
Voice Message Priorities
Judging by the wording, the emphasis will be on how the player interacts with these mechanics, rather than on fundamentally new content. But there are some new features, too.
The “Planned Additions” section lists:
-
More passive biomod slots
-
Storage container
-
Sprint
This all makes sense. Those who have already jumped into Subnautica 2 have probably noticed: these are the things we are missing the most. Sprint will be a small bonus.
Update 1.1 does not end there—the developers want to hear from players. There’s a “Leave Feedback” tab in the pause menu. If you have something to suggest, please use it.
Patch 1.2 will add voice chat and online co-op
The second major update will be focused on online play. Yes, Subnautica 2 already supports co-op for up to four players—and it works. But Unknown Worlds plans to further tweak it.
What will be improved (specifically for co-op):
-
HUD markers
-
Builder mode
-
Pinned recipe system
Also added:
-
Voice chat (no third-party software required)
-
Item exchange between players
-
Respawn
-
Additional appearance settings
There are no specific dates yet. However, we do know that updates 1.1 and 1.2 will be released before the first major world expansion. We will have to wait and see what the timing is.
New biomes and story quests in future expansions
The furthest block of the Subnautica 2 roadmap is what Unknown Worlds calls “major updates.” So far, the only timeline is “in the future.” Not even a hint of windows.
What’s planned:
-
Expanded worlds
-
New biomes (and clearly more than one)
-
New creatures – predators, civilians, and maybe even leviathans
-
New resources
-
New tools
-
New vehicles
-
The next chapter of the story
Essentially, this is the first major expansion, which will add a ton of stuff: locations, enemies, and hardware. According to the developers, updates 1.1 and 1.2 will be released before this major release. This means they will first polish up QoL and co-op, and only then expand the world.
It is still unclear whether this roadmap will end with version 1.0, or if we will see a series of major expansions. If Unknown Worlds reveals any new details, we will add them to this article.
Is Subnautica 2 worth buying right now?
Unknown Worlds officially launched Early Access for the long-awaited sequel, Subnautica 2, on PC and consoles, attracting an impressive initial online player base of over 400,000 concurrent players. However, the project currently offers only about a third of the planned content, and the full 1.0 release is at least two years away. We explore what the current build is like and who should spend $30 right now.
Optimization Issues and Bugs in Multiplayer
The initial launch went surprisingly smoothly—players encountered virtually no critical crashes in the first few hours. The developers, however, are not holding out any illusions. The game’s Steam description clearly warns of inevitable bugs, optimization issues, and unfinished mechanics. Co-op mode crashed for some players within the first 24 hours, and the storyline ends so abruptly that it is difficult to tell whether it is a bug or the final version of the game. From our experience developing Below Zero, we know that the studio filters player feedback selectively, so expecting an immediate response to every complaint is pointless. Early access will last 2-3 years, and we need to be prepared for that.
Time to complete the story campaign and base building
The original Subnautica required a meticulous explorer 40-70 hours to complete the game. The sequel is looking considerably more modest so far. The story portion of the launch version can realistically be completed in 15-20 hours, while detailed exploration of the available biomes, base building, and immersing yourself in your PDA will take a maximum of 30 hours. After that, there is simply nothing to do in the ocean.
Subnautica 2 Playtime Estimation
Version 1.0 Release Date and Xbox Game Pass
Financially, Xbox Game Pass holders have the easiest time—the game is already available as part of the Game Preview program, so there is zero risk. Without a subscription, investing in Steam only makes sense for two categories of players. First, hardcore fans ready to explore the ocean anew after each major patch. Second, those eager to directly influence the project through the “Give Feedback” button in the menu or the Nolt suggestion board. Everyone else is better off waiting for the full release of Version 1.0. The developers plan to release major content updates 1.1 and 1.2, which will add a host of quality-of-life improvements, new biomes, a full-fledged co-op mode, and an expanded story. Playing through the game in chunks is a dubious pleasure.
