via COGconnected
Subnautica 2 Second Early Access Update Brings New Co-Op Features
Subnautica 2 gets a major co-op update with proximity voice chat, a new revive system, improved communication, and more.
Subnautica 2
Released May 14, 2026
Rated Everyone 10+
Subnautica 2 is an action-adventure survival game set in an alien ocean, where players explore underwater environments, gather resources, and unlock upgrades like the Bioscanner to access new abilities. The game launched in May 2026 on PC and Xbox Series S/X.
Since its release, Subnautica 2 has become a major commercial success, surpassing 5 million sales within 22 days and driving publisher Krafton to record second-quarter earnings. The strong performance comes despite a contentious legal separation from original developer Unknown Worlds, which was resolved through a settlement including developer bonuses. Krafton has now committed to developing Subnautica into an ongoing franchise. On the development side, the game recently received a beta update branch on Steam, letting PC players test patches before official release, though experimental save files won't transfer to the stable build.
More in the Subnautica universe
Coverage (21)
via COGconnected
via Massively Overpowered
Subnautica 2 Early Access Update Adds Proximity Voice Chat, Player Revives, Emotes, and Improved Co-Op
Unknown Worlds has released the second Early Access update for open-world survival crafting game Subnautica 2, with the latest changes focused heavily on communication and co-op. One of the main additions is proximity voice chat. Communication now uses distance-based spatial audi…
via GamesRadar+
Huge Subnautica 2 co-op patch adds proximity chat and a revive system as devs promise a "new region" and "new story" are still on the way
Subnautica 2's early access journey continues
Subnautica 2 update 2 brings proximity voice chat, better teamwork & a charity donation
Subnautica 2’s second update in Early Access has released, the Buddy System update bringing new features for communication and teamwork to the underwater open world survival game. Alongside the update, the studio has made a donation to The Ocean Cleanup, a non-profit devoted to r…
via IGN
Subnautica 2 Early Access 1.2 Update Out Now Alongside Patch Notes, Dev Donates $100,000 to Ocean Cleanup
Subnautica 2 Early Access 1.2 is out now, adding the Buddy System to the underwater survival and crafting game. check out the patch notes in full.
via GameRant
Subnautica 2's August Update Makes Major Improvements to Co-op
Unknown Worlds releases update 1.2 for Subnautica 2, adding a number of quality of life improvements and highly requested features to co-op.
via IGN
Subnautica 2 Patch Adds Buddy System, Dev Reveals Glimpse at Early Access 2 Update
Subnautica 2 gets its Buddy system update today, August 19. It adds a number of new features revolving around multiplayer in the underwater survival and crafting game. Here's what to expect from the 1.2 update.
via PCGamesN
Subnautica 2's new "buddy system" update just made co-op a lot more immersive
Subnautica update 1.2 adds co-op revives, player trading, and proximity-based voice chat, enhancing the co-op side of the survival game.
via PC Gamer
Subnautica 2's latest 1.2 update is friend focused—finally adding the key mechanic to any great multiplayer game
Nothing's impossible when you have the power of friendship.
Subnautica 2 Adds Proximity Chat, Inventory Sharing, and Tracking Tags on August 19th
You can finally chat with other players in-game and even revive them when they go down, among many other new improvements.
via Rock Paper Shotgun
Subnautica 2's Buddy System update brings in the promised proximity chat, easier trading, and emotes so you can sarcastically applaud your friends
Another month, another Subnautica 2 update! Last month's focus was on changing creature behaviours to make it a bit less frustrating for those of you that just wanted to go on a killing spree. This month puts the focus on your friends, with the 1.2 update being titled "Buddy Syst…
via Massively Overpowered
The Stream Team: Making a Subnautica 2 moonpool and tadpole
Travel in Subnautica 2 is pretty slow and not-so-safe, but once Massively OP’s MJ makes a moonpool for her base, she can build a tadpole! And once she has that tadpole, she can zip around the sea at a much faster clip. She’ll also have a bit of metal between her and the ferocious…
via TrueAchievements
Dive Into What’s Next with Subnautica 2 Experimental
We’re excited to announce that Subnautica 2 Experimental is now available through the XBOX Insider Program, giving players the opportunity to experience upcoming updates early and help shape the future of the game alongside the team at Unknown Worlds. Explore Tomorrow’s Updates T…
via Rock Paper Shotgun
Subnautica 2 now has a beta update branch, letting players try out patches before they're finished, but beware, your saves won't carry over
Ocean survival sim Subnautica 2 now has an experimental beta branch on Steam, allowing the intrepid PC owner to test out updates before they're officially live. If there's one thing Subnautica 2's toothy underwater ecosystem has taught us, it's the value of taking risks. Just be…
'Subnautica 2' Helps Krafton Achieve Record Q2 Performance Following Unknown Worlds Breakup
Subnautica 2 is a massive game for Krafton, and it recently helped the publisher achieve a record second quarter performance.
Subnautica 2 Sells Over 5 Million Copies, Krafton Wants to Make it a “Franchise IP”
The publisher said in its recent earnings report that it sees great potential in Subnautica to be developed into a franchise.
via Massively Overpowered
Subnautica 2’s 5M+ box sales helped Krafton reach record-setting second quarter earnings for this year
It continues to look as though the legal fracas between Subnautica 2’s leadership and publisher Krafton was ultimately for naught as far as the Korean company is concerned, as the early access survivalbox’s release is noted as a big reason why Krafton had its biggest second quart…
via Eurogamer
Krafton pledges to turn Subnautica into "franchise IP" after Subnautica 2 surpasses 5m sales in just 22 days
Following a year of acrimonious legal tussling and a settlement agreeing to pay bonuses to Unknown Worlds developers, Krafton has now pledged to turn the Subnautica series into a "franchise IP" amid confirmation Subnautica 2 has surpassed 5m sales.
via PC Gamer
via Gamesindustry
"I'm not a creative. I like spreadsheets" – The low-profile team that powers Marathon, Subnautica 2, NBA 2K, and more
This article concludes ExDev Week. You can find previous articles here .
via GamesRadar+
How to get the Bioscanner in Subnautica 2
You'll need a Subnautica 2 Bioscanner in order to unlock additional Biomods like Camouflage and Water Secretion