Subnautica 2 Aims for an Ambitious Map Expansion and Deeper Exploration

Developer Scott MacDonald has announced that Subnautica 2 will feature a significantly larger world than its predecessor, promising environments that will plunge players into even deeper waters than before. Set on an entirely new ocean planet distinct from those in Subnautica and Subnautica: Below Zero, the sequel invites players to explore fresh alien landscapes filled with unique ecosystems.

Subnautica 2 was officially unveiled earlier this October during an Xbox Partner Preview event, which showcased the game's first teaser trailer. This glimpse revealed some of the new creatures, biomes, and technologies that players can expect, along with an expanded multiplayer co-op mode that allows up to four players to navigate these new aquatic realms together. For those who prefer the solitary experience that characterized the original game, rest assured that the sequel will still provide ample opportunities for solo exploration.

While the original Subnautica boasted a large map that could keep players engaged for weeks, the development team aims to take things to an even grander scale with the sequel. This information was shared in a tweet by Scott MacDonald, also known as Obraxis within the community. Although the exact dimensions of Subnautica 2's map remain uncertain, MacDonald expressed the team's goal of delivering a world that is both larger and deeper than what the original offered by the time the game reaches its full 1.0 release.

Early Access to Subnautica 2 Set for Early 2025

Fans should keep in mind that Subnautica 2 is still in active development, and it’s unclear if the developers’ ambitious vision will fully materialize as planned. However, players will have the chance to engage with the game during its early access phase, scheduled to begin in early 2025. A specific release date for the complete 1.0 version has yet to be announced.

The community has expressed a strong desire for a larger map featuring deeper biomes in Subnautica 2. One notable change from Subnautica: Below Zero was its shift to shallower environments, which deviated from the series’ focus on exploration. While Subnautica has traditionally emphasized exploration over horror, players should be prepared to encounter some terrifying leviathans lurking in the depths as they dive into the mysteries of Subnautica 2 when it finally launches.