Subnautica 2 has reached 4 million players since its early access launch on May 14, 2026, with a peak of over 467,000 concurrent players on Steam [1, 2]. Developer Unknown Worlds revealed plans for multiple updates including a major content drop and smaller gameplay and social improvements [1, 2, 3].
The upcoming 1.1 early access update will add a new region focused on the Collector Leviathan. This expansion features new creatures, resources, story progression, and introduces a new chassis vehicle likely based on the original Prawn suit. Design lead Anthony Gallegos teased, "Get ready to get stompy," signaling a more intense experience [1, 2, 3].
Players will be able to add this new content to existing save files without restarting the game. Gallegos said, "Our goal is to let you jump in without having to start a new save. Rather, pick up right where you left off" [2].
Smaller updates planned in the coming weeks include improvements to the Biomod system, adding new early-game options and more passive slots. The developer will also enhance wreck gameplay and clarify parasite aggression in Blight encounters. Social features like proximity voice chat, emotes, and expanded character customization are expected to broaden multiplayer interaction [1, 2, 3].
Hotfixes released this month address crashes, add new resource nodes such as silver deposits and troilite, adjust predator behavior and attack frequency, and improve performance, particularly on Epic settings [3]. Unknown Worlds reaffirmed that players will never be able to kill creatures outright but will receive mitigation mechanics to better manage predators [2].
Gallegos added, "I really think it's going to be the scariest the game has been yet, and I can't wait for you to try it" [2].
