Summary
Subnautica 2was finally announced last week during Xbox’s Partner Preview event, confirming thatthe early access period for the title will begin in 2025. Alongside that announcement, it was also mentioned that Subnautica 2 will have an optional co-op mode, something that wasconfirmed during a debacle at the beginning of this yearover the game’s multiplayer elements.
Despite having already been confirmed, the inclusion of Subnautica 2’s co-op mode whipped the fanbase up into a frenzy, with most celebrating that such a long-requested feature will finally be available in the next game. However, a smaller contingency of players weren’t as thrilled to discover that co-op is coming to the Subnautica series, and there are now debates cropping up about whether the long-awaited sequel should have it at all.
Subnautica 2 Fans Are Split On The Game’s Optional Co-Op Mode
These arguments seem to have been kicked off bya Reddit user called Dannyspub_FS, after mentioning in the Subnautica subreddit that they have “doubts” over the inclusion of a co-op mode. They go on to explain that they feel like a co-op mode will “take away from the feeling of horror and isolation” that was loved in the original, while another common worry is that the balance of Subnautica 2 will take a nosedive and that it’ll be more difficult for single players, as developer Unknown Worlds has to accommodate for more players.
That one post has kicked a hornet’s nest among the game’s community, most notably people that have been wishing for a co-op mode for Subnautica for years,leading to Reddit posts such as Korben_W’s, poking fun at those worried about the inclusion of the mode. A vast majority of players are pointing out that the mode is optional, and Unknown Worlds has stated that the game is being developed with single player in mind.
To play devil’s advocate, it can be pretty worrying for a long-running single player series to add multiplayer, especially since Unknown Worlds doesn’t have that much experience with it.MoonbreakerandNatural Selection 2are the studio’s last two games with multiplayer elements - the latter having been made well over a decade ago - and multiplayer in a massive semi-open world game like Subnautica 2 is a much different beast.
However, it seems like the vast majority of fans are quite excited about Subnautica 2’s four-player co-op, and those with reservations will have to stick with single player and hope that Unknown Worlds manages to get the balance just right.
Subnautica 2
WHERE TO PLAY
Subnautica 2 is an underwater survival adventure game set on an all-new alien ocean world. It is the next chapter in the Subnautica universe, developed by Unknown Worlds.New World, New AdventureA new world awaits alongside an all-new story. You are a pioneer traveling to a distant world, but something is amiss. The ship’s AI insists you carry on the mission. This world is too dangerous for humans to survive… Unless you change what it means to be human. What creatures, intelligent or otherwise, await your arrival?Explore with FriendsPlay alone or with up to three friends in online multiplayer co-op. Whether exploring mysterious ruins, building custom bases, or adventuring deeper into the world… The challenge of this planet will test your ingenuity and ability to adapt, in unexpected and curious ways.Craft Submersibles, Tools, and BasesSurvival depends on utilizing the right tools. Alongside basic items such as your Scanner and Flashlight, you’ll find recipes for more advanced tools, equipment, and submersibles. Bases are more customizable with an overhauled building system. New tools allow for greater adaptation to the world.Uncover Diverse New BiomesFrom towering underwater cliffs to lush coral fields, this aquatic alien world is brimming with vibrant and breathtaking biomes, each teeming with diverse ecosystems and unique creatures. But something isn’t right. The world is out of balance. What happened here? What happened to you? And more importantly, where are you?Study Mysterious LifeformsUncover a rich world full of mysterious lifeforms, from the smallest fish to the largest Leviathans. Scan creatures to learn more about them. Use your Biosampler to take samples for study. As you learn more about this world, evolve your genetics to adapt your body for survival.Survive Terrifying DepthsThis world is vast and deep. Venture beyond the safety of shallow waters, descending into a dark unknown. Wonder and danger lurks around every corner. To survive this planet, you’ll need to push beyond your boundaries and unlock the secrets of this strange world.About the TeamSubnautica 2 is being created by Unknown Worlds, a fully remote studio that traces its roots back to the 2002 Half-Life mod Natural Selection. It is the same studio that created the original Subnautica. The team is scattered around the globe, from the United States to the United Kingdom, France, Iceland, Austria, Australia, Canada, India, and many more places.Early Access DevelopmentSubnautica 2 will be an Early Access game meaning it will be in active development at release. You may encounter bugs, in-development features, and performance issues. We will be adding additional biomes, creatures, craftables, and narrative as we proceed. Join us in Early Access and help shape the future of Subnautica 2.
