Subnautica 2
"A gorgeous dive into a shallow Early Access pool"
About
Subnautica 2 returns to the depths on an all-new alien planet. As a survivor, you explore a vast ocean, cataloging alien life and gathering resources to build underwater bases and advanced equipment. The sequel introduces four-player co-op, allowing a team to tackle the survival challenges together. The game is currently in Early Access, with its story and world still being built.
Verdict
Subnautica 2's return to the abyss is visually breathtaking, and exploring its depths with friends is a fantastic addition. The core loop of survival and base-building remains compelling. However, this Early Access version feels more like a tech demo than a sequel. A slow update schedule, performance problems, and a more guided structure strip away much of the original's magic. There is a great game here, but it's buried deep beneath a premature release.
You'll like it if …
- +You loved the first game and primarily want to experience it with friends.
- +You enjoy being part of a game's long-term development, even with a slow update schedule.
- +Underwater atmosphere and visual splendor are your main draws.
You'll dislike it if …
- −You expect a finished, content-rich sequel for your money.
- −Player-driven exploration is what you loved about the original.
- −A slow or inconsistent update pace during Early Access is a dealbreaker.
Breakdown
- +The core survival and exploration loop is as compelling as the original.
- +Four-player co-op is a well-implemented and highly requested addition.
- −Progression feels overly guided by an AI assistant, removing the original's sense of discovery.
- −Limited self-defense options can turn tense encounters into simple frustration.
- −A more linear mission structure restricts player agency.
- +The initial 10-15 hours provide a solid introduction to the new world.
- −Currently very light on content, feeling more like a demo than a full game.
- −The slow pace of meaningful updates is a significant concern for an Early Access title.
- −The guided design diminishes the replayability and sense of vastness from the first game.
- +The underlying planetary mystery and new world are intriguing.
- −Story delivery is too direct, telling you where to go and what to do.
- −The sense of emergent storytelling from the original is lost to a checklist of objectives.
- +Visually spectacular, with Unreal Engine 5 delivering stunning underwater environments.
- +Art direction successfully captures the series' signature mix of beauty and terror.
- −Significant performance issues are common, especially when hosting co-op sessions.
- −Upscaling or frame generation is almost a requirement for smooth play on many systems.
- +The fundamental mechanics that are in the game feel polished and familiar.
- −Released in a bare-bones state that doesn't justify its price point.
- −Poor developer communication and a glacial update pace have frustrated players.
- −The game feels many years away from a complete state.
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