Subnautica 2 expands co-op features in second early access update

Unknown Worlds has released the second update for the early access version of open-world survival and building game Subnautica 2, introducing new features designed to improve communication and teamwork in cooperative play.

The studio also announced a $100,000 donation to The Ocean Cleanup, the non-profit organisation working to remove plastic pollution from the world’s oceans.

The update is centred on strengthening the co-operative experience, with new systems intended to help players communicate and support one another while exploring underwater environments.

Proximity voice chat

The main addition is proximity voice chat, which uses distance-based spatial audio to shape how players hear one another.

Voices from nearby teammates will sound clearer and more directional, while communication will gradually fade as players move farther apart. The system is designed to make players more aware of their surroundings and encourage closer co-operation during exploration.

A new revival system has also been introduced. When a player’s health is completely depleted, they enter a downed state rather than dying immediately. A teammate can revive them within a limited period, allowing the group to continue its expedition.

The change adds further tension to survival beneath the sea while making co-operation more important when players are in danger.

More tools for teamwork

Communication and teamwork have been expanded in several other ways.

An emote system allows players to send signals to one another without using voice chat. Players can also access their teammates’ inventories directly to transfer resources.

Other co-operative improvements include throwable location markers, a ping system and additional conveniences for base building. Together, the changes are intended to make it easier for groups to coordinate their movements, share supplies and develop underwater bases.

The update coincides with Unknown Worlds’ latest support for ocean conservation. The Ocean Cleanup develops and scales technologies intended to remove plastic pollution from oceans around the world.

Unknown Worlds previously donated part of the proceeds from the original Subnautica to the organisation for World Environment Day in 2019. The studio has continued to support ocean conservation efforts since then.

Fernando Melo, executive producer at Unknown Worlds, said: “Subnautica came from a deep passion for the ocean, so continuing the conservation efforts we started with the original game through this donation to The Ocean Cleanup means a lot to us. We will continue to do our part to protect the ocean that we have spent so much time trying to realistically portray.”

Subnautica 2 is available now on Steam, Xbox, including Series X|S consoles and PC, and the Epic Games Store. Further information is available through the game’s official website and its social media channels, including Discord, X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitch, Bluesky, Threads and YouTube.

Unknown Worlds is an international games development studio best known for the Subnautica series, which it says has helped redefine its genre and sold more than 18.5 million copies worldwide. The studio is also responsible for the Natural Selection series and the turn-based strategy game Moonbreaker.

Unknown Worlds is part of KRAFTON, Inc, which is headquartered in South Korea and focuses on discovering and publishing games offering distinctive entertainment experiences. Founded in 2007, KRAFTON operates through a global network of 19 creative studios, including PUBG STUDIOS, Striking Distance Studios, Unknown Worlds, Neon Giant, KRAFTON Montreal Studio, Bluehole Studio, RisingWings, 5minlab, Dreamotion, ReLU Games, Flyway Games, Tango Gameworks, inZOI Studio, JOFSOFT, Eleventh Hour Games, OmniCraft Labs, Olivetree Games, Loonshot Games and 9B STUDIO.

Each independent studio seeks new challenges and uses innovative technology to reach wider audiences by expanding KRAFTON’s platforms and services.

KRAFTON’s intellectual properties include PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, PUBG MOBILE, PUBG: BLINDSPOT, inZOI, Subnautica, MIMESIS, Hi-Fi Rush, Dinkum, TERA and My Little Puppy. The company says its teams around the world are continuing to explore new ways to enhance gaming, including artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.