New Features Shown In Subnautica 2’s Reveal Trailer

A new teaser trailer for the highly-anticipated Subnautica 2 has dropped, showcasing new features, creatures, vehicles and locations, along with the announcement of an early-access release date some time in 2025. The underwater sci-fi series quickly became a hit among players thanks to its unique atmosphere, exploration, creative creature design and mysterious story.

The trailer, albeit a cinematic one not showcasing any real gameplay, still gave an insight into some new features that could be included when Subnautica 2 does release. Though no concrete details are yet confirmed, the trailer did suggest that these features will included to some extent. Either way, it seems as though the world of Subnautica is developing in some good directions, adding to the sense of existential horror which often accompanies a deep-sea dive. Here’s what the game appears to have in store.

5 Crustaceans

Further Biodiversity In The Game’s Creatures Could Add To Environments

One of the most noticeable changes shown in the trailer is the inclusion of a giant crustacean which lurches up from the seabed, seemingly disguised as a piece of coral at first. Though the previous games have had their fair share of weird and wonderful creatures, players have yet to see creatures of this type being implemented into a Subnautica game.

Whether these creatures will be hostile or friendly remains to be seen, but it opens up several avenues for the developers to create further memorable and unique designs. It will also add an extra element of horror to certain areas of the game. It seems more than likely that these ‘living environments’ could be used to startle and surprise players.

4 Currents And Vortexes

Dynamic Environments Could Make Gameplay More Unpredictable

Following the encounter with the over-sized crustacean, the trailer then shows the player character being dragged down into an abyssal cavern via a powerful water vortex. This uncontrollable force could be a great tool for introducing players into certain areas, as well as creating a sense of chaos in the game world.

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The water itself can be used in many ways to create further danger, and the use of currents and vortexes to sweep players into new areas against their will is a great way to do so. Environmental effects such as these could dramatically influence gameplay, forcing players to escape from deeper areas in order to regenerate oxygen. While depths and temperatures have played a role in previous games when it comes to survival elements, gamers have yet to see water being used in this way. It has a lot of potential to make exploration more dynamic and dangerous.

3 New Leviathans

New Colossal Sea Creatures Will Haunt The Depths

Taking place on a distant, science-fiction planet, the Subnautica series has its fair share of alien sea creatures. The largest and perhaps most memorable are the different leviathans players can encounter. These colossal beasts often dwarf the player and create tension when exploring. Hearing or seeing one of these creatures, even from a distance, can be a truly terrifying experience.

The trailer shows a huge squid-like creature, perhaps larger than any previous leviathan in the Subnautica games, engulfing the entire scene in the abyssal cavern. It will be interesting to see how leviathans are implemented in the new entry, and what role they might play in the story. Combined with new forces such as strong currents and pitch-black areas, leviathans could present players with even more dramatic and horrifying spectacles.

2 New Vehicles

The Sci-Fi Setting Could Introduce New Technologies

Just before revealing the giant leviathan, the trailer shows viewers a new type of vehicle or glider that has not yet been seen in the series. Previous entries have allowed players to construct several vehicles, capable of withstanding greater depths and letting players explore further into the unknown. But there is still plenty of room to expand this gameplay aspect.

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Given the sci-fi nature of the series as a whole, there is still near infinite potential for new vehicles and gadgets to appear in the game. Due to the unique style of the vehicle shown, it is also possible that customization options could be available. Crafting was a major part of previous entries, too, so whether it will be as central to Subnautica 2 remains to be seen.

1 NPC Characters/Co-Op

The Trailer Hints At Huge Multiplayer Potential

The first Subnautica game left the player to their own devices with very little instruction. Gradually, they would have to piece the story together themselves without any NPC assistance. While Subnautica: Below Zero did feature other characters, it was still a largely solitary experience.

The new trailer shows two characters meeting in the abyssal cavern, as one arrives in a vehicle and sees the other. Whether this means there will be NPCs or potentially multiplayer/co-op game modes is not yet certain. It seems as though the gameplay of the series lends itself to being a great multiplayer experience. This change could be huge for the franchise as it would introduce lots of new players to the game and enable them to share creations and complete objectives together.