Subnautica 2 promises to be a sequel that keeps what fans loved while adding a new way to play. Developer Unknown Worlds say multiplayer was built into the project from the very start so the game can support co-op without forcing it on solo players. Everything in the game is multiplayer ready, but you can still play the whole experience alone if you prefer.

The developers revealed how joining a friend works and how they want the flow to feel simple and low friction. You can invite people through your platform’s friends list or use cross-platform tools. It’s also possible to turn a single-player save into a multiplayer session and continue from where you left off. This makes it easy to switch between solo runs and shared dives.

The team spent a lot of time on animation and camera setup so characters move naturally in both first and third person. Swimming, for example, requires small hand motions up close and fuller body movement in third person. Those details are part of why multiplayer took focused effort early in development.

One feature that stands out is the dive elevator that players can ride together and use it to transport loot from the depths back to the surface. It works in solo and co-op modes and could change how groups plan trips into dangerous zones.

Performance and portability are key priorities and dedicated team is working on optimization so the game runs smoothly across machines, including handheld devices. Early impressions suggest the game work well on Steam Deck, which is a good sign in terms of the game’s overall optimization.

Co-op opens options like dividing tasks, sharing inventory work, and watching each other’s backs during risky explorations. At the same time, the game preserves solo survival, so isolation and personal discovery remain central, as revealed in the new gameplay footage.

For players who love the quiet tension and slow-building suspense of the original Subnautica, the news is reassuring. And if you’ve been wondering when the game will come out this year, the next few updates will be worth following, as the developers plan to reveal the long-awaited release date of Subnautica 2.