Since Subnautica 2 was delayed to 2026, the developers have been using the extra time to add more content while showing what players can expect in the sequel. Visual Development Lead Cory Strader revealed how the team created one of the game’s biggest new creatures, the Collector Leviathan.

The team started with profile drawings, selecting designs that fit the game’s environment. This new creature is unlike the other Leviathans players have seen before. They settled on a Cthulhu-inspired look, more squid-like than anything else, with long tentacles for grabbing and mandible tentacles for feeding. With the basic design set, the team refined it further, adding colors, patterns, and a bisecting mantle to match the surreal world it inhabits.

Next, the design went to the 3D sculpture team. Marcelo, the Lead Character Artist, started with a single sphere and shaped it into the rough outline of the creature. Then layers of detail were added. Every wrinkle, fold, suction cup, and proportion was carefully refined to make the Leviathan feel realistic.

After shaping the creature, Principal Animator Colin Knueppel handled rigging and animation. Using Blender along with Unreal’s control rigging, the team created new animations that were previously impossible. These animations allow for cinematics and environmental interactions, giving the creature more life without slowing down production.

Stefan Sorensen, Senior Technical Animator, added detailed movements, including individual tentacle motion and realistic weight. He also refined how the Leviathan interacts with the player and vehicles. Custom tools and animations ensure the creature can consistently interact with the environment. Every animator contributed layers of subtle movement, making the creature feel dynamic and alive.

Finally, as shared in the dev vlog, the AI team gave the creature its brain. Its behavior is controlled by a complex system that reacts to the player and the environment. For example, flares can distract it, giving the player a chance to escape. These behaviors make the Leviathan feel as alive as it looks. The developers promise the result will be immersive and satisfying for both Subnautica veterans seeking a fresh experience and newcomers for whom Subnautica 2 will be their first game.