Subnautica 2 surpasses 5 million copies sold

Developer Unknown Worlds announced that Subnautica 2 has sold over 5 million copies since it released in Early Access on May 14, 2026.

The studio also released Early Access 1.1 update that expands key gameplay systems and improves the early-game experience based on player feedback. The first update focuses on refining core systems, improving co-op quality of life, and giving players more ways to explore, survive, and customize their progression.

“With this update, we focused on refining the early-game experience and core systems,” said Fernando Melo, Executive Producer at Unknown Worlds. “We’ll continue shaping the world of Subnautica 2 together with our players throughout Early Access.”

Here is an overview of the update that arrived in Subnautica 2 via Unknown Worlds:

Expanded Biomods and New Biolabs

A major focus of the update is the Biomod system, which allows players to temporarily borrow traits from nearby creatures to enhance their abilities. The update adds two new Biolabs in the Coral Gardens and Axum Ruins, increasing the number of unlockable Biomods from four to six. Players can also unlock additional passive Biomod slots by scanning targets with the Bioscanner.

Improved Co-op Audio and PDA Databank Controls

The update also improves how audio logs work in co-op. Audio logs will no longer play automatically when collected and can instead be played manually through the PDA Databank, the in-game archive that expands as players scan creatures and collect records throughout the world. This change helps prevent audio logs from automatically playing for other players during co-op sessions, creating a smoother shared experience.

Exploration, Survival, and Basebuilding Updates

Exploration and survival have also been updated. Wrecks now include additional routes and oxygen-based puzzles, while players can now sprint outside the water, including on the surface and inside bases. Base-building improvements include better placement for the Tadpole Dock and Fabricator, along with a new dedicated storage structure. Additional improvements have also been made across rendering, creature behavior, and the user interface.

Subnautica 2 is available to play now on PC via Steam and Epic Games Store and XBOX Series X|S.