Get ready to dive into the depths of an all-new alien planet with friends, as Krafton has unveiled Subnautica 2 as a multiplayer live-service game. The sequel to the critically acclaimed underwater exploration title will ditch the single-player format of the original in favor of a collaborative experience, allowing players to team up and explore the ocean’s mysteries together.
In its latest financial report, Krafton wrote that Subnautica 2 will let players “explore an oceanic world in stunning stylized graphics powered by Unreal Engine 5” either solo or with “one to four player co-op to uncover the mysteries on an entirely new alien planet.” The game will receive updates as part of Krafton’s ambitions to treat Subnautica 2 as a “game-as-a-service model with enhanced replayability.”
The announcement comes as a surprise to many fans who were expecting Subnautica 2 to follow in the footsteps of its predecessor. However, Krafton assures that the new direction will not compromise the core gameplay elements that made the original so beloved. Players can still expect to experience the thrill of crafting, exploration, and survival in a vast and unforgiving underwater world.
The new live-service model certainly has the potential to keep players engaged with a steady stream of new content and updates. This could include new areas to explore, new creatures to encounter, and new challenges to overcome. However, there is real concern about the potential for microtransactions and other monetization schemes that are often associated with live-service games.
Developer Unknown Worlds plans to share more information about Subnautica 2 in 2024. The game does not have a release date or window.
Update Feb 8, 2024 at 2:05 PM
Developer Unknown Worlds has issued a blog post clarifying the statements from Krafton’s financial report:
– Subnautica 2 won’t release in Early Access in 2024
– “Games-as-a-Service” means it will continually update the game, rather than a traditional live service (no season passes, no subscription)
– Subnautica 2 “is not multiplayer-focused” and co-op is an “entirely optional way to play the game.”
