Subnautica
News, coverage and analysis tracking Subnautica across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Betawatch: Aion 2 outlines head start plans as Guild Wars 3 outlines its story premise
NCsoft has detailed head start plans for Aion 2, which is slated for a global launch in September 2026. Guild Wars 3 has also outlined its story premise, with a beta expected in fall 2027. The article also provides an extensive list of other MMORPGs currently in various stages of testing and development.
Subnautica and Subnautica: Below Zero update out now, patch notes – new graphics presets for Nintendo Switch 2
An update for Subnautica and Subnautica: Below Zero is now available on Nintendo Switch, introducing new graphics presets that allow players to prioritize visuals, frame rate, or a balance between the two. The patch also includes various bug fixes, such as correcting terminology and addressing issues with the Multipurpose Room and Scanner Drone.
In the age of AI and layoffs, playing old games in 2026 is about more than nostalgia
In 2026, the author finds solace in playing older video games as a coping mechanism against the backdrop of AI advancements and widespread layoffs in the industry. This retreat into retro titles like Pokemon Leaf Green and Diablo 2 offers a sense of comfort and nostalgia, providing a temporary escape from the anxieties surrounding the current state of game development and corporate practices. Despite the industry's challenges, the author finds a glimmer of optimism in the progress made regarding representation, workplace conditions, and unionization.
"I'm not a creative. I like spreadsheets" – The low-profile team that powers Marathon, Subnautica 2, NBA 2K, and more
Wolfjaw Studios, founded by Mitch Patterson, specializes in providing essential backend infrastructure and co-development services to major game studios, rather than developing original titles. The Troy, New York-based company has worked on franchises like Destiny 2, Marathon, NBA 2K, and Subnautica, focusing on the 'boring but essential' aspects of game development that creatives often avoid. Patterson emphasizes their stability, long-term client relationships, and their goal to make game development more accessible with manageable budgets.
'The mid-2000s was the golden era of first-person shooters': David Syzmankski, creator of Dusk and Iron Lung,…
David Szymanski, creator of Dusk and Iron Lung, discusses his gaming history and preferences in a 'Disk Cleanup' feature. He highlights Myst as a foundational experience and considers the mid-2000s the golden era for first-person shooters due to their variety. Szymanski also shares his high playtime in Elden Ring and his enduring appreciation for Doom.
How to get the Bioscanner in Subnautica 2
This guide explains how to obtain and craft the Bioscanner modification in Subnautica 2. Players must locate a Cicada Wreck to find the Bioscanner, which is then used to unlock blueprints for various Biomods. The Bioscanner requires a Modification Station and specific crafting materials like Enameled Glass and Conduit Crystals.
KRAFTON UNVEILS ITS GAMESCOM 2026 BOOTH EXPERIENCES
KRAFTON has revealed its plans for gamescom 2026, featuring five upcoming titles with playable demos, themed missions, and exclusive merchandise. The booth will showcase an unannounced title from PUBG STUDIOS, NO LAW, Project ZETA, Age Twisters, and TARAE: The Unbound, offering interactive experiences beyond traditional game demos. The event will take place at Koelnmesse from August 26-30.
Aream & Co: Gaming M&A hits $2.3bn in Q2, highest level since 2022
Gaming mergers and acquisitions reached $2.3 billion in Q2 2026, marking the highest level since 2022, according to Aream & Co. Mid-market acquisitions, particularly in PC and mobile gaming, drove this growth. Despite a decline in mobile installs and spending, PC gaming saw a 13% increase, and Nintendo reported significant revenue gains from its Switch 2 hardware and software.
Alinea: Steam revenue reaches $11.1bn, marking highest half-year on record
Steam generated $11.1 billion in the first half of the year, a 14.5% increase year-over-year, marking a new record. This growth was primarily driven by back-catalogue sales, with publishers utilizing discounts and bundles, alongside increased player activity in Asia and higher prices for new releases. Games like Resident Evil Requiem, Forza Horizon 6, and Crimson Desert were among the top earners.
Steam has raked in an estimated $11.1 billion gross revenue so far this year, says market analyst—its…
A report from Alinea Analytics indicates that Steam generated an estimated $11.1 billion in gross revenue in the first half of 2026, marking its highest-ever six-month period. This growth is attributed to factors like increased game prices, successful new releases, and the return of third-party publishers like Ubisoft to the platform.
Something for the Weekend – 11/07/26
This week's news includes Microsoft confirming significant layoffs affecting multiple studios, Palworld's 1.0 launch with a large patch, and matchmaking issues for Black Ops players on PlayStation 4 and 5. God of War Laufey is slated for a 2027 release, and a petition to save physical games has garnered over 285,000 signatures.
Betawatch: Palworld’s launch, EverQuest Legends’ monetization
This week's Betawatch covers the official launch of Palworld and ongoing discussions surrounding the monetization strategies of EverQuest Legends and Aion 2. The article also highlights various games in different testing phases, including EVE Vanguard's open alpha and updates for titles like Scars of Honor and Bitcraft.
As Xbox and PlayStation flounder, Steam is reportedly having another record year
Valve's PC storefront Steam has achieved record-breaking revenue in the first half of 2026, generating an estimated $11.1 billion. This growth is attributed to the strong performance of the Chinese market, higher new release prices, and the return of third-party publishers. Meanwhile, Microsoft's Xbox and Sony's PlayStation divisions are facing challenges due to declining sales, increased hardware costs, and negative consumer sentiment.
Subnautica 2 når 5 miljoner sålda ex och får sin första stora uppdatering
Unknown Worlds announced that Subnautica has sold five million copies. The game also received its first major Early Access update, version 1.1, which introduces features such as a FOV slider, the ability to temporarily stun predators, and improvements to the Biomod system and co-op functionality.
Roughly 192 Subnautica 2 players have drowned every minute since launch
Developer Unknown Worlds has shared player statistics for Subnautica 2's early access period, revealing that players have drowned over 15.6 million times since launch. This equates to an average of 192 players drowning every minute. Despite this, players have collectively traveled a vast distance through the game's oceans and collected millions of in-game items.
Subnautica 2 Adaptive Measures Update brings more Biomods, Biolabs & better base building
Subnautica 2 has received its first major update since launching into early access, titled the Adaptive Measures Update. This update introduces new Biomods and Biolabs, alongside numerous fixes and improvements to exploration, wildlife behavior, and base building, many of which were implemented based on player feedback. The update also includes adjustments to gameplay progression, UI, and bug fixes across various systems.
Where to find and scan Subnautica 2 Sandspears
This guide explains how to find and scan Sandspears in Subnautica 2 to unlock new biomods. Sandspears are found near the lifepod and Observatory, burying themselves underground with only an antenna visible. Players can scan them using the Subnautica 2 Bioscanner after provoking them or when they become passive after an attack.
Subnautica 2 celebrates 5 million copies sold ahead of Adaptive Measures, its first early access update
Subnautica 2 has surpassed 5 million copies sold, coinciding with the release of its first early access update, 1.1. This update addresses player feedback by introducing limited combat mechanics and improving base-building elements like fabricator and tadpole dock placement. Unknown Worlds Entertainment plans to continue refining the game with player input throughout its early access period.
Subnautica 2’s first Early Access update arrives after sales swim pass 5 million
Subnautica 2 has received its first Early Access update, introducing expanded Biomods, new Biolabs, and improvements to co-op, exploration, survival, and base building. This update follows the game surpassing 5 million cumulative sales in early June. Unknown Worlds is developing the sequel with an "open development" approach, incorporating community feedback throughout Early Access.
SUBNAUTICA 2 RELEASES FIRST EARLY ACCESS UPDATE AS SALES SURPASS 5 MILLION
Unknown Worlds has released the first Early Access update for Subnautica 2, introducing expanded Biomods, new Biolabs, and improved co-op features based on player feedback. This update follows the game's Early Access launch and surpasses 5 million cumulative sales. The developer plans to continue shaping the game alongside the community throughout its Early Access period.