Subnautica 2: Exciting Things We'd Like to See

Summary

Return of the Cyclops is a highly anticipated feature for Subnautica 2, offering potential for fan excitement.
A Photo Mode could enhance player experience by allowing them to capture the stunning underwater world.
Exploring the deep sea and void biomes could introduce new gameplay mechanics, creatures, and challenges.

As a seasoned Subnautica player, I’ve spent countless hours submerged in the depths of this aquatic wonderland, and I must say, I’m brimming with anticipation for the sequel! The ideas you’ve presented are nothing short of inspired, and they resonate deeply with my experiences in the game.

2018’s “Subnautica” turned out to be an unanticipated success. The game rapidly struck a chord with players due to its intricately designed settings and the distinctly alien creatures dwelling within, generating an ambiance that straddled the boundary between survival horror and diving simulation. Given the widespread popularity of “Subnautica”, it was logical for the creators, Unknown Worlds, to consider a sequel. This sequel was officially unveiled to the public in 2024 with the trailer for “Subnautica 2”.

At this point, we don’t have much detail about Subnautica 2, except for peeks at the new characters and the inclusion of cooperative gameplay. Nevertheless, there are several intriguing possibilities that Subnautica 2 might explore to expand upon its original versions.

8. Return of the Cyclops

Bringing Back a Fan Favorite Would be Very Exciting

In the original game Subnautica, Riley Robinson piloted the largest vehicle – the Cyclops. Constructing this behemoth was no small feat, with various parts scattered and needing to be collected first. Despite the challenge, it eventually served as a swift mode of transportation across the crater. What made the Cyclops particularly appealing was its customizable interior, transforming it into a sort of mobile base for Riley. This vehicle garnered much admiration among fans. However, Subnautica: Below Zero opted out of featuring the Cyclops, instead using the sea truck to fulfill a similar function. This omission has sparked curiosity about whether the Cyclops might make a comeback in Subnautica 2.

It’s possible that there might be some truth to the rumor of the famous submarine making a comeback. The brief trailer hints at one of the player characters operating what seems to be a Seamoth, a smaller vehicle used in the original game. Although this doesn’t confirm the return of the Cyclops, it certainly implies that Subnautica 2 may bring back some recognizable vehicles from the earlier games.

7. Photo Mode

Capture the Horrifying Beauty of Underwater Worlds

In recent times, virtual photography has emerged as a favorite pastime among gamers, particularly those who play Subnautica. However, thus far, the original game hasn’t offered features for capturing photographs of its intricate underwater ecosystems beyond taking screenshots. While the visuals in these games are truly stunning, they warrant more than just screenshotting. The upcoming Subnautica 2 would greatly benefit from a dedicated photo mode. Not just a simple “press X to take a screenshot” function, but a full-fledged photo mode with various features. This mode should allow the game to pause, provide a movable camera, and offer editing options like adjusting lights and contrast for perfect shots.

The abundance of captivating moments in these games calls for plenty of photographic opportunities. A diverse array of marine (or terrestrial) creatures could serve as striking subjects, while action shots and encounters with colossal beasts would undoubtedly appeal to players. Even snapshots of the player character and their vehicles could be intriguing. Moreover, virtual photography can be a powerful tool for engaging fans and fostering community involvement. In this aspect, Subnautica 2 should draw inspiration from other games in this regard.

6. Further Prehistory Exploration

The Planet Has Such a Fascinating History

One fascinating aspect of the universe in Subnautica and Below Zero lies in the meticulous attention to detail by the developers, who incorporated fossils of what appear to be extinct creatures from an ancient epoch. Among these remnants, the colossal leviathan skeleton, large enough to swallow a sea dragon, is likely to catch players’ eyes. Enhancing the gameplay experience by adding more fossils would deepen the storyline surrounding these mysterious beings. If Unknown Worlds wishes to take it a step further, they could explore the concept of a living specimen of this leviathan, an idea that has garnered significant interest among players.

Apart from the colossal leviathan, there are other ancient creatures that deserve further exploration. For instance, there’s the ancient fossil, often referred to as the titanic leviathan by enthusiasts, which holds a myriad of unanswered questions. Another intriguing figure is the large bony fish called Research Specimen Theta. Additionally, the game Below Zero introduced a puzzling trilobite-like fossil that the architects studied. Each of these would benefit from additional findings; perhaps even living versions. Of course, new fossils would also be essential. By delving deeper into prehistory, Subnautica 2 would unveil a captivating and unique world.

5. Third Person Mode

A Change in Perspective Could Change the Game

In both games, Subnautica and Below Zero, the structure revolves around an engaging first-person point of view. This approach was practical due to resource conservation in creating a character model, yet it carries certain constraints. One significant challenge is it becomes difficult to gauge the immense size of some leviathans. Switching to a third-person perspective could alleviate this issue. Including a human figure for reference provides an instant sense of scale, making everything seem more understandable. When you can visualize their size in comparison to a human, it significantly enhances your perception.

Absolutely, some players find the first-person viewpoint appealing in games like Subnautica, arguing it enhances their enjoyment. However, this doesn’t mean that we must stick to one perspective exclusively. An intriguing approach could be offering toggle options between first and third person views. Alternatively, certain situations might automatically adopt a specific perspective. Incorporating a third-person view in Subnautica could potentially offer a distinctive gaming experience.

4. Character Selection

Players Should be Allowed to Choose Their Character

The trailer for Subnautica 2 didn’t divulge many details about its narrative, but it did highlight an intriguing aspect: multiplayer functionality. In the trailer, we observe two playable characters, a man and a woman, which appear to be player-controlled characters. The identities of these individuals remain unknown, with their names being undisclosed at this time. What remains uncertain is whether players will have freedom in selecting their character or if one character will be assigned to Player 1 and the other to Player 2. The specifics regarding control choice are yet to be clarified.

A preferred scenario would involve presenting players with options right at the onset of the game. This flexibility might theoretically permit multiple instances of the same character during multiplayer sessions, but concerns can be addressed should the need arise. Providing choices, particularly in single-player modes, enables players to select characters they are most comfortable controlling.

3. Deep Sea Biomes

What Secrets Lie in the Deep?

In Subnautica, delving into the depths plays a crucial role. Both games are centered around exploration, compelling players to navigate to the deepest points of their respective maps to conclude the story. Given this pattern, it’s logical that Subnautica 2 might continue in the same vein, but perhaps it could push boundaries further. The deepest point of Earth’s oceans, the Mariana Trench, plunges to an astonishing 11,000 meters, far surpassing the combined depths of Subnautica’s maps. If the oceans in 4546B are similarly deep, it opens up opportunities for extensive exploration of even deeper waters. This would provide a platform for innovating gameplay elements as it would eventually force players to confront pressure issues and likely construct gear to manage them effectively.

This new biome might uncover unexplored territories, as both Subnautica and Below Zero haven’t yet featured an equivalent of a “bottomless ocean” ecosystem. While they offer a variety of settings, neither game has explored the extreme conditions found in Earth’s deep ocean depths, home to some extraordinary and terrifying creatures. The anglerfish, with its bioluminescent lure, is well-known, but let’s not forget about the gulper eel, a creature capable of swallowing prey larger than itself. This region is also where giants like the giant squid and the colossal squid dwell. Such a biome could serve as a rich source of inspiration for fearsome leviathans. Additionally, they might capitalize on “deep sea gigantism,” a phenomenon that increases the likelihood of creatures growing to enormous sizes, creating some truly startling surprises in the dark.

2. Exploration of The Void

It Can be More than a Barrier

Every player of the game Subnautica becomes adept at identifying The Void – an area of complete darkness encompassing the map’s edges. Venturing too deep into this void prompts a warning about a “ecological dead zone,” and disregarding these warnings might result in an unwelcome encounter with a colossal sea creature known as a leviathan. From a development perspective, it serves as a boundary to prevent players from straying too far off the map. However, what if The Void were more than just a safety measure? In fact, there is a mod called Call of the Void that delves into this very idea, even introducing an entirely new biome for exploration.

If an imaginative mod can manage such a feat with limited resources, then a fully-funded game should certainly be able to achieve it. The vast emptiness of space offers an excellent opportunity to evoke a chilling atmosphere of impending doom. As one ventures deeper, the blackness becomes more oppressive, making it challenging to spot colossal sea creatures. The ocean floor could serve as a distinctive environment in comparison to earlier games, offering players a fresh and engaging experience.

1. A Research Mechanic

Remove the Necessity of Scattered Fragments for Dedicated Research

In games like Subnautica and its sequel Below Zero, players gather new tools and gadgets by discovering their parts throughout the game world and scanning them. Often, three separate pieces must be found and scanned before an item can be crafted. These components are often hidden and require deliberate searching to find. On one hand, this setup promotes exploration, but on the other, it can feel tedious when you’re unsure of where to search. Essentially, it feels like aimless wandering until you stumble upon something by chance. Some players might appreciate this challenge, but others may become frustrated and resort to looking up the item locations online so they can construct the item and progress more swiftly.

An alternative approach to this concept might involve incorporating a research mechanic in Subnautica 2. Instead of chasing after all the scattered fragments, players could accumulate resources that they could then invest in research projects to acquire new gear. The original system wouldn’t need to be completely replaced; it could remain as an additional option. Players could still use it in combination with the research mechanic (for example, scanning fragments could decrease the cost of research). This setup would offer various paths for progression while maintaining the emphasis on exploration and resource gathering.

2024-12-23 14:35

Subnautica 2: Exciting Things We’d Like to See