The latest Subnautica 2 developer vlog has finally given fans an early glimpse into the sequel's gameplay, showcasing updated base building mechanics, new tools, and teasing some of the game's unexplored environments. The vlog also confirms that Subnautica 2 is still on track for an early access release later this year, though an exact launch date remains under wraps.

Fans of the sci-fi underwater exploration series received exciting news last year when Subnautica 2 unveiled its first teaser trailer and detailed new features on its official Steam page. For the first time in the franchise, players will be able to team up and explore an entirely new alien planet filled with uncharted territories, gripping narratives, and deadly threats. While multiplayer is a major addition, solo adventurers can still enjoy the game's survival and exploration elements at their own pace.

Half a year after its teaser trailer debuted, fans now have a clearer look at Subnautica 2's moment-to-moment gameplay. In the new developer vlog, Design Lead Anthony Gallegos discusses the team's plans for early access later this year, inviting players to embark on this new journey early. While much of the game's environments remain shrouded in mystery, the footage provides a closer look at the visuals and some intriguing updates to familiar mechanics. Base building in Subnautica 2 has undergone significant improvements, with new additions like support pillars, superconducting foundations, and customizable compartments allowing for greater creativity in design.

The vlog also offers a preview of the game's updated tools in action. Familiar equipment like the scanner now boasts additional functionalities, including a radar feature that may help players locate materials or scannable objects more efficiently across Subnautica 2's expansive map. Resource gathering has also been revamped, replacing random drops from breakable rocks with dedicated resource nodes that players can collect manually. Additionally, a brief clip shows the player's inventory displaying 0.71 titanium, hinting at a possible shift to a resource meter system instead of traditional item stacking.

Another intriguing segment of the video showcases an alien slime that, according to the in-game PDA, can be consumed to absorb beneficial genetic traits. This aligns with the previously confirmed genetic modification mechanic in Subnautica 2. The vlog also teases new creature behaviors and a fleeting glimpse of what appears to be another formidable leviathan.