Subnautica fulfills some fan requests with Update 1.1. In a video, the developers also discuss their future plans. A major map expansion is scheduled for later in 2026.
Subnautica 2 was released in Early Access nearly two months ago and is now receiving its second patch. While Update 1.1 doesn’t include a lot of new content, it does feature several improvements that many players have been asking for. The developer video also offers an exciting glimpse into the future: Before the end of 2026, the survival game is set to be expanded with anew area complete with creatures, a story, and more
What’s included in Update 1.1?
First, let’s talk about the current patch, which is set to be released on July 8, 2026. In the video below, the developers summarize the most important changes, but we also want to give you a written overview.
Probably the most important change:Many creatures now visibly react when we defend ourselves against their attacks.& nbsp;If we hit them on the nose with our tool, they flinch before fleeing. If we strike them with our sound resonator, they briefly collapse to the ground, paralyzed.
The developers are addressing a major point of criticism: Players felt they couldn’t really defend themselves against creatures. But that’s not all:
- New biobeds with biomods have been distributed throughout the game world. We can also unlock more slots for passive biomods.
- Wrecks have been improved; there are more small puzzles to solve, and the wrecks look better. However, they’re still not finished and will continue to be improved in the future.
- The PDA has been improved. Among other things, we can now listen to audio recordings at any time.
- There is now a personal storage area whose contents aren’t automatically used by fabricators or the construction tool.
Update 1.1 will be followedin a few weeks by Update 1.2. This update focuses on co-op and introduces new features such as voice chat, emotes, the ability to revive fellow players, and more.
The biggest and arguably most anticipated update, however, is still a bit further off. Later this year, a major expansion for Early Access will be released. It will include an entirely new area—you can see the first image in the video—new creatures, resources, tools, and even a new vehicle. The story of Subnautica 2 is also set to continue with this major update.
Who knows, maybe the major expansion will even introduce a new Leviathan; traces of a mysterious monster can already be found in the game world. You can read more about this in the box above.
In the meantime, the developers continue to encourage their fans to share their thoughts on the game. Criticism is just as welcome as praise, and they appreciate all feedback. As the new update shows, there’s also a good chance that players’ wishes will eventually be granted.
