The ocean survival simulation game Subnautica 2 has introduced an experimental beta branch on Steam, offering PC players the opportunity to test new updates before their official release. Developers have cautioned that savegames created in this experimental version will be exclusive to it and cannot be carried over to the main game build.
To access the experimental branch, players on Steam can navigate to the game's properties, select the 'Betas' tab, and choose the 'Experimental' option from the dropdown menu. An update will then be required to download.
The developers have described the experimental branch as an opt-in experience designed to allow players to preview content in an earlier state and to assist the team in identifying issues before wider distribution. They also noted that builds in this branch are more prone to bugs, potentially including game-breaking ones, and advised against becoming too attached to save files.
Compatibility between save files is also a concern, as progress made on the experimental branch will not transfer to the main release, and vice-versa. However, save files are stored separately, meaning that main branch saves will not appear while playing the experimental version, and will become visible again upon switching back.
Unlike previous experimental branches for Subnautica and Subnautica: Below Zero, this new branch for Subnautica 2 will not receive daily updates. Instead, builds will be uploaded closer to their intended release to the public, and may also be used for smaller patches and fixes between major updates. The game's non-violent approach and its exploration of underwater ecosystems have been noted as distinguishing features, with publishers Krafton having outlined broader plans for the series.