Subnautica 2 has achieved a significant sales milestone, surpassing five million copies sold. This figure was announced alongside the release of the game's first major early access update, "Adaptive Measures," which introduces the "1.1" patch.
The update addresses a key player concern by incorporating a degree of combat. While direct killing of aquatic life remains disallowed, players can now defend themselves by zapping or bonking creatures that become overly aggressive. This change comes after player feedback highlighted a desire for more interactive gameplay beyond passive observation and construction.
Beyond the combat adjustments, the "Adaptive Measures" update focuses on refining the core gameplay experience, particularly concerning base building. Players can now expect improved placement options for essential structures like the fabricator and a new dedicated storage unit. The tadpole dock, specifically, has received enhancements to make it easier to integrate into existing base layouts, a change that reportedly addresses previous frustrations with fitting the structure into confined spaces.
Further enhancements include general improvements to rendering, creature behavior, and the user interface, all aimed at polishing the early-game experience. Fernando Melo, executive producer at Unknown Worlds, stated that the team will continue to develop Subnautica 2 collaboratively with its player base throughout the early access period. "We focused on refining the early-game experience and core systems," Melo explained. "We’ll continue shaping the world of Subnautica 2 together with our players throughout Early Access."