Unknown Worlds has revealed an expanded base-building system for Subnautica 2, introducing a modular construction approach that gives players greater freedom to design and grow their underwater habitats.
Powered by Unreal Engine 5, the new system introduces modular construction tools that allow players to build and expand their seabases piece by piece. This approach offers greater flexibility for both exterior structures and interior layouts, letting players personalize elements such as windows, corridors, and other fine details, supporting everything from compact survival shelters to expansive underwater habitats and exploration hubs.
The feature is showcased in the latest Subnautica 2 developer vlog, where members of the development team walk through the design philosophy behind the system and demonstrate how the tools work in-game. The video features Kiel McDonald, Base Design Lead, and Carolyn Lu, Engineer, who share insights into the creative and technical process behind building a system designed to give players more control over how their seabases evolve during their journey.
“Base-building is fundamental to Subnautica as a franchise,” said Anthony Gallegos, Design Lead at Unknown Worlds. “With Subnautica 2 we wanted to increase player expression, and leaned into a sculptural base-building system that provides far more flexibility than anything we’ve done before. We can’t wait to see what players create and how they push the system to its limits.”
The developer vlog also showcases the system in multiplayer, demonstrating how players can collaborate to construct intricate seabases together. Subnautica 2 introduces optional four-player cooperative gameplay, allowing friends to build, explore, and survive side-by-side while developing shared bases.
Subnautica 2 is latest entry in the genre-defining Subnautica series. The game takes players to an entirely new alien world within the Subnautica universe, introducing new ecosystems, modular vehicles, and cooperative gameplay while bringing the series’ signature exploration and survival experience to life using Unreal Engine 5. The game is scheduled to enter Early Access on PC and Xbox Series consoles in 2026.
Unknown Worlds will continue sharing updates through its ongoing developer vlog series, which highlights major gameplay systems and development milestones. Fans can watch the latest vlog on the official Subnautica YouTube channel and stay updated through the game’s website and Discord community.
