The Subnautica 2 update adds additional resource areas along with other gameplay improvements

New Subnautica 2 the update was released to PC users at the end of May 2026. While this update primarily focuses on fixing critical bugs, it also brings improvements to the fish AI, additional resource areas, and Subnautica 2 performance improvements, among other changes.

Ten days have passed since then Subnautica 2 launched in early access worldwide on May 14, 2026. The first numbered sequel to the underwater survival franchise has since gone from strength to strength, averaging around half a million sales per day. Not one to rest on its laurels, developer Unknown Worlds Entertainment has already started tweaking its Early Access version when it unveiled the game's first hotfix on May 19, five days after launch. The developers sent a second such patch just a few days later.

Subnautica 2 players aren't content with diving into immortal fish

Some players are not satisfied with Subnautica 2's indestructible fish, which represent a big departure from previous entries and significantly shake up the gameplay.

Subnautica 2's second May 2026 update brings 11 changes to the game

The game's second post-release update, released on May 22, is also its biggest, but still by a significant margin, with an 11-item changelog that's 175% longer than the patch notes attached to Hotfix 1. The late May 2026 build adds more Subnautica 2 Placing silver resources in the early game area while augmenting its late game counterpart with additional Troilite resources. The update also introduces some AI fauna improvements and bug fixes, removing two crash triggers and improving performance on Epic graphics settings, among other things.

In regards to game fauna behavior changes, Hammerheads will now be ignored Subnautica 2 Tadpole players in the latest version of the game. Previously, the creatures were attracted to the submarine's lights, following it persistently and sometimes filling the area around player bases. Hotfix 2 includes even more Tadpole-related changes and brings several bug fixes to the modular submarine. These include fixing an issue that could occasionally teleport players back to their base when controlling a vehicle, as well as an infinite oxygen bug that could occur after dying of hunger or thirst while piloting it. The overall changes should make deep sea travel more predictable and therefore more enjoyable.

Subnautica 2 EULA Released After Fan Criticism; Taunting is now fair game

In addition to gameplay-related changes, Hotfix 2 also revises Subnautica 2An end-user license agreement that has recently caught the attention of fans due to some bizarrely restrictive provisions. Gone is the condition that prohibited players from using the game to damage the reputation of Krafton, the game's publisher and parent company, Unknown Worlds Entertainment. The old provision was broad enough to ostensibly cover parodies or, to use a meta example, publicly mock a game's EULA as too draconian. This breadth would likely raise questions of enforceability in many major jurisdictions that extend free speech protections to parody and criticism. Another thing that has disappeared from the new agreement is the requirement for all manufactured fans Subnautica 2 gameplay videos containing an express disclaimer that Krafton does not endorse them; the updated EULA now makes this disapproval implicit.

Unknown Worlds has confirmed that more changes are in development to address community feedback regarding performance and creature balance issues. Hotfix 2 is currently only available for PC players, with Xbox Series X/S users expected to receive it once the console's certification process, which has already begun, is complete. Meantime, Subnautica 2 Hotfix 3 is likely to reach Steam and Epic Games Store users in the first half of June 2026.

Subnautica 2 Hotfix 2 patch notes

Added more areas with silver resources in the early game area
Added additional Troilite resource areas in the late game region
Adjusted Hammerheads behavior so they are no longer attracted to Tadpole lights as much. This previously resulted in Hammerheads following players, even back to their bases, and hanging around there trying to reach the Tadpole.
Fixed a bug where players could sometimes be teleported back to their base while exploring in Tadpole
Fixed an infinite oxygen bug after the player died of hunger or thirst while piloting the Tadpole
Fixed a crash that could occur when losing connection during multiplayer
Fixed a crash that could occur randomly in the late game area
Improved performance when using Epic visual settings
Added a description to let players know that telemetry can be turned off at any time in settings
- This description is only available in English and will be translated in the next patch
Made some changes to the terms and conditions
- Edited sections include Preamble, Limited License, Game Videos, Prohibited Uses, Ownership, Section Name, Player Submitted Content, Limitation of Liability, Transfer of Terms
Made some changes to the Privacy Policy
- Revised sections include Privacy Notice, What Information We Collect, How We Share Your Information, Securing Your Information

Due to changes in the Terms of Service, you will be asked to accept again the next time you start Subnautica 2. Changes will be effective immediately or, if required, at the end of any notice period where you live.

Analytics for Subnautica 2 can be turned off at any time from the settings menu.
There's also an FAQ clarifying some common community questions and a website with guidelines for creating content for fans.
This hotfix may take some time to roll out worldwide and will be available for Xbox once certification is approved.
Additional changes are currently in the works to address community feedback regarding creature balance and overall graphical performance. We will be rolling out these changes in the coming weeks.