Biomes

The world of Planet Zezura contains both underwater and surface environments. The planet is described as having "harsh, desert-like conditions" on the surface, suggesting players will encounter land-based biomes alongside the underwater zones. A partial list of biome names was spotted in file names during a dev vlog. These names may change before or during Early Access.

Dynamic weather

Dev Vlog #1 (April 23, 2025) previewed a dynamic weather system affecting ocean currents, visibility, and creature behavior. This is a new addition to the franchise; previous Subnautica games had static weather conditions.

Confirmed biomes

Start zone

The initial area. Unlike the first Subnautica's Safe Shallows, Subnautica 2 reportedly starts players deeper underwater after a ship crash, then propels them toward the surface. The start zone may be the area players reach after this opening sequence.

Kelp Forest

A returning biome from the original Subnautica. In the first game, the Kelp Forest was one of the most recognizable environments, with towering creepvine plants reaching from the seafloor toward the surface. Creepvines provided fiber and seeds, and the biome was home to Stalkers. Its return was well received by the community.

Coral Gardens

A biome with extensive coral formations. File names suggest sub-biomes: Dolerite Spires and Graveyard Spires. The original Subnautica had the Grand Reef with coral features, but this appears to be a distinct environment.

Sparse Plains

An open, relatively barren biome. This is the confirmed habitat of the Collector Leviathan, which appears approximately 20,000-25,000 units from the player upon entry. The openness of the terrain means limited cover from the Collector's line of sight.

Jelly Plateaus

A biome likely featuring jellyfish-related formations or fauna. The original Subnautica had the Jellyshroom Cave, a bioluminescent underground biome. This appears to be a separate take on a similar theme.

Overgrown Ruins

One of the most intriguing biome names. The community has speculated about what the ruins represent: remnants of Architect (Precursor) structures, old human installations, or something entirely new. The "overgrown" descriptor implies structures reclaimed by local plant life over a long period.

World Tree

Suggests a massive biological structure forming the basis of an entire biome. No official details have been shared, but the name implies a single enormous organism (like a colossal tree or coral formation) that defines the zone's ecology.

VepZone

A biome with no publicly available details beyond its internal file name. The unusual naming convention may be a placeholder or internal designation.

Void

In the original Subnautica, the Void (also called the Dead Zone or Crater Edge) was the open ocean beyond the playable area, populated by Ghost Leviathans that attacked anyone who ventured too far. Its return suggests a similar boundary mechanic keeping players within the intended map area.

Cut biomes

Leaked milestone documents indicate two biomes were cut from the Early Access scope. These are expected to be added during the 2-3 year Early Access development period.