Kelp Forest (Subnautica 2)

The Kelp Forest is a returning biome in Subnautica 2, confirmed as one of the environments on Planet Zezura. It is the only biome name shared with the original Subnautica, where the Kelp Forest was one of the most recognizable and beloved environments in the game. Its return was widely celebrated by the community when the biome name was spotted in development file names during a dev vlog.

What is known

The Subnautica 2 Kelp Forest is set on Zezura, a completely different alien planet from Planet 4546B. This means the forest features alien kelp species native to Zezura rather than the Creepvine plants that defined the original biome. The specific appearance, size, and properties of Zezura's kelp have not been detailed, but the biome name confirms that towering underwater vegetation forming dense forest-like environments remains part of the Subnautica experience.

Like all of Zezura's biomes, the Kelp Forest is entirely handcrafted by the environment team. Level Designer Artyom O'Rielly confirmed: "Each zone is thought through and designed by hand." The biome will feature unique creatures, resources, and environmental challenges distinct from its 4546B predecessor.

The original Kelp Forest

In the original Subnautica, the Kelp Forest was one of the first biomes players explored after the Safe Shallows. It was defined by towering Creepvine plants that stretched from the seafloor toward the surface, creating dense columns of vegetation with limited visibility. The biome was home to Stalkers (aggressive fish that collected metal salvage) and provided Creepvine Seeds and Fiber Mesh, making it an important early-game resource location.

The Kelp Forest's combination of beauty and mild danger made it a fan favorite. The Creepvines created an atmospheric underwater canopy, and the Stalker encounters were tense without being overwhelming for new players. For many, the Kelp Forest represents the quintessential Subnautica experience: alien beauty mixed with just enough danger to keep players alert.

Community reaction

When the Kelp Forest's name was spotted in dev vlog file names, the community response was overwhelmingly positive. The biome was one of the most requested returning environments, with fans expressing enthusiasm for experiencing a Zezura-native version of their favorite zone. One community member's request captured the sentiment: "I need a big and foresty kelp forest."

The return of the Kelp Forest signals that Unknown Worlds is building on beloved design elements from the original game while placing them in Zezura's alien context. Whether the Subnautica 2 version captures the same atmospheric quality as the original, with its towering vegetation and moderate-threat encounters, remains to be seen during Early Access.

What remains unknown

• The alien kelp species' appearance, size, and properties

• Whether equivalent creatures to Stalkers inhabit the new version

• Depth range and placement in Zezura's biome progression

• Unique resources available in the biome

• How the dynamic weather system affects the Kelp Forest

• Whether the biome is affected by the Blight