Planet Zezura

Planet Zezura is the alien ocean world where Subnautica 2 takes place. It is an entirely new planet distinct from Planet 4546B, the setting of the original Subnautica and Subnautica: Below Zero. Zezura features vast underwater biomes, towering coral formations, deep trenches, and a hostile surface environment. The planet's ecosystem is threatened by a mysterious organism called the Blight, a bacterium that is disrupting the natural balance of the world. Players arrive on Zezura as pioneers after a 14-year journey in cryosleep, tasked with surviving the ocean depths and uncovering the planet's secrets.

Arrival on Zezura

Players are pioneers who have been asleep for 14 years during the interstellar journey to Zezura. Upon arrival, the ship's AI delivers the game's central premise: "This world is too dangerous for humans to survive... Unless you change what it means to be human." This cryptic message hints at the Biosampler system, which allows players to collect genetic samples from alien creatures and use them to modify their own biology. The pioneers must establish a foothold on an alien world while unraveling why the planet's ecosystem is "out of balance."

Surface conditions

Unlike Planet 4546B, which had several explorable surface islands, Zezura's surface is largely inhospitable. Promotional materials and trailers show a barren, desert-like landscape above the waterline with rocky terrain and minimal vegetation. The true diversity and life of Zezura exists beneath the waves. Atmospheric conditions on the surface remain dangerous, strengthening the game's focus on underwater exploration and survival.

Confirmed biomes

Biome names have been identified from development files and official media. These may evolve during Early Access, but the following zones have been confirmed:

The Blight

The Blight is a mysterious bacterium that is spreading across Zezura's ecosystem and disrupting the planet's natural balance. It appears as a corrupting force affecting both flora and fauna. The Blight is a central narrative threat. Understanding and potentially curing it may be a core objective of the game's story. Players encounter Blight-affected zones where creatures behave more aggressively and the environment becomes increasingly hazardous.

The Blight draws thematic parallels to the Kharaa bacterium from the original Subnautica, though it appears to be a distinct organism native to Zezura rather than a returning pathogen.

Fauna

Zezura is home to an entirely new set of alien creatures. None of the species from Planet 4546B return. Confirmed or spotted fauna includes:

The full creature roster has not been revealed. As with previous Subnautica titles, expect a diverse ecosystem ranging from tiny passive fish to massive leviathan-class predators that patrol specific biomes.

The Biosampler

The Biosampler is a new tool unique to Subnautica 2. It allows players to collect genetic samples from alien creatures and use those samples to modify their own biology. This "change what it means to be human" mechanic is central to surviving Zezura's increasingly dangerous depths. Genetic modifications may grant abilities like enhanced oxygen capacity, pressure resistance, or bioluminescence. Though specifics are still being revealed during Early Access development.

Vehicles

Subnautica 2 introduces redesigned vehicles for exploring Zezura's depths:

• The Tadpole: A new submersible vehicle detailed in Dev Vlog 4. It appears to be a small, maneuverable personal submarine, potentially replacing or complementing the Seamoth from the original game

• Additional vehicles are expected but have not been officially revealed. The original games featured a progression from personal subs to large mobile bases (Cyclops/Seatruck)

Base building has been completely redesigned with greater flexibility and creativity compared to previous entries. Players can construct customizable underwater bases using modular components.

Multiplayer co-op

For the first time in the series, Subnautica 2 supports online co-op for up to 4 players. Co-op is described as an optional addition. The game is designed primarily as a single-player experience that can be shared with friends. Players explore, build, and survive together on Zezura. The multiplayer implementation was a major factor in the studio's decision to move to Unreal Engine 5.

Connection to previous lore

Subnautica 2 takes place after the events of both Subnautica and Subnautica: Below Zero. While it is set on a new planet with new characters, creatures, and locations, the broader universe and narrative threads of the Alterra Corporation and humanity's expansion into deep space continue. The "Voices from Beyond" narrative episodes released by Unknown Worlds provide backstory connecting the events of the previous games to the pioneer mission that brings players to Zezura.

No characters, vehicles, or creatures from the previous games return directly. Planet Zezura is a fresh start designed to stand on its own while existing within the established Subnautica universe.

System requirements

Subnautica 2 is headed to Early Access in 2026 on PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store) and Xbox Series X|S. PlayStation availability has not been confirmed. Steam Deck and ROG Ally compatibility has been noted.