Unknown Worlds has released the Subnautica 2 Early Access 1.2 update, introducing the Buddy System, proximity voice chat, and a host of gameplay improvements, while also making a $100,000 donation to The Ocean Cleanup
Unknown Worlds has rolled out the Subnautica 2 Early Access 1.2 update, delivering a substantial set of new features and fixes for the underwater survival game. The headline addition is the Buddy System, which aims to enhance multiplayer co-op by introducing proximity voice chat, player emotes, inventory sharing, and the ability to revive downed teammates. The update is now live for all Early Access players on PC.
Key Features in the 1.2 Update
The Buddy System is designed to make co-op play more interactive and intuitive. Proximity voice chat allows players to communicate locally, with audio quality degrading as distance increases, while a radio effect simulates being out of range. Emotes have been added via a radial menu, letting players cheer, clap, or express frustration. Inventory sharing is now possible directly between players, removing the need to drop items on the ground. The revive mechanic enables teammates to bring each other back from a downed state by sharing oxygen, adding a new layer of teamwork.
Character customisation has also expanded, with two new playable characters-Grace and Jegna-and additional suit colour options. The update introduces the tracking tag, a short-range beacon that can be attached to items or left in the environment, helping players locate lost equipment or find their way back to important locations. HUD icons and recipe pinning have been improved for clarity, and the base builder tool now provides better feedback on placement and construction limits.
Patch Notes and Technical Improvements
The 1.2 patch brings a long list of gameplay tweaks, bug fixes, and quality-of-life enhancements. Notable changes include improved fauna animations, new environmental effects, and adjustments to creature behaviour. The base building system now features alignment guides and clearer feedback when objects cannot be placed, while the trashcan finally functions as intended, destroying items after a short delay. Vehicles and tools have received balance changes, such as the Feedback Resonator now stunning creatures instead of causing them to flee, and the Sonic Resonator's stun duration being extended.
Performance and UI improvements are also prominent. The update adds new frame generation modes for RTX 5000 series GPUs, dynamic frame generation, and the ability to enable VSync and DLSS Frame Generation simultaneously. Menu navigation, error messaging, and save code handling have all been refined. The patch addresses a wide range of bugs, from multiplayer desyncs and object clipping to audio playback issues and incorrect HUD elements. For a detailed breakdown, the full patch notes are available on Steam.
Developer Commitment and Ocean Conservation
Alongside the update, Unknown Worlds has announced a $100,000 donation to The Ocean Cleanup, a non-profit focused on removing plastic from the world's oceans. This continues the studio's tradition of supporting environmental causes, following a previous donation made during World Environment Day in 2019. The developer states that Subnautica's origins are rooted in a passion for ocean conservation, and this financial contribution is intended to reinforce that commitment.
Subnautica 2 remains in Early Access, with further updates planned as development continues. The studio has outlined its intention to keep refining multiplayer features and core systems based on player feedback. For those interested in how other live-service games are evolving through major updates, Arrowhead's recent changes to Helldivers 2 offer a useful comparison, as detailed in our coverage of the latest Helldivers 2 patch.
What Remains Uncertain
While the 1.2 update marks a significant step forward for Subnautica 2's multiplayer and technical stability, the game is still in active development and subject to change. Unknown Worlds has not yet confirmed a full release date or detailed the complete roadmap for future content. Some features, such as cross-platform play and additional biomes, have been discussed but remain unannounced for specific updates. As with most Early Access titles, players should expect ongoing iteration and the possibility of further adjustments as feedback is incorporated.
Early Access is a release model where a game is made available to the public before its full launch, allowing players to experience new features and content as they are developed. This approach enables developers to gather feedback, identify bugs, and refine gameplay systems in real time. However, it also means that the experience can be unstable, incomplete, or subject to significant changes before the final version is released. Players engaging with Early Access titles should be aware that features, performance, and content may evolve rapidly, and not all planned elements are guaranteed to appear in the finished game.
