- Subnautica 2’s leaked playtest reportedly runs on Unreal Engine 5.5.4 with unofficial VR support.
- The game may begin deep underwater, with narrative ties to Ryley and Marguerit from earlier titles.
- A new gene modification system and the terrifying “Collector Leviathan” are rumored to play major roles.
- The playtest version reportedly featured resource gathering in the form of concentrated ore chunks.
Recent online discussions on Reddit have brought to light alleged details and leaks from a private playtest of Subnautica 2, the highly anticipated next installment in Unknown Worlds Entertainment’s beloved underwater survival series.
While these details remain unconfirmed by the developers, they offer intriguing insights into what fans might expect from the upcoming game, which is slated for Early Access release in 2025.
The information, reportedly stemming from a playtester’s friend who managed to retain access to a time-limited build, paints a picture of a game that feels both fresh and familiar. The build is said to run on Unreal Engine 5.5.4, with one report indicating smooth performance—achieving 90 frames per second in virtual reality (VR) using UEVR on a Quest Pro via Virtual Desktop. While official VR support hasn’t been detailed, this suggests a focus on optimization and potentially immersive VR experiences.
Intriguingly, the leak mentions a custom in-game console referred to as “UWEConsole,” distinct from the standard Unreal Engine console, hinting at custom development tools. According to the leaker, access to debug permissions through this console is locked in the playtest build.
Disclaimer: This information originates from a Reddit post that may contain details from a closed playtest. The post may be subject to removal, and the features described remain unconfirmed and could change before the game’s official release.
A Familiar Yet Terrifying Start
According to the leaked account by SN2Throwaway, Subnautica 2 opens with an intense and fear-inducing sequence, placing players deep underwater—a significant shift from the shallower starting zones of earlier titles. This moment is described as short-lived, however, as players are quickly propelled toward the surface, suggesting an early scripted sequence that ramps up tension before easing players into the main gameplay loop.
The game reportedly takes place on a new alien planet, but longtime fans may recognize nods to previous entries. References to characters like Ryley (from Subnautica) and Marguerit (from Below Zero) are said to appear through PDA entries and other in-game interactions, offering subtle narrative connections. Fans of Marguerit in particular will allegedly find new lore that expands on her backstory.
Evolving Gameplay and a New Leviathan Threat
One of the standout details involves a new gene modification system, which reportedly allows players to acquire adaptations that support survival in extreme environments. This mechanic is described as a major story element and is reflected in the PDA, where players can view their current genetic modifications. It also explains how the game begins at such a challenging depth.
Resource gathering has reportedly been tweaked, with materials now appearing as concentrated ore ‘chunks’ on the ocean floor—rather than the more scattered deposits seen in previous games. However, this could simply be a playtest-specific change to streamline testing.
Perhaps the most chilling detail is the emergence of a new Leviathan-class creature, known as the “Collector Leviathan.” Its name was reportedly revealed by scanning the creature after bypassing the playtest’s exploration barrier, and the leaker describes its animation as “terrifying” and its presence as genuinely frightening. They expressed hope that the name remains unchanged in the final release.
Community Engagement and Development Insights
The Subnautica 2 playtest was publicly visible on SteamDB under names like “Subnautica 2 Playtest” and “Beagle Playtest.” It was time-limited, and participating testers were reportedly invited to a private Discord server. According to the leaker, communication there was limited to Q&A with developers via a bot, with no open chat channels—offering a glimpse into the structured approach Unknown Worlds is taking with feedback collection.
The leaker, identifying themselves as a friend of a playtester who backed up the game files before the playtest ended, also noted they’re learning Unreal Engine modding in hopes of exploring more beyond the current limitations of the build. However, they emphasized caution and a desire not to spoil major plot points.
A Word of Caution: Beware of Fake Playtest Invites
With increased interest in Subnautica 2, scammers have begun circulating fake playtest invites across Steam and Discord.
If you’re ever offered access to a playtest:
- Only trust emails sent from an official Unknown Worlds email address.
- Verify any invites through the official Subnautica Discord or website.
- Avoid clicking suspicious Steam links or DMs offering game keys.
Stay safe, and always double-check sources—especially when it comes to unreleased games with high demand.
Caution: Everything Could Change
It’s important to reiterate that these details are based on an unconfirmed leak from an early playtest build. Game development is highly iterative, and mechanics, names, visuals, and entire systems can change significantly before release. That said, for fans eagerly awaiting the next descent into the unknown, these early glimpses offer a compelling—if unofficial—peek at what’s brewing beneath the surface of Subnautica 2.
As Unknown Worlds continues development ahead of the planned 2025 Early Access launch, the community will no doubt be watching closely for official updates to either confirm—or contradict—these tantalizing leaks.