Subnautica 2 Update Adds More Resource Areas Alongside other Game Improvements

A new Subnautica 2 update rolled out to PC users in late May 2026. While primarily focused on fixing critical bugs, the patch also introduces fish AI tweaks, additional resource areas, and Subnautica 2 performance improvements, among other changes.

It’s been ten days since Subnautica 2 launched in early access the world over on May 14, 2026. The first numbered sequel in the underwater survival franchise has been going from strength to strength since then, averaging roughly half a million sales per day. Not one for resting on its laurels, developer Unknown Worlds Entertainment has already started refining its early access build, having introduced the game’s first hotfix on May 19, five days after launch. The devs dispatched the second such patch just a few days later.

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Second Subnautica 2 Update for May 2026 Makes 11 Changes to the Game

Released on May 22, the game’s second post-release update is also its largest yet by a significant margin, with an 11-item changelog that is 175% longer than the patch notes attached to Hotfix 1. The late May 2026 build adds more Subnautica 2 Silver resource locations to the early-game region while simultaneously expanding its late-game counterpart with additional sources of Troilite. The update also introduces some fauna AI tweaks and bug fixes, while eliminating two crash triggers and improving performance on Epic graphics settings, among other things.

Regarding behavioral changes to in-game fauna, Hammerheads will now ignore Subnautica 2 players’ Tadpoles in the latest version of the game. Previously, the creatures were attracted to the submersible’s lights, following it persistently and sometimes cluttering the area around player bases. Hotfix 2 includes even more Tadpole-relevant changes, bestowing several bug fixes upon the modular submarine. These include a fix for an issue that could occasionally teleport players back to their base while operating the vehicle, as well as an infinite-oxygen bug that could occur after dying of hunger or thirst while piloting it. The overall changes should make deep-sea travel feel more predictable and therefore enjoyable.

Subnautica 2 EULA Relaxed After Fan Criticism; Ridicule Is Now Fair Game

Beyond gameplay-facing changes, Hotfix 2 also revises Subnautica 2‘s End-User License Agreement, which has recently drawn fan scrutiny over some bizarrely restrictive provisions. Gone is the stipulation that barred players from using the game to harm the reputation of Krafton, the game’s publisher and Unknown Worlds Entertainment’s parent company. The old provision was broad enough to seemingly cover parodies or, to use a meta example, publicly mocking the game’s EULA as overly draconian. That breadth would likely have raised enforceability questions in many major jurisdictions that extend free speech protections to parody and criticism. Another thing gone from the new agreement is the requirement for all fan-made Subnautica 2 gameplay videos to include an explicit disclaimer stating that Krafton does not endorse them; the updated EULA now makes that non-endorsement implicit.

Unknown Worlds confirmed additional changes are in development to address community feedback regarding performance issues and creature balance. Hotfix 2 is currently only available to PC players, with Xbox Series X/S users expected to receive it after the already-started console certification process is complete. In the meantime, Subnautica 2 Hotfix 3 is likely to reach Steam and Epic Games Store users in the first half of June 2026.

Subnautica 2 Hotfix 2 Patch Notes

Added more Silver resource areas in early game region
Added more Troilite resource areas in late game region
Adjusted Hammerhead behavior so they are no longer as attracted to Tadpole lights. This previously resulted in Hammerheads following players, even back to their bases, and hanging out there trying to reach the Tadpole
Fixed a bug where players could occasionally be teleported back to their base while exploring in a Tadpole
Fixed an infinite oxygen bug after a player died of hunger or thirst while piloting a Tadpole
Resolved a crash that could occur when losing connection during a multiplayer game
Fixed a crash that could occur randomly in the late game region
Improved performance when using Epic visual settings
Added callout to let players know that telemetry can be turned off at any time from settings
- This callout is only available in English and will be translated in the next patch
Implemented some changes to the Terms of Service
- Revised sections include Preamble, Limited License, Gameplay Videos, Prohibited Uses, Ownership, Section Title, Player-Submitted Content, Limitation of Liability, Transfer of Terms and Conditions
Implemented some changes to the Privacy Policy
- Revised sections include Privacy Notice, What Information Do We Collect, How We Share Your Information, Security of Your Information

Due to the changes in the Terms of Service, you will be prompted to re-accept when you next start Subnautica 2. The changes will be effective immediately or, if required, at the end of any notice period where you live.

Analytics for Subnautica 2 can be turned off at any time from the settings menu.
An FAQ clarifying some common community questions and a Fan Content Creator Guidelines webpage are also available.
This hotfix may take some time to roll out worldwide and will be available on Xbox once it has cleared certification.
Additional changes are currently being worked on to address community feedback on creature balance and overall graphics performance. We will continue to roll out those changes in the coming weeks.