Subnautica 2 Early Access 1.1 Adds Better Creature Reactions, Not Fish Kills

Subnautica 2 developer Unknown Worlds is rolling out Early Access update 1.1 today, July 8, and the headline feature might surprise you: it’s not a patch for turning the ocean into a slaughterhouse—players still won’t be able to kill fish.

Early Access 1.1: “Adaptive Measures” and the biomods push

In a new video, creative director Anthony Gallegos described update 1.1, titled Adaptive Measures, as a focused expansion of the biomods system. The intent is to give players more options earlier in the game rather than forcing most customization to wait until later.

• The update expands the biomods system with more biolabs appearing in the early-game area.
• Because of those added biolabs, players should be able to find and swap additional biomods from the start.
• Later on, creature scanning will help unlock more passive biomod slots.
• With those added slots, players can equip multiple passive biomods at the same time.

Creature reactions, stun feedback, and predator “mitigation”

Several of the most meaningful changes are aimed at how creatures respond when you interact with them—especially through tools and biomods tied to creature behavior.

• Creature flinches have been improved across much of the roster, so most creatures now provide a clearer reaction when struck with the Survival Multitool before they run away.
• This improved reaction timing is meant to help players better see and understand the effect they’re having on creatures.
• Unknown Worlds has also updated the Sonic Resonator, which now connects to creature “stunned” states.
• When you hit creatures with the Sonic Resonator, they should visibly communicate that they’re stunned.

Gallegos framed the change as part of making “mitigation” feel more tangible to players. He explained that the studio wants the feedback loop—what you do, how it affects creatures, and what you can tell from it—to match the kind of mitigation experience players should feel. He also pointed to player feedback as a major driver behind this direction.

Why you still can’t kill predators

Discussion around predator combat has been one of the most talked-about topics for Subnautica 2. Some players raised concerns that there’s no ability to kill predators directly, and Unknown Worlds has repeatedly clarified that even with mitigation tools, the game will not allow outright killing.

Gallegos previously addressed the “pacifism game” narrative, pushing back on the idea that the studio ever set out to create a game built around refusing to fight. He told MinnMax that interpretation just isn’t true.

Other 1.1 changes, plus what’s coming next

Update 1.1 also includes broader gameplay and quality-of-life improvements beyond biomods and creature behavior.

• Blight encounters have been adjusted to create a smoother transition from passive to aggressive behavior.
• Wreck-related gameplay has been improved to add more puzzle solving and gameplay variety.
• Wreck visuals have been made more cohesive.
• The PDA has been updated to provide clearer information.
• Players will get a new personal storage option inside their base.
• That personal storage is not connected to fabricators and processors by default.

Unknown Worlds expects the full 1.1 patch notes later today.

Roadmap: update 1.2 and the larger Early Access 2 release

Looking beyond today’s update, Gallegos said the next major Early Access step—version 1.2—should arrive “some weeks” after 1.1. That release will add multiplayer features such as proximity chat and player revive.

Further down the line, the studio’s big Early Access 2 update is planned for later in the year. It will include a new region, new creatures, new vehicle chassis, expanded progression, and new story content. Gallegos also noted the team is small and therefore working through that content while simultaneously integrating player feedback.

Studio news: settlement and leadership changes at Krafton

Subnautica 2 has been a major success, and earlier this month it was confirmed that the full Unknown Worlds team would receive bonuses after parent company Krafton reached a settlement involving studio leadership.

Bloomberg reported that the settlement included a leadership change: Unknown Worlds CEO Ted Gill stepped down, and the company would look for a new executive leader.

Krafton later confirmed the settlement in a statement shared with IGN, saying its focus remains on the future of Subnautica 2 and that Unknown Worlds will continue developing the game through Early Access and toward the full 1.0 release.

Krafton’s statement read:

“Krafton, Inc., Unknown Worlds Entertainment and Ted Gill, Charlie Cleveland, and Max McGuire have reached a mutual settlement and agreed to dismiss all pending legal proceedings,” Krafton said. “Unknown Worlds and Krafton are focused on supporting Subnautica 2, its Early Access journey to the full 1.0 release and the global community that has made the franchise so special. Unknown Worlds will continue leading development, with Krafton providing support for the success of the game.”