Subnautica 2 hits 5 million sales, and its first update is already making base building less of a headache

Unknown Worlds' 1.1 patch, called Adaptive Measures, adds stun tools, easier Tadpole Dock placement, and broader polish across rendering, creatures, and the UI.

50 1 minute read

Subnautica 2 has now sold 5 million copies, and that milestone landed alongside Adaptive Measures, the game’s first early access update.

The climb has been quick. Unknown Worlds said the sequel sold 2 million copies in just 12 hours, then later crossed 4 million, and it has now pushed on to 5 million while early access keeps moving forward.

Adaptive Measures also gives players a little more room to breathe when things get crowded. The update adds stun options after plenty of pushback over the game’s forced pacifism, but sea creatures still cannot be killed. You can only stun them when they get too close.

Base building got some attention too. Unknown Worlds improved placement for the Tadpole Dock so it fits into smaller spaces more easily, added better placement for the fabricator, introduced a new dedicated storage structure, and made further changes to rendering, creature behavior, and the user interface. If you want a refresher on what the sequel asks from your setup, our PC specs breakdown covers the higher-end demands.

Fernando Melo, executive producer at Unknown Worlds, said, “With this update, we focused on refining the early-game experience and core systems,” and added, “We’ll continue shaping the world of Subnautica 2 together with our players throughout Early Access.”

Tell us what you think about Subnautica 2 in the comments, and follow us on X, Bluesky, YouTube, Instagram for more updates.

Subnautica 2 is an underwater survival adventure set on an all-new alien world, developed by Unknown Worlds. Play alone or with friends in 4-player co-op. Adapt to survive by building custom bases and crafting tools. Explore the unknown to uncover the mysteries hidden within the depths.