News

Subnautica 2’s Buddy System Update Will Arrive August 19

Early Access 1.2 will add Proximity Chat, Player Trading, Revives, a Tracking Tag, emotes, new characters, and interface improvements, while Early Access 2 is planned to add a new region.

Mihaela Kicevski3 weeks ago

80 2 minutes read

Subnautica 2 Buddy System Update Vlog graphic showing a presenter beside the Buddy System title

Subnautica 2 Early Access 1.2, titled Buddy System, is scheduled to arrive on August 19, 2026. The latest Steam announcement features Creative Director Anthony Gallegos discussing what players can expect from the update.

The vlog focuses on several additions designed around interacting with other players, including Proximity Chat, Player Trading, and Revives. It also introduces the Tracking Tag, another feature covered in the update preview.

Voice chat now reacts to distance

Proximity Chat changes as players spread out. Voice audio stays clear when teammates are close, then takes on a radio-like effect and breaks up more as the distance grows. Move too far away, and teammates will barely be audible.

Players who would rather communicate without talking can use a new emote wheel. Its options include a wave, thumbs-up, frustration, and applause, giving groups a quick way to share information or simply be a little silly underwater.

Revives and Tracking Tags support co-op survival

Fallen teammates can now be revived after a hostile creature attack or a collapse caused by low food or oxygen. The rescue window is limited, so reaching the downed player quickly will be the difference between a save and a much longer search.

The new Tracking Tag marks the locations of boxes left in the ocean. If a player dies with one in their inventory, the item extends the range of their Black Box signal, making lost gear easier to locate.

Player Trading is also available at close range. Holding the trade button near another player opens the interaction, and that player receives a notification when someone is looking through their bags.

Two playable characters, Grace and Jegna, join the roster alongside two additional suit color profiles, giving co-op groups more ways to tell each other apart.

Building and crafting get clearer interface feedback

Update 1.2 revises several interface details. The build tool now explains more clearly when an object cannot be placed and why. Pinned recipes are simpler to manage, craftable recipes are marked more clearly, and beacons begin with a smaller display that expands when hovered over, reducing screen clutter around busy locations.

Early Access 2 may also get a preview

The video also looks ahead to Early Access 2. Creative Director Anthony Gallegos says the team is working on a new region featuring the Collector Leviathan, alongside more story content, new progression, and a stompy mech reminiscent of the original game’s PRAWN Suit. The announcement does not give a release date for the follow-up.

With Buddy System still scheduled for August 19, players will not have to wait long to see how these new communication, trading, revival, and tracking features fit into Subnautica 2.

What do you think of the Buddy System features? Share your thoughts in the comments, and follow us on X, Bluesky, YouTube, Instagram, Steam, and Telegram.

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.