Unknown Worlds Entertainment released the Buddy System Update 1.2 for Subnautica 2 on Aug. 19, 2024 [1, 2].
The update introduces several highly requested co-op features to the early access experience. By shifting the gameplay dynamics toward a more collaborative environment, the developer said it aims to improve how players interact while exploring the game's underwater world [3, 5].
Players on Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam now have access to proximity chat and emoting [1, 4]. These tools allow for more organic communication between teammates as they navigate the depths. The patch also introduces player trading, enabling users to exchange resources and equipment to optimize their survival [1, 3].
Survival mechanics have been adjusted to support team play through the addition of co-op revives [1, 3]. This feature reduces the penalty for individual player death by allowing teammates to intervene. Additionally, the update includes tracking tags to help players locate one another in the vast oceanic environment [1, 3].
Unknown Worlds Entertainment said it developed the update to address community feedback regarding the multiplayer experience [3, 5]. The developer said it used this release to provide a glimpse into the ongoing development of the early access period [2].
The current version 1.2 [1] focuses on the social and utility aspects of the game. By integrating these systems, the developer is transitioning the title from a solitary survival experience into a shared venture, one that relies on coordination and mutual support to progress.
“The Buddy System Update 1.2 adds multiplayer features such as proximity chat, emoting, and player trading.”
The introduction of the Buddy System Update indicates a strategic pivot by Unknown Worlds Entertainment to prioritize social connectivity in Subnautica 2. By adding proximity chat and co-op revives, the developer is moving away from the isolation-heavy loop of the original title toward a cooperative survival model. This shift suggests that the long-term vision for the game's early access phase is to build a community-driven experience where player interdependence is a core mechanic.
