Subnautica 2, which has been highly anticipated, features a major change to its gameplay mechanics: invulnerable leviathans. In a break from Subnautica games in the past, one could, as much as it was difficult, kill off these large predators.
Leviathans, due to their enormity and fear-inspiring presence, are the focal point of the Subnautica experience and a focal point of the fear element of the game. The fundamental philosophy of the Subnautica series is to survive by existing alongside the alien world, learning players that survival is a consequence of harmony with nature, not a consequence of its destruction. Although leviathans were once killable in earlier games, it was not encouraged or rewarded.
Subnautica 2 developers intend to uphold this philosophy by making leviathans invincible. This is meant to increase the danger posed by these top predators and thereby introduce new and problematic gameplay conditions for players venturing into dangerous terrains.
Yet, this option has been unpopular with players. Although the Subnautica games never penalized killing leviathans, some players liked the possibility of engaging in battle with these monsters, particularly after they had upgraded their gear. For others, these combat situations were a means of “exposure therapy,” and they managed to overcome their fear of the game’s scariest animals.
Besides the changes, Subnautica 2 will not include iconic vehicles from other games. Little information is known regarding new vehicles, but it is assumed that the un-damageable leviathans will require the development of new tools and technology to avoid.
The game is releasing in early access in 2025, and the devs are currently gathering community input about this change. The question then is: Should leviathans be killable in Subnautica 2, or does their invulnerability suit the underlying survival experience of the game better? Ultimately, the developers will need to carefully weigh player feedback against their design philosophy to determine the best approach for Subnautica 2.
