Update 1.2 has finally arrived for Subnautica 2, bringing a collection of highly requested features aimed at improving the game's co-op experience. The update, dubbed the Buddy System patch, adds proximity voice chat, inventory sharing, player revives, emotes, new playable characters, and several other improvements. The update comes as Subnautica 2 continues to expand during its Early Access period.

The road to Subnautica 2 has been far from straightforward since development began in 2022. The game became caught up in a highly public dispute involving Krafton and Unknown Worlds, including an attempt to remove the studio's CEO and co-founders. Despite the controversy surrounding its development, Subnautica 2 has continued to build momentum since entering Early Access on May 14.

The game has already sold 1 million copies, while its Steam launch also broke the platform's record for the most-played release of 2026 at the time, with more than 460,000 players logging in within hours of its Early Access debut. Unknown Worlds has continued building on that momentum through regular updates, with Update 1.2 now delivering one of the game's most significant co-op-focused additions yet.

Creative Director Anthony Gallegos revealed the details of the Buddy System update in a new developer video. As previously outlined in the game's Early Access roadmap, Update 1.2 places a major emphasis on multiplayer features, with Proximity Voice Chat arguably being the most anticipated addition.

The new voice chat system allows players to communicate with one another when they are nearby. As players move farther apart, their voices gradually transition into a radio-like effect to indicate that they are moving out of communication range. The further away players are from each other, the more distorted the audio becomes, creating a natural way to communicate the distance between teammates.

Emotes have also been added, giving players more ways to communicate without relying entirely on voice chat. The available actions include a simple thumbs-up, clapping, pointing, expressions of frustration, and several other animations.

Inventory Sharing is another major addition, allowing teammates to access one another's inventories and quickly move items between them without having to drop everything on the ground first.

Players can also now revive fallen teammates while exploring the world. This should make co-op expeditions less punishing, particularly when players venture into dangerous areas or find themselves separated from their bases.

Unknown Worlds has also added two new playable characters, Grace and Jegna, alongside additional suit color options. More customization options are expected to be introduced throughout the Early Access period, giving players more ways to personalize their characters while exploring the underwater world.

Another useful addition is the new tracking tag, which allows players to mark objects or locations they want to find again later. For example, a player can attach a tag to an item stored inside a storage crate, placing an indicator on the HUD that makes the crate easier to locate.

The system can also be used when a player dies while carrying a tracking tag, extending the black box's effective range and making the player's lost belongings easier to find.

Update 1.2 also includes numerous bug fixes and general improvements, including changes to the user interface designed to make crafting and base building more intuitive. While these additions may not be as immediately noticeable as the new multiplayer features, they should make the overall Early Access experience smoother.

Player feedback has remained an important part of Subnautica 2's development, with Gallegos thanking the community for continuing to report issues and suggest improvements. Some of that feedback has already directly influenced the game's development, including several of the features introduced in Update 1.2.

Unknown Worlds is already teasing what's next for Subnautica 2, with the latest update hinting at new biomes, creatures, and story-driven moments coming in future updates. With the Buddy System now live, the studio appears ready to continue expanding the game while using Early Access feedback to shape its long-term development.