Unknown Worlds has released the first major update for its early access underwater survival sequel Subnautica 2, dubbed 1.1 or "Adaptive Measures". The headline change is the ability to stun certain creatures using the game's Sonic Resonator, offering players a new defensive option; however, the studio is holding firm on its controversial decision that, unlike the original game, creatures cannot be killed. Creative director Anthony Gallegos framed the change as a response to player feedback from those who felt unable to defend themselves, while stressing the team still feels "strongly" about the non-violent approach.

Beyond stunning, the update includes creature flinching to make responses clearer, smoother transitions between Blight creatures' passive and aggressive states, and improvements to BioMods, including more plentiful stations and the ability to scan creatures to unlock extra passive slots. Wrecks gain "very light" puzzling and visual polish, the PDA has an overhauled UI with audio-log playback, and voice-over lines have been reprioritised. Update 1.2, bringing multiplayer features such as proximity chat and player revive, is expected "some weeks" later, with a larger 2.0 "big content drop" adding a new region, creatures, story and vehicles due later in the year. The launch has been overshadowed by a messy legal dispute between ousted leadership and owner Krafton, which recently agreed to pay staff bonuses while confirming the departure of reinstated CEO Ted Gill.