The survival game Subnautica 2 on Steam has announced that it will deliberately forgo a classic feature, but not all players are satisfied.
What is this feature? Already on May 14, 2026, the survival game Subnautica 2 is set to launch on Steam. However, even before the release, the developers announced that they want to do without an in-game map.
This is quite unusual; while there wasn’t a map in the first part of Subnautica either, it is usually part of the foundation in typical survival games. But Subnautica 2 does one thing drastically different.
Here you can watch a trailer for Subnautica 2:
No flat map
What is different about Subnautica 2? While most survival games are set in an above-ground world that typically offers only one or two levels, the structure of Subnautica 2 is much more vertical. Therefore, in one spot further down or further up in the water, there could be a completely different Points of Interest.
Accordingly, it is quite difficult to illustrate the world on a 2D map that would help players navigate. However, the developers have another reason for opting against the map.
As one of the developers explains, they want players to explore the world themselves and interact with it. This is likely contrary to the idea of a map, which is why they ultimately decided against it after many debates.
How does the community view this? The fans of Subnautica 2 have differing opinions. While the majority has no problem doing without a map, partly because it could be somewhat confusing, others see no issue with having a map and would have preferred it. They write on Reddit:
- Monscawiz: “I agree. Especially considering how three-dimensional the world is, a map would confuse the player more than help.”
- SquidFetus: “With the PC mods for Subnautica 1 and BZ it works perfectly, but I agree that it’s best not to use one during the first playthrough and to use the signal buoys as intended as a navigation aid. However, for repeated playthroughs? I love the map. The claim that it ‘doesn’t work’ is a bit too strong.”
- Gallonim: “No, Subnautica 2 should have a map […]”
- EmeraldPistol: “The first game had signal buoys if you needed a reminder of an interesting place, and those were good enough. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.”
Whether Subnautica 2 will also become a great success without a map remains to be seen. The developers themselves debated long before coming to the decision. In case of doubt, mods will have to do the job again. You can learn more about Subnautica 2 here: After 12 years, Subnautica 2 is finally coming – why are so many excited about the game?
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