Subnautica 2: Improvements in Base Building
Subnautica has gained popularity as an ocean exploration/survival crafting game, largely due to its underwater base building feature. The upcoming sequel is set to enhance this aspect of the game, making it more dynamic and customizable for players.
One of the major improvements in Subnautica 2 is the flexibility in building bases. Unlike the first game, which had fixed pieces, the sequel has moved towards procedural generation, allowing players to create more sculptural and expressive structures. Base design lead Kiel McDonald mentioned that players can now adjust the size of corridors and shape windows as they desire, showcasing a new level of creativity in base building.
Senior engineer Carolyn Lu explained how the procedural system enables players to customize windows in various shapes, adapting to the structure of the base. This level of detail and customization adds depth to the base building experience in Subnautica 2.
McDonald highlighted the challenge in designing the new base building system, stating that it is a unique feature not commonly seen in other survival games. Despite some controversies surrounding the game’s development, such as legal disputes between former leads and the publisher, the innovative base building mechanics in Subnautica 2 are poised to impress players.