Unknown Worlds released the third hotfix for Subnautica 2 on June 1 to adjust predator encounters and creature behavior following player feedback since the game's May 14 early access launch [1, 2, 3]. The developer clarified the game remains focused on exploration rather than combat, ruling out adding predator killing mechanics [1, 2, 3]. Design lead Anthony Gallegos said the intent was to avoid giving players a "dominator" role over the world, drawing inspiration from titles like SOMA and Alien: Isolation that emphasize survival over combat [3].

Hotfix 3 updates Hammerhead sharks so they no longer attack idle vehicles called Tadpoles but remain attracted to Flares deployed by players [1, 2]. The patch also changes Marrowbreaches to deal more damage but with some disagreement about attack frequency: one source says they attack less often while another omits this detail [1, 2]. Nibblers received multiple tweaks, including reduced perception range, slower movement, longer circling before attack, increased damage, and greater sensitivity to the player’s Multitool [1, 2].

Technical fixes addressed DLSS crashes and problems with frame generation during gameplay, improving stability [1].

Since its early access launch on May 14, Subnautica 2 sold approximately 4 million copies and peaked at over 467,000 concurrent players on Steam [2]. Publisher Krafton reportedly agreed to a $250 million earnout bonus for Unknown Worlds tied to the title's strong performance [2].

Gallegos explained the no-kill design choice as part of a broader message about coexistence with the game’s underwater world: "Our intent, actually, was two things. One, it was that we wanted to not give people the attitude that they were this dominator over the world..." He added that letting players fight back would contradict the game’s survival tension, as seen in influences like SOMA where combat mastery would undermine the intended experience [3].

Players and critics had raised concerns about predator balance after launch. Unknown Worlds first acknowledged those issues on May 20, promising iterative adjustments across patches [3]. Hotfix 3 is the third to address these gameplay elements since launch [1, 2, 3].