Ocean survival sim Subnautica 2 now has an experimental beta branch on Steam, allowing the intrepid PC owner to test out updates before they’re officially live. If there’s one thing Subnautica 2’s toothy underwater ecosystem has taught us, it’s the value of taking risks. Just be aware that any savegames you create in the experimental branch will be specific to that version of the game – you won’t be able to carry progress back to the main release.
To get access on Steam, just right-click the game name, select Properties, go to Game Versions & Betas, and choose the Experimental branch from the drop-down list. You’ll then need to download an update.
“The Experimental branch is an entirely opt-in experience,” the devs warn. “It allows players to preview upcoming content for Subnautica 2 in an earlier state, and helps us catch any issues before we ship features to the main Early Access build.
“Experimental does often mean just that. The builds are more likely to contain bugs (potentially game-breaking), and we often caution that you not get attached to any saves while playing on this branch.
“Saves are also not compatible between versions,” they go on. “This means you can’t import or export saves between Experimental and the main branch. But don’t worry about accidentally loading your saves on the wrong version! Saves are stored in separate locations. This means that while you are playing the Experimental version, you won’t see your main saves in the game. But don’t worry, if you switch back they should re-appear.”
Unlike with the previous experimental branches for the original Subnautica and Subnautica: Below Zero, Subnautica 2’s experimental branch won’t get daily updates. “Builds will be uploaded to preview our upcoming releases shortly before release to the wider public,” the devs note. “We may also use it to preview smaller patches and fixes between major updates.”
I consider Subnautica 2 to be a fun time, not least because its non-violent ethic goes against the grain somewhat for open worlds, though the devs have recently taken steps to make creature behaviour less obstructive. Publishers Krafton have big, unspecified plans for the series as a whole that hopefully don’t involve a Subnautica-brand range of endangered wild sturgeon popsicles.
