Unknown Worlds Rolls Out Surprise Updates for Subnautica and Below Zero
Published on 06:47 AM, Saturday, August 16, 2025 by miladmim
On August 12, Unknown Worlds quietly released updates for both Subnautica and Subnautica: Below Zero, bringing a mix of bug fixes, gameplay improvements, and quality-of-life features to the popular underwater survival series. While the updates primarily address known issues in both games, the patch for the original Subnautica adds one highly requested feature: full controller support for players on PC, including Steam and Epic Games Store users.
The timing of these updates comes amidst ongoing legal tensions surrounding the franchise. Following the controversial dismissal of co-founders Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire, the former leadership team filed a lawsuit against Krafton, accusing the publisher of delaying Subnautica 2 to avoid paying a $250 million bonus that was contingent on hitting sales milestones. Despite this, Unknown Worlds has continued to support the existing entries in the series with meaningful updates. On the same day as the patches, Krafton filed a detailed response to the lawsuit in a Delaware court.
Controller Support Arrives on PC
The update for Subnautica introduces significant improvements for PC players using controllers. Thanks to an upgrade from Unity’s legacy input system to the newer “com.unity.inputsystem,” players can now enjoy seamless support for a wide range of controllers, including Xbox 360, Xbox Series, PS4, PS5, PS5 Edge, and the Nintendo Switch Pro controller. These enhancements cover both wired and wireless connections, with reworked input options, improved control icons, and general performance optimizations. Previously, some players experienced glitches where the game would fallback to text representations of controls or fail to register inputs correctly; these issues have now been addressed.
Beyond controller support, the patch resolves several frustrating bugs, such as freezing issues when exiting Alien Arch portals, the PRAWN suit falling through terrain, or Leviathans flying above the water during certain interactions. Cyclops-related bugs, including problems with base-building inside the vehicle and Repulsion Cannon interactions, have also been fixed.
Subnautica: Below Zero Updates
Meanwhile, Subnautica: Below Zero received a range of fixes focused on the Snowfox land vehicle, one of the game’s most frequently used tools. Collision detection, mounting orientation, and terrain damage from driving have all been adjusted to make the vehicle more user-friendly. Additionally, encounters with the Ice Worm have been tweaked to reduce frustration, lowering the chance of being knocked off the Snowfox from 100% to 25% and reducing terrain damage from 100% to 12%.
Other updates in Below Zero include a new pop-up newsfeed for one-time announcements, accessibility adjustments, and minor bug fixes affecting saving, menu options, and in-game textures. The update ensures smoother gameplay across PC and consoles, although Nintendo Switch versions of both games have yet to receive these changes. Unknown Worlds has noted that further updates for Switch users are in development.
Continued Support Amid Uncertainty
Although Subnautica 2’s early access has been delayed until 2026, Unknown Worlds’ commitment to maintaining the first two entries demonstrates ongoing support for the community. By addressing long-standing bugs and improving accessibility, the studio continues to prioritize player experience despite legal and organizational challenges. Fans can now enjoy more stable gameplay, enhanced controller functionality, and quality-of-life improvements while waiting for the next chapter in the Subnautica universe.
