A new Subnautica update is under construction. It's going to be called 'Seamoth,' and could arrive anywhere between two and four weeks from now (Or more! Always exercise caution when listening to our release time predictions...). Here's a sneak peek at what's coming:

This post is full of Soundcloud, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram embeds that can't be displayed properly on Steam. To see this post in its full glory, head over to the Subnautica Dev Blog



The Seamoth update centres on that eponymous submersible. When the Habitat Update was released earlier this month, the giant Moon Pool gave the Seamoth a home. It kept the Seamoth safe, but that's about it.

A new 'Seamoth Upgrade Console' will expand the utility of the Moon Pool. The console is a modular component that can be installed in any of the six available hardpoints in the Moon Pool. Once built, it will allow a proud Seamoth owner to rename, repaint, and recharge their Seamoth.

Click here to see the Upgrade Console on Sketchfab

That's not the full extend of the Seamoth love. The submersible itself is also being modified extensively. The plan is for an upgrade panel to be placed on the port side of the hull. Here's a concept from Cory:



Note the panel open (on the left) and closed (on the right). Approaching and interacting with the panel will open the PDA, with a Seamoth 'paper doll' visible. The PDA interface will give access to four hardpoints. These hardpoints could be used for storage bays, sensor-torpedoes, or other upgrades. Here's a rough 'grey box' mockup of the system in action:



Using this system, it will be possible to customise the Seamoth for different missions. For example, if travelling into a dark cave system, you may add extra storage space for flares, dive-reels, batteries, and building material for constructing 'camp sites.' Here is another concept, this time for storage modules on the dorsal-hull section:



We've noticed lots of players are using the console to grant infinite resources and build giant seabases, or fleets of Cyclops submarines. Charlie has been working on a new game mode called 'Creative,' that (among other things), removes resource and tech restrictions. When the Seamoth Update is released, you will be able to use Creative mode to build the giant seabases of your dreams without messing with the console. 

Click here to see Charlie's Tweet about Creative Mode

Simon has been creating crazy sounds, as usual. First, listen to this creepy sound for the new 'Biter Fish':

Click here to hear the Biter Fish sound demo

Second, check out his rig: 

For the longest time, entering a sea-base has been a slightly jarring affair. One click and one is transported instantly from ocean to base, or vice versa. Louis has been cooking up a potential intermediary animation, to ease the transition:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLcsdnx_8xg

Naturally it is impossible to cram the work of every developer into this blog post. This post is, in fact, the tip of the iceberg. To see more of what is being worked on for the Seamoth Update, go to the Subnautica Trello Board. Be notified when the update is released by signing up to the 100% spam-free certified-organic Subnautica Dev Mailing List. We're always looking for your feedback, so please tell us what you think about all this Seamoth Update stuff.

Remember, we are very bad at predicting release dates. Seamoth could arrive next week, in four weeks, somewhere in between, or after the next Pluto Perihelion. We don't know. You can be sure that we are busting gut to get it to you as fast as possible!

- Hugh

http://store.steampowered.com/app/264710

A new Subnautica update is under construction. It's going to be called 'Seamoth,' and could arrive anywhere between two and four weeks from now (Or more! Always exercise caution when listening to our release time predictions...). Here's a sneak peek at what's coming:

This post is full of Soundcloud, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram embeds that can't be displayed properly on Steam. To see this post in its full glory, head over to the Subnautica Dev Blog



The Seamoth update centres on that eponymous submersible. When the Habitat Update was released earlier this month, the giant Moon Pool gave the Seamoth a home. It kept the Seamoth safe, but that's about it.

A new 'Seamoth Upgrade Console' will expand the utility of the Moon Pool. The console is a modular component that can be installed in any of the six available hardpoints in the Moon Pool. Once built, it will allow a proud Seamoth owner to rename, repaint, and recharge their Seamoth.

Click here to see the Upgrade Console on Sketchfab

That's not the full extend of the Seamoth love. The submersible itself is also being modified extensively. The plan is for an upgrade panel to be placed on the port side of the hull. Here's a concept from Cory:



Note the panel open (on the left) and closed (on the right). Approaching and interacting with the panel will open the PDA, with a Seamoth 'paper doll' visible. The PDA interface will give access to four hardpoints. These hardpoints could be used for storage bays, sensor-torpedoes, or other upgrades. Here's a rough 'grey box' mockup of the system in action:



Using this system, it will be possible to customise the Seamoth for different missions. For example, if travelling into a dark cave system, you may add extra storage space for flares, dive-reels, batteries, and building material for constructing 'camp sites.' Here is another concept, this time for storage modules on the dorsal-hull section:



We've noticed lots of players are using the console to grant infinite resources and build giant seabases, or fleets of Cyclops submarines. Charlie has been working on a new game mode called 'Creative,' that (among other things), removes resource and tech restrictions. When the Seamoth Update is released, you will be able to use Creative mode to build the giant seabases of your dreams without messing with the console. 

Click here to see Charlie's Tweet about Creative Mode

Simon has been creating crazy sounds, as usual. First, listen to this creepy sound for the new 'Biter Fish':

Click here to hear the Biter Fish sound demo

Second, check out his rig: 

For the longest time, entering a sea-base has been a slightly jarring affair. One click and one is transported instantly from ocean to base, or vice versa. Louis has been cooking up a potential intermediary animation, to ease the transition:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLcsdnx_8xg

Naturally it is impossible to cram the work of every developer into this blog post. This post is, in fact, the tip of the iceberg. To see more of what is being worked on for the Seamoth Update, go to the Subnautica Trello Board. Be notified when the update is released by signing up to the 100% spam-free certified-organic Subnautica Dev Mailing List. We're always looking for your feedback, so please tell us what you think about all this Seamoth Update stuff.

Remember, we are very bad at predicting release dates. Seamoth could arrive next week, in four weeks, somewhere in between, or after the next Pluto Perihelion. We don't know. You can be sure that we are busting gut to get it to you as fast as possible!

- Hugh

http://store.steampowered.com/app/264710

The Habitat Update is now available! Build an underwater home with Moon Pools, Observatories, large compartments, bulkhead doors, and more. Head over to the Habitat Update website to see all the new features in action, or stay on this page to see an update video, and screenshots. Viewing this page inside Subnautica? Click 'view on Steam' to see images and video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6USpYf6Y47c

Steam will automatically download the Habitat Update. Don't have Subnautica in your Steam library yet? Get a copy in the Steam Store:

http://store.steampowered.com/app/264710/



The Moon Pool is the new king of sea-base components. This massive structure can be used to dry-dock a Seamoth submersible. The Moon Pool can be customised to your preference with reinforcements, windows, and multiple attachment points for corridors.



Subnautica features a diverse array of unique, beautiful underwater biomes. Thanks to the new Observatory, it is now possible to enjoy the view from the safety of a sea-base.



Large compartments provide lots of interior space. They include eight attachment points for the connection of corridors, dive hatches, windows, reinforcements, and other base modules.



Large compartments can be stacked, and ladders built between their decks.



Small lockers are a new storage option. They can be placed on sea-base walls, and feature a customisable label on the door.



Speaking of labels, it is now possible to create customised base signage. Use the builder tool to place a label, and then enter any text. Labels can be various sizes, have arrows, and include different background options.

See more of the Habitat Update including bulkhead doors, base flooding, aquariums on the Habitat Update site.. Receive a newsletter when the next Subnautica Early Access update is released by signing up to the development mailing list. View detailed update change information on the Subnautica Checkin & Changes list. See our progress towards the next update on the Subnautica development tracker.

The Habitat Update is now available! Build an underwater home with Moon Pools, Observatories, large compartments, bulkhead doors, and more. Head over to the Habitat Update website to see all the new features in action, or stay on this page to see an update video, and screenshots. Viewing this page inside Subnautica? Click 'view on Steam' to see images and video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6USpYf6Y47c

Steam will automatically download the Habitat Update. Don't have Subnautica in your Steam library yet? Get a copy in the Steam Store:

http://store.steampowered.com/app/264710/



The Moon Pool is the new king of sea-base components. This massive structure can be used to dry-dock a Seamoth submersible. The Moon Pool can be customised to your preference with reinforcements, windows, and multiple attachment points for corridors.



Subnautica features a diverse array of unique, beautiful underwater biomes. Thanks to the new Observatory, it is now possible to enjoy the view from the safety of a sea-base.



Large compartments provide lots of interior space. They include eight attachment points for the connection of corridors, dive hatches, windows, reinforcements, and other base modules.



Large compartments can be stacked, and ladders built between their decks.



Small lockers are a new storage option. They can be placed on sea-base walls, and feature a customisable label on the door.



Speaking of labels, it is now possible to create customised base signage. Use the builder tool to place a label, and then enter any text. Labels can be various sizes, have arrows, and include different background options.

See more of the Habitat Update including bulkhead doors, base flooding, aquariums on the Habitat Update site.. Receive a newsletter when the next Subnautica Early Access update is released by signing up to the development mailing list. View detailed update change information on the Subnautica Checkin & Changes list. See our progress towards the next update on the Subnautica development tracker.

Sea bases have been one of Subnautica’s most loved features. Since their release in February 2015, many of us at Unknown Worlds have wanted to improve upon them. Moon pools for docking submersibles, larger compartments, glass corridor sections, bulkhead doors – All this and more has been on our wish list. Now, those wishes are becoming reality: The Habitat Update will be released soon, possibly as early as the first week of August. [Ed: As soon as this blog entry was posted, Jonas expressed concern that this was a highly optimistic timeframe. Take all release timeframes with a boulder of salt!]



Subnautica updates have followed a semi-regular pattern of ‘a few weeks’ each. The Habitat Update has taken much longer. We are very conscious of this, and decided to increase update time in return for more update goodies. Two weeks ago, we were approaching readiness to release Habitat, but something gave us pause…



The Habitat update is all about building an underwater habitat: A work-space, a safe-space, a personalized-space, a base for further adventures. Two weeks ago we had larger compartments, vertical-connectors, observatories, signage, bulkhead doors and a new power system almost ready to go. We held off so that we could include the Moon Pool as well.



The Moon Pool is the big daddy of base components. It facilitates the docking of Seamoth submersibles. Pilot a Seamoth into a Moon Pool, and robotic arms will park your submersible for you!

(Click here to see Andi's tweet showing off the interior of the Moon Pool)

The ‘Pool is also a very complex component from a technical perspective. It acts as an intersection of many other game systems – Themselves complicated in isolation. For example, it must act as an interface between water and air, and allow a player to swim and dive between the two. It has its own sounds, animations, and of course, 3D art. It must be flood-able, have attachment points for other base components, and in some cases its own bespoke connectors. This complexity is why the Habitat Update is taking so long.

(Click here to hear Simon's Moon Pool ambient sounds)

Setting dates is to put oneself in the fast-lane to game-development doom. When I set out to write this blog post, Jonas immediately messaged me in our developer chat room: “please don’t include a countdown nor promise any specific day for the actual release.” Jonas’ concern is well founded. Such is the technical complexity of the Moon Pool and it’s interlocked systems that we really cannot know when the Habitat Update will be ready. It may be this week, the next week, or after the next ice age. We are working very hard to make sure it is in the former categories, rather than the latter!

If the wait really is too much, consider switching to experimental branch. You can play with all the new goodies in there already. Be warned: There are more bugs, crashes and horrific errors than you can shake a stick at. Otherwise, sign up to the Subnautica development mailing list, and we will send you a newsletter when the update is ready.

– Hugh

Sea bases have been one of Subnautica’s most loved features. Since their release in February 2015, many of us at Unknown Worlds have wanted to improve upon them. Moon pools for docking submersibles, larger compartments, glass corridor sections, bulkhead doors – All this and more has been on our wish list. Now, those wishes are becoming reality: The Habitat Update will be released soon, possibly as early as the first week of August. [Ed: As soon as this blog entry was posted, Jonas expressed concern that this was a highly optimistic timeframe. Take all release timeframes with a boulder of salt!]



Subnautica updates have followed a semi-regular pattern of ‘a few weeks’ each. The Habitat Update has taken much longer. We are very conscious of this, and decided to increase update time in return for more update goodies. Two weeks ago, we were approaching readiness to release Habitat, but something gave us pause…



The Habitat update is all about building an underwater habitat: A work-space, a safe-space, a personalized-space, a base for further adventures. Two weeks ago we had larger compartments, vertical-connectors, observatories, signage, bulkhead doors and a new power system almost ready to go. We held off so that we could include the Moon Pool as well.



The Moon Pool is the big daddy of base components. It facilitates the docking of Seamoth submersibles. Pilot a Seamoth into a Moon Pool, and robotic arms will park your submersible for you!

(Click here to see Andi's tweet showing off the interior of the Moon Pool)

The ‘Pool is also a very complex component from a technical perspective. It acts as an intersection of many other game systems – Themselves complicated in isolation. For example, it must act as an interface between water and air, and allow a player to swim and dive between the two. It has its own sounds, animations, and of course, 3D art. It must be flood-able, have attachment points for other base components, and in some cases its own bespoke connectors. This complexity is why the Habitat Update is taking so long.

(Click here to hear Simon's Moon Pool ambient sounds)

Setting dates is to put oneself in the fast-lane to game-development doom. When I set out to write this blog post, Jonas immediately messaged me in our developer chat room: “please don’t include a countdown nor promise any specific day for the actual release.” Jonas’ concern is well founded. Such is the technical complexity of the Moon Pool and it’s interlocked systems that we really cannot know when the Habitat Update will be ready. It may be this week, the next week, or after the next ice age. We are working very hard to make sure it is in the former categories, rather than the latter!

If the wait really is too much, consider switching to experimental branch. You can play with all the new goodies in there already. Be warned: There are more bugs, crashes and horrific errors than you can shake a stick at. Otherwise, sign up to the Subnautica development mailing list, and we will send you a newsletter when the update is ready.

– Hugh

Subnautica now runs on Apple OS X! Get it now on the Steam Store - Buy it once and play on both Windows and OS X computers. Already own Subnautica for Windows? You can now play on OS X as well. The OSX Update also includes two epic new ocean biomes: Underwater Islands and Sparse Reef.





Underwater Islands features massive rock formations suspended above the ocean floor. Giant creatures, larger cousins of the Floater, act against the force of gravity. Bone Sharks and other creatures swim among cascades of sand.



Sparse Reef brings a new relaxed aesthetic and feel. The blooming colors and dense features of other biomes are replaced by more earthy tones, and rolling dunes. Watch out for Bleeders…



Sparse Reef also features some new fauna to discover.



New in the OSX Update is the Repulsion Cannon – A workbench modification of the Propulsion Cannon. The Repulsion Cannon can push large creatures and objects away. This is very useful when trying to navigate past aggressive life forms like Stalkers.



The OSX Update also features a wide array of subtle improvements to Subnautica. For example, Jonas has repaired a problem that was causing objects to pop in and out of the world inappropriately, and Andi has solved some issues with the Repulsion Cannon introduced in the Alterra Science update.

Explore the fall range of changes in OSX Update by visiting the Subnautica Trello board. You can also get a granular, all-encompassing view of the update by visiting the Checkin & Changes List. Keep an eye on both those spots over the coming weeks to see us build towards some big additions to sea-base building in the near future…

Subnautica now runs on Apple OS X! Get it now on the Steam Store - Buy it once and play on both Windows and OS X computers. Already own Subnautica for Windows? You can now play on OS X as well. The OSX Update also includes two epic new ocean biomes: Underwater Islands and Sparse Reef.





Underwater Islands features massive rock formations suspended above the ocean floor. Giant creatures, larger cousins of the Floater, act against the force of gravity. Bone Sharks and other creatures swim among cascades of sand.



Sparse Reef brings a new relaxed aesthetic and feel. The blooming colors and dense features of other biomes are replaced by more earthy tones, and rolling dunes. Watch out for Bleeders…



Sparse Reef also features some new fauna to discover.



New in the OSX Update is the Repulsion Cannon – A workbench modification of the Propulsion Cannon. The Repulsion Cannon can push large creatures and objects away. This is very useful when trying to navigate past aggressive life forms like Stalkers.



The OSX Update also features a wide array of subtle improvements to Subnautica. For example, Jonas has repaired a problem that was causing objects to pop in and out of the world inappropriately, and Andi has solved some issues with the Repulsion Cannon introduced in the Alterra Science update.

Explore the fall range of changes in OSX Update by visiting the Subnautica Trello board. You can also get a granular, all-encompassing view of the update by visiting the Checkin & Changes List. Keep an eye on both those spots over the coming weeks to see us build towards some big additions to sea-base building in the near future…

Crashed on an alien world? Surrounded by ocean predators and hostile environments? Fear not, brave traveller: For you now have new means of crafting at your disposal. The Workbench and Propulsion Cannon will transform the way you explore the ocean!



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGOSan1aip4

The propulsion cannon was developed by a crack team of Alterra Corporation scientists. The cannon may or may not exploit un-patented work by one Dr Eli Vance, an employee of one of Alterraís competitors, Black Mesa Corporation. We canít be sure. We can be sure that thanks to the propulsion cannon, the wait for Half-Life 3 is over.



The propulsion cannon can be used to grab, push, drag, fling, and manipulate most smaller objects in the ocean. It definitely does not use gravity to do this.



The new Workbench opens up new crafting and equipment customization possibilities. Build one with a Builder tool after analyzing a Workbench Fragment.



Equipment including the Knife, Tank, and Fins can be altered using the Workbench. For example, a Knife can be modified to feature a super-heated blade. This new Heat Knife can then be used to instantly cook fish unfortunate enough to be killed by its blade.



Perhaps the most important feature of the Alterra Science update is the development of a hitherto unimaginable technology: Working doors. Run up to a Cyclops submarine door or hatch to know true science fiction futurism.



Ever wished you could mark a cave entrance for future exploration, but canít tell all your beacons apart? Alterra Science has a super scientific solution to this problem: Beacon labels. Use them to keep track of all your stuff, and places to visit!



Seabases and the Cyclops submarine have received major visual upgrades in Alterra Science. New internal lighting gives them a slick new look.



The Cyclops is not just prettier, it is also getting more clever. Alterra Science new science to submarine technology, with an upgrade console that can grant your boat greater diving depth, a stronger hull, and more.



Of course, as always, we canít fit everything weíve done into this blog post. Alterra Science is packed with bug fixes, tweaks, and tricks that all add together to make Subnautica Early Access a more enjoyable experience. Check out the Subnautica Trello board and the Checkin & Changes List to see absolutely everything that went into the update!

Crashed on an alien world? Surrounded by ocean predators and hostile environments? Fear not, brave traveller: For you now have new means of crafting at your disposal. The Workbench and Propulsion Cannon will transform the way you explore the ocean!



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGOSan1aip4

The propulsion cannon was developed by a crack team of Alterra Corporation scientists. The cannon may or may not exploit un-patented work by one Dr Eli Vance, an employee of one of Alterraís competitors, Black Mesa Corporation. We canít be sure. We can be sure that thanks to the propulsion cannon, the wait for Half-Life 3 is over.



The propulsion cannon can be used to grab, push, drag, fling, and manipulate most smaller objects in the ocean. It definitely does not use gravity to do this.



The new Workbench opens up new crafting and equipment customization possibilities. Build one with a Builder tool after analyzing a Workbench Fragment.



Equipment including the Knife, Tank, and Fins can be altered using the Workbench. For example, a Knife can be modified to feature a super-heated blade. This new Heat Knife can then be used to instantly cook fish unfortunate enough to be killed by its blade.



Perhaps the most important feature of the Alterra Science update is the development of a hitherto unimaginable technology: Working doors. Run up to a Cyclops submarine door or hatch to know true science fiction futurism.



Ever wished you could mark a cave entrance for future exploration, but canít tell all your beacons apart? Alterra Science has a super scientific solution to this problem: Beacon labels. Use them to keep track of all your stuff, and places to visit!



Seabases and the Cyclops submarine have received major visual upgrades in Alterra Science. New internal lighting gives them a slick new look.



The Cyclops is not just prettier, it is also getting more clever. Alterra Science new science to submarine technology, with an upgrade console that can grant your boat greater diving depth, a stronger hull, and more.



Of course, as always, we canít fit everything weíve done into this blog post. Alterra Science is packed with bug fixes, tweaks, and tricks that all add together to make Subnautica Early Access a more enjoyable experience. Check out the Subnautica Trello board and the Checkin & Changes List to see absolutely everything that went into the update!