Developer Unknown Worlds has released a new vlog for Subnautica 2.

The 10-minute vlog offers a behind-the-scenes look at a brand-new deep-sea predator, detailing how the team utilized Unreal Engine 5's AI for realistic behavior, real-time reactions, and intense player encounters. This is one of the first development updates since the studio's entire leadership was dismissed following a public fallout over a $250 million bonus from parent company Krafton.

The update explains that the new giant squid-like predator, the Collector Leviathan, marks "the next step in the franchise’s evolution—a creature that is both visually stunning and driven by advanced AI to generate tense, dynamic encounters." The video showcases the "aggressive" first encounter players will face when meeting this enemy in Subnautica 2.

Here is the official description of the Collector Leviathan from Unknown Worlds:

The latest developer vlog provides an inside look at the creation of the Collector Leviathan, from initial concept art by Visual Development Lead Cory Strader to insights from the Unknown Worlds team. This creature was designed to push the limits of immersion and threat in Subnautica 2.

The Collector Leviathan is the first hostile leviathan players will encounter in Subnautica 2.Responsive AI: Driven by Unreal Engine 5 behavior trees and stimulus systems, it responds to light, sound, and player actions in real time.Lifelike Movement: Fully simulated tentacle animation delivers more natural and unpredictable interactions.Immersive Combat Design: A terrifying roar and powerful shockwave attacks heighten the sense of danger.

Antonio Muñoz Gallego, the creature's AI designer, stated: “The Collector Leviathan isn't just a monster that mindlessly attacks players. It is an intelligent and highly dangerous deep-sea organism that actively responds to player behavior and pursues them.” He added: “Our primary goal for our creatures was to make them feel responsive, so the Leviathan continually reassesses the situation in real time. To accomplish this, we use Unreal Engine 5 behavior trees and our AI stimulus system.”

The vlog will be a welcome update for Subnautica fans. For months, most news about the game has centered on the difficult split between Unknown Worlds' founders and Krafton, which acquired Unknown Worlds in October 2021. Earlier this summer, reports surfaced that Subnautica 2's early access release was postponed to 2026, just months before Krafton was scheduled to pay a $250 million bonus to the development team "against the wishes of the studio’s former leadership."

Most recently, Krafton responded to the lawsuit filed by former Subnautica 2 leads Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire, refuting the developers' claims and alleging they "resorted to litigation to demand a multimillion-dollar payout they haven't earned."

Then, last month, Unknown Worlds itself sued Cleveland, former CEO Ted Gill, and studio co-founder Max McGuire for allegedly stealing game design files shortly before their dismissal.

It's worth noting that now that Hollow Knight: Silksong has been released, Subnautica 2 is the most wishlisted game on Steam. This indicates that, despite the legal controversies, interest in the game remains extremely high. That's hardly surprising given the massive success of the original Subnautica, but it will be interesting to see how fan reception changes as the sequel nears launch.

Subnautica 2’s Early Access release was recently delayed to 2026.