Subnautica 2 Dev Vlog Reveals New Predator Amid Ongoing Krafton Dispute

Unknown Worlds has released a fresh developer vlog for Subnautica 2, giving us one of the most detailed looks yet at the game’s new deep‑sea predator, the Collector Leviathan.

The 10‑minute video isn’t just a creature showcase; it’s also the first major development update since the studio’s leadership shake‑up and public fallout with parent company Krafton over a disputed $250 million bonus.

The Collector Leviathan is being pitched as "the next step in the franchise’s evolution," both visually and technically. It introduces several standout features:

• Aggressive First Encounter: It’s the first hostile Leviathan specifically designed to "grab, crush, swat, and terrify players."

• Split-body reveal mechanism: The body can split open to expose a glowing internal structure.

• Detailed surface texturing: Extensive work on wrinkles, pores, and surface details to maintain quality at close range

• Responsive AI: Using UE5 behavior trees and stimulus systems, it reacts dynamically to sound, light, and player actions.

• Lifelike Movement: Tentacle animations are fully simulated, giving encounters unpredictable flair.

• Immersive Combat Design: Roars, shockwaves, and attacks intensify the sense of danger.

AI designer Antonio Muñoz Gallego explained the intent:

“The Collector Leviathan is not just a monster that blindly attacks players. It is an intelligent and highly threatening deep-sea lifeform that actively reacts to player behavior and pursues them.”

For fans, this update is a welcome change of pace. In recent months, most headlines around Subnautica 2 have focused on legal disputes rather than gameplay. Krafton acquired Unknown Worlds in 2021, but tensions boiled over this year with lawsuits flying both ways. Former leads Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire suing Krafton over the bonus dispute, and the studio counter‑suing them (and former CEO Ted Gill) for allegedly taking game design files before their dismissal.

Despite the drama, interest in the sequel is massive. With Hollow Knight: Silksong finally released, Subnautica 2 now holds the top spot on Steam’s most‑wishlisted list. That’s no small feat, especially considering its Early Access launch has been pushed to 2026.

If this Collector Leviathan is any indication, Unknown Worlds is still aiming to deliver the kind of tense, immersive underwater survival experience that made the original a hit.