The first time I found myself in the depths of Proteus in Subnautica 2, I was accosted by several hostile fish that seemed to have no goal beyond absolutely wrecking my newly printed body. After several failed attempts to bash the predators with my Survival Multitool, I realized I would likely have to get creative to deal with hostile creatures in Subnautica 2.
Subnautica 2 Beginner Tips: What to Know Early
Oxygen, food, scanning, and exploration can all feel overwhelming early in Subnautica 2. Here are 10 beginner tips we wish we knew sooner.
Predator Evasion Overview – Subnautica 2
Can You Kill Predators in Subnautica 2?
Currently, there does not seem to be any way to permanently kill or deal with predators in Subnautica 2. This will likely come as a surprise to fans of the original game, as there were lethal weapons available at a certain point. However, this game appears to be taking a considerably different approach. Subnautica 2 – at least in its current early access state – is focused on evasion and stealth.
There are two primary methods for dealing with Predators in Subnautica 2:
- Evasion: This is the primary method for a significant portion of the game. Distraction is key. Some advanced tools can also buy you time once crafted.
- Stealth: While technically a form of evasion, Stealth will become a major option as you unlock certain passive Biomods and adaptations. This will allow you to avoid predators altogether, instead of having to react to their attacks.
How to Evade Predators in Subnautica 2
Flares are the Best Early Option:
When you first leave your Lifepod and begin exploring the wreckage of the expedition, you'll find that many locations feature hostile sea life. Fairly early, you'll be told that Distraction Flares can be used to distract hostiles. With all the information that is thrown at you early in Subnautica 2, it's easy to see how many may not see this information.
How to Craft Flares:
Luckily, Distraction Flares are available to craft from the start, and the required materials are incredibly abundant. Crafting Flares requires the following items:
This recipe will give you three Flares.
At the start of the game, you'll have to use the damaged Fabricator within the Lifepod. Once you unlock the Habitat Builder, you'll be able to create your own Fabricator inside a base, but for now, the Lifepod will suffice.
You should always keep a decent supply of Distraction Flares crafted at all times. Make sure to keep them in your Quickslot bar, especially early in the game. You can hover over an item in your main inventory to see the Quickslot prompt.
How to Use Distraction Flares in Subnautica 2:
Basically, the goal with Distraction Flares in Subnautica 2 is to simply distract hostile enemies, then make your escape.
You can do this preemptively, or once you begin to get attacked. Once you notice you are being targeted, select the Distraction Flare from your Quickslot bar, or from your main inventory. You'll then need to light the flare – RT on Xbox Series X – then throw it. You'll want to throw it away from the destination you are trying to reach.
Remember, this is only a temporary solution, and most predators will not stay distracted for long. This is why you want to carry a good supply of Distraction Flares at all times. You'll likely be dropping several to stay safe when multiple predators are in a single location.
Other Evasion Methods in Subnautica 2:
While Distraction Flares will be the primary deterrent during the earliest sections of the game, once you begin to unlock advanced tools, there are some that can be used as defensive weapons.
The best example of this is the Sonic Resonator, which you must unlock to progress the main story. To do this, simply craft the basic Scanner, then scan any abandoned Sonic Resonator you come across. Make sure to search all abandoned structures and platforms.
You can find abandoned Sonic Resonators at the following location:
- Wu "Wu" Lianghai's Blackbox: Enter the structure across from the Old Habitat, where Lianghai's Blackbox is found. On the lower level, you'll find a Sonic Resonator to scan on a desk near one of the exits. You can find another on the ground in the next room. Scanning both will unlock the Sonic Resonator blueprint.
Once you have a Sonic Resonator, you can use its power to temporarily stun mid-level predators, providing you with a small window to escape or complete your task.
You will also eventually unlock tools like the Tadpole submersible, which make avoiding hostiles while traveling much easier.
How to Unlock Camouflage Biomod:
Stealth is also an option once you unlock the Camouflage mod. To do this, you'll need to scan the Bullethead, which can be found near the Alien Ruins in Krakorum.
Look in the deep trenches and near the base of the rock formations in the area. Once you have the Camouflage mod, you'll be able to hide from hostiles as they pass you. Remember to keep an eye on your oxygen, as it will still decrease while you hide.
Subnautica 2 Related Guides
Looking to get started with building your own base in Subnautica 2? Here's a selection of guides that will help you get started!
- ESRB
- Everyone 10+ / Language, Fantasy Violence
- Developer(s)
- Unknown Worlds Entertainment
- Publisher(s)
- Krafton
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op
- Cross-Platform Play
- Yes
- Prequel(s)
- Subnautica
- Franchise
- Subnautica
- Number of Players
- 1-4 players
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Unknown
- Early Access Release
- May 14, 2026
- Platform(s)
- Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- X|S Optimized
- Yes
