A New Perspective on Survival
The first episode shifts focus away from the solitary survival we're used to. Instead, it follows a young family living in a Mongolian settlement. They aren't just managing oxygen tanks; they are dealing with a world that is actively changing around them. The narrative hints at a "creeping threat" approaching their home, establishing a tone of dread that fits perfectly with the series' signature blend of wonder and terror.
For lore hunters, the mention of a Mongolian settlement is significant. In the original game, the Degasi crew (who crashed before the Aurora) had Mongolian connections. This suggests Subnautica 2 might be exploring different factions or colonization efforts that were previously only hinted at in PDA logs.
Is Ryley Robinson in Subnautica 2?
The most interesting detail for veterans of the series is in the credits. Ryley Robinson, the silent protagonist who survived the crash of the Aurora in the first game, is listed as the "Podcast Host."
This is a major connection. Ryley's return—even just as a voice—bridges the gap between the games. It implies that his escape wasn't the end of his involvement with 4546B (or the new planet, depending on where this sequel lands geographically). Hearing the voice of the character we spent dozens of hours keeping alive adds a layer of continuity that wasn't guaranteed.
Setting the Atmosphere
Releasing an audio drama is a smart move for world-building. It lets the developers flesh out the psychological horror and political background of the universe without bogging down the gameplay loop with cutscenes. If this series is anything to go by, the sequel aims to balance the isolation of deep-sea exploration with a broader narrative about humanity's precarious foothold in these alien oceans.
As we inch closer to the Early Access release, keep an ear out for more episodes. If the "creeping threat" mentioned here is one of the new Leviathans, we are going to need a bigger submarine.