Subnautica 2 developer Unknown Worlds has released the game’s third hotfix since early access launch, this time modifying the behavior of creatures in response to complaints about not being able to kill predators.

Not being able to directly kill fish in Subnautica 2 is the game’s hottest topic, and while Unknown Worlds has promised to add “mitigation” to the game so you can better deal with predators, it will never allow you to kill them.

So, rather than add combat to Subnautica 2 or give death-dealing weapons to players, Unknown Worlds is changing the way predators work. This hotfix is a part of that. For example, Hammerheads no longer attack unpiloted Tadpoles, although they can still take an interest in Tadpoles generally. And while the overall damage of Marrowbreaches is increased, their attacks are now spaced out to occur less frequently. As for Nibblers, their perception range is reduced so players are less visible to them, and the duration Nibblers circle the player before attacking is increased. Patch notes courtesy of Steam are below.

The hotfix is well-timed. Just yesterday, we reported on comments from Subnautica 2 design lead Anthony Gallegos, who explained the developers’ true intent in ditching combat for the sequel. A narrative has emerged that Unknown Worlds actually set out to create a “pacifism game.” That, Gallegos told MinnMax in a fascinating new interview about the design of Subnautica 2, just isn’t true.

Unknown Worlds has been open about its plans to add ways for players to mitigate the threat of predators in Subnautica 2 via updates. But Gallegos said the developers also plan to add creature flinches so players actually realise when they’re bonking fish on the face with the hammer. The update released this week appears to have added a change that reflects this ("Increased sensitivity of the Nibblers to the Multitool").

While the killing fish debate rages on, Subnautica 2 is a clear success. It has sold a huge 4 million copies since its early access launch on May 14, achieving more than 467,000 peak concurrent players on Steam — success Gallegos said took the team by surprise. Subnautica 2 has sold so well that publisher Krafton has reportedly agreed to pay a $250 million earnout to the developers — a bonus that was at the heart of its high-profile legal dispute with the fired Unknown Worlds leadership.

If you’re getting to grips with Subnautica 2, we’ve got a Things to Do First in Subnautica 2 guide to check out before you dive in, plus resource location guides to help you find Titanium, Silver, and more. Discover blackbox and supply crate locations on our interactive Subnautica 2 map, and make sure you don’t miss any Angel Comb Adaptations or Blueprints.

Subnautica 2 Early Access Hotfix 3 patch notes:

• Fixed issues that could cause DLSS to crash the game.
• Fixed issues that could cause DLSS settings not to be saved correctly.
• Fixed Frame Generation not being available in certain versions of the game.
• Upgraded DLSS to version 4.5.
• Reduced Interior Wall costs to 1/4 of their previous price.
• Hammerheads no longer attack unpiloted Tadpoles.
  • Hammerheads can still take an interest in Tadpoles.
• Fixed Hammerheads occasionally not being attracted to Flares.
• Increased overall damage of Marrowbreaches.
• Spaced out Marrowbreach attacks to occur less frequently.
• Reduced Nibbler perception range, making players less visible to them.
• Increased the duration Nibblers circle the player before attacking.
• Reduced overall movement speed of the Nibblers.
• Increased sensitivity of the Nibblers to the Multitool.
• Increased overall damage of Nibblers.
• Fixed a rare crash when starting games.
• Fixed Clients (not the game host) reverting to their previous position when rejoining a multiplayer session.
• Fixed Strike Armor modification stacking additively, which could result in a potentially game-breaking state.
• Fixed goggles remaining visible in first-person view when exiting the Tadpole Haul Chassis as a passenger.
• Localized text callout on the Terms of Service acceptance screen.
• Added additional context to crash reports to provide better details for hard-to-reproduce issues.

Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.