Subnautica 2's terrifying first trailer is a hit with players thanks to a cameo from a crab: 'More Big ol Crabs'

Subnautica 2 has been in the works for a while now. The official announcement was made via PowerPoint. We've now seen the first trailer of the sequel, almost a full year after the announcement.

Subnautica 2 was shown at the Xbox Partner Preview last night alongside games such as Cronos: The New Dawn by Bloober Team and Firebreak by Remedy Entertainment. It also confirmed that early access would launch in 2025.

The trailer begins with a young diver collecting data beneath the waves. The diver is thrown into a black abyss when the rock he was studying suddenly rises up and reveals itself as a giant Crab. After blacking-out, the explorer awakens to find he is low on oxygen. Before things get too serious, another scientist appears as a Seamoth in order to save him.

Some players wonder if the fact that two researchers are working together will mean there will be co-op for the sequel. One player says, "It seems like we'll finally be able to dive with our friends." It's true there will be co-op for up to four players, but this was confirmed earlier this year during a earnings release.

A terrifying creature that looks like a ghost leviathan emerges from the darkness, just as the second scientist is about to save the day. This creature looks like a leviathan but is likely something new.

In the trailer we also see a colourful fish swimming around a coral-reef (unfortunately, not the one players found in hidden screenshots of the first game), and a larger animal, a gigantic crab. This crustacean, despite only appearing briefly in the trailer, seems to have taken over the show.

"Giant CRABS!!!" one player says. "Why isn't anyone talking about the giant CRABSSS !!!!?" CARSINISATION IS CANNON TO SUBNAUTICA !!!!" Carsinisation has already been achieved in Subnautica with cave crawlers and rockpunchers. People don't seem to be too upset that more crustaceans will be joining the club. "More big old crabs hype woooo."

Most players are happy to hear that a new Subnautica is coming. Subnautica is the game that I would most like to play again. "Even though there are biomes without anything in them, even if they are areas with no plans, I can't wait for the adventure of exploring every inch of the world."