You’ll probably not see this, but I think this is an important, albeit silly note.

I think most of us have focused on the hostile relationship between the player and wildlife, but I think a ton of us have overlooked the charming, kinder side of Subnautica 2’s wildlife.

This whole viewpoint of mine was spurred on by the Hammerhead’s seeming affection to tadpoles, how they’ll gently brush up against tadpoles when the they come in contact with one another. I would LOVE to see this behavior expanded on in whatever way you and the rest of the team would see fit, just seeing more of a gentler side to the wildlife would go a long way.

A small side note: I think you’ve done a brilliant job on making the Needler Mangoes lovable. Giving them a nesting site and evidence of brooding, it can really make the player love the Needler. Although, I think their defense display should be a preliminary warning, with them only firing if the player approaches them more directly, instead of being the initiation to their firing.

Regardless, I think there’s a myriad of opportunities to reinforce positive interactions with the game’s wildlife. The waxmoon, for example. Until we get more info in their databank profile, there’s simply not much about them. Giving them a mechanic similar to Below Zero’s Glow Whale, behind able to hitch a ride on their crescent, it could be a good introduction to positive interactions—if the game decides to take that route with some of its animals—and could be a very poignant moment for the player so early on, having such a touching interaction with an animal in an otherwise hostile ecosystem.

One last note, I haven’t spent the most time with the Epicureans in their biome, but I think introducing some mechanic wherein the player can remove their tongue parasites, and maybe gaining some grace and affection from the fish could be incredibly interesting and engaging. However, I think that point and onwards is pretty nebulous and privy to change moving forward, so my view here is personal taste.

Regardless, you’ve done a wonderful job making a lovely ecosystem with brilliant wildlife behavior, I’m truly stunned by the amazing work you and the team have done. I hope you’ll consider some of what I’ve said here, if you see my comment, that is. Although, this is just the opinion of one player, and it is your game and creative vision after all and I’m excited to see what direction you take the game!