Subnautica 2 is finally addressing its violence problem, and it's about time. The sequel to the survival crafting game has long been criticized for its over-the-top combat, particularly the ridiculous amount of aggression displayed by larger fish. While the game's design lead, Anthony Gallegos, insists that the lack of killing ability is not a pacifistic choice but rather a fundamental game design decision, it's clear that the game's combat system needs a serious overhaul. The latest hotfix is a step in the right direction, but there's still a long way to go. The hotfix addresses some of the most frustrating creature encounters, such as the Hammerheads and Marrowbreaches, but it doesn't go far enough in my opinion. The Collector Leviathan, in particular, remains a major irritant, and I'd like to see more innovative solutions to evading its attacks. While the hotfix is a welcome improvement, it's just the beginning of what needs to be done to create a more balanced and engaging combat system. Personally, I think the game would benefit from a more nuanced approach to combat, one that allows players to feel a sense of agency and control without resorting to excessive violence. What makes this particularly fascinating is the tension between the game's intended message of coexistence with the environment and the need for a more realistic and engaging combat system. In my opinion, the game's combat system needs to be rebalanced to better reflect the game's themes and provide a more satisfying experience for players. From my perspective, the hotfix is a good start, but it's just the first step in a long journey towards a more refined and enjoyable Subnautica 2.
