Subnautica 2 Buddy System Update Adds Proximity Chat and Emotes

Subnautica 2 is an underwater survival game available on PC and Xbox platforms. The 1.2 update, titled "Buddy System," is a multiplayer-focused content patch that enhances cooperative play by introducing proximity chat, easier trading mechanics, and emotes. The update solves the problem of limited communication and item exchange tools in co-op sessions, following a previous patch that adjusted creature behaviours to reduce frustration for players seeking a more action-oriented experience. The Buddy System update was reported by Rock Paper Shotgun and is part of an ongoing monthly update cadence for the game, as noted in the publication's coverage at rockpapershotgun.com.

Key Facts

The Subnautica 2 Buddy System update (version 1.2) delivers three headline multiplayer features — proximity chat, easier trading, and emotes — across PC and Xbox platforms.

The Subnautica 2 1.2 Buddy System update adds proximity chat, easier trading, and emotes to the game's PC and Xbox co-op experience.

What Is the Subnautica 2 Buddy System Update?

The Buddy System update is the version 1.2 patch for Subnautica 2, focused entirely on improving multiplayer cooperative gameplay. It adds proximity chat, makes trading easier between players, and introduces emotes including the ability to sarcastically applaud friends. Rock Paper Shotgun reported that the update "puts the focus on your friends."

According to Rock Paper Shotgun, the update follows a previous patch that focused on changing creature behaviours to make the game less frustrating for players who wanted a more direct, action-driven approach. The 1.2 update shifts attention to the social and cooperative dimensions of the game, adding tools that facilitate communication and interaction during friend-based play sessions.

"This month puts the focus on your friends, with the 1.2 update being titled 'Buddy System.'"

— Rock Paper Shotgun

The 1.2 Buddy System update is the first Subnautica 2 patch dedicated specifically to multiplayer co-op features, including proximity chat, trading improvements, and emotes.

How Does Proximity Chat Work in the Buddy System Update?

The Buddy System update delivers "the promised proximity chat" for Subnautica 2, meaning the feature was previously announced and is now implemented in version 1.2. The specific technical parameters — such as voice range, audio mixing, or mute options — are not detailed in the source material.

Rock Paper Shotgun's coverage confirms that the update "brings in the promised proximity chat" alongside the other multiplayer features, fulfilling a commitment made to players. This proximity-based voice communication system enables players on PC and Xbox to converse with teammates during co-op sessions, though the precise range and configuration options remain undisclosed.

The Subnautica 2 1.2 update fulfils a prior promise by adding proximity chat to the game's co-op mode, though specific range and audio parameters remain undisclosed.

What Trading Improvements Does the Buddy System Update Introduce?

The Buddy System update makes trading between players easier, streamlining the exchange of items during cooperative play. The specific mechanics of the improved trading system — such as interface changes, item categories affected, or trade limits — are not specified in the source material.

Rock Paper Shotgun's coverage highlights "easier trading" as one of the three headline features of the 1.2 update. The improvement is designed to give players a smoother time when playing with friends, addressing friction points in the item exchange process during co-op sessions.

The Buddy System update simplifies item trading between Subnautica 2 players in co-op mode, though the specific interface and mechanic changes have not been publicly detailed.

What Emotes Are Added in the Buddy System Update?

The 1.2 update introduces emotes to Subnautica 2, including at least one applause gesture that players can use sarcastically toward friends. The full emote roster is not enumerated in the source material, but the emotes are positioned as a social tool for co-op interactions.

Rock Paper Shotgun specifically notes that emotes allow players to sarcastically applaud your friends, indicating the system is designed to support playful social interaction between teammates. The emote system adds a non-verbal communication layer to the multiplayer experience, complementing the proximity chat feature.

The Buddy System update adds emotes to Subnautica 2, including an applause emote designed for sarcastic use with friends.

Who Is This Update For?

The Buddy System update is intended for Subnautica 2 players who engage in cooperative multiplayer play with friends on PC or Xbox. It addresses the needs of players who want smoother communication, easier item exchange, and more expressive social interaction during co-op sessions.

The update follows a previous patch aimed at players who wanted creature behaviours adjusted — specifically those who just wanted to go on a killing spree. The 1.2 update shifts focus to the cooperative audience, adding features that reduce friction in friend-based play sessions and enhance the social dynamic of the game.

The Subnautica 2 Buddy System update targets the game's cooperative multiplayer audience, delivering communication and social tools for friend-based play sessions on PC and Xbox.

Common Questions

What new features does the Subnautica 2 1.2 Buddy System update add?

The 1.2 update, titled "Buddy System," adds proximity chat, easier trading, and emotes to Subnautica 2's co-op multiplayer. The emotes include an applause gesture that can be used sarcastically with friends. The update is available on PC and Xbox.

Does Subnautica 2 have proximity chat?

Yes, proximity chat is included in the 1.2 Buddy System update. Rock Paper Shotgun confirmed the update delivers "the promised proximity chat," fulfilling a previously announced feature for the game's cooperative multiplayer mode.

How does the Buddy System update improve multiplayer trading?

The update makes trading easier between players in co-op sessions. The specific mechanics of the improved trading system are not detailed in the source material, but the change is designed to give players a smoother experience when exchanging items with friends.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on a single primary source: Rock Paper Shotgun's coverage of the Subnautica 2 Buddy System update, published at rockpapershotgun.com. The source article reports on the version 1.2 update for Subnautica 2, covering the addition of proximity chat, easier trading, and emotes, along with context on the previous creature behaviour update.

Platform information (PC and Xbox) is derived from the associated topic entity metadata. No currency conversions or unit translations were required for this article. Some specifics — such as proximity chat range parameters, the full emote list, and trading interface details — are not disclosed in the source material and are noted as unknown rather than speculated upon.

This article was last updated on June 26, 2025.