Every Subnautica 2 leviathan and where to find them

A Collector Leviathan gets close to the player in Subnautica 2 — (Image credit: Unknown Worlds)

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Collector Leviathan
Shiver Leviathan
Other Leviathans

If you want to know which deadly Subnautica 2 leviathans you'll be facing in the survival game, you've come to the right place. After all, if you've played the first game, you'll know it's the ever-present threat of these killer sea creatures that makes exploration that much more terrifying.

Since Subnautica 2 is in early access, there may be some more leviathans to come, but this is what we know about the two main monsters in the sequel, and a few other deadly creatures to be aware of.

Subnautica 2 Collector Leviathan

A player is injured by the Collector Leviathan in Subnautica 2 — (Image credit: Unknown Worlds)

The Collector Leviathan is one of the scariest and most deadly monsters in Subnautica 2, but what makes it the most terrifying is that you can't really avoid it. This vast creature is found in the open waters between areas, and you'll need to pass through here regularly to complete the story.

When traversing these wide, open waters, you'll know a Collector Leviathan is near when you hear a change in the music, hinting at nearby danger. When this happens, there's little you can do other than be aware. However, here are my tips on avoiding the Collector as best as possible.

Tips for surviving the Collector Leviathan

First off, your best bet to stay safe is to be seated inside a vehicle. If you're in your Subnautica 2 tadpole and the Collector grabs you, it will play around with you for a bit before launching you off in another direction. If this happens, simply wait it out, but be aware of which direction you were travelling in, reorientate yourself quickly, and drive away. Also try and be sure your tadpole is fixed up before entering the area in the first place.
If you don't have a tadpole with you when you need to cross these waters, I've found the best way to stay safe from the Collector is simply to stay at the surface, which is better for your oxygen consumption anyway.

Subnautica 2 Shiver Leviathan

Three Shiver Leviathans close in on the player in Subnautica 2 — (Image credit: Unknown Worlds)

Now, this deadly Subnautica 2 leviathan is on another level, but it can be avoided. Mostly. The bad news is that the utterly terrifying Shiver Leviathan will swallow you whole if you get too close, tadpole or not. The good news is that these creatures are, currently, only found outside of the early access map area.

As you traverse the ocean, you may find you come up against a transparent, orange border, signalling the edge of the early access map. Pass this barrier, and you'll get a pop-up letting you know that the world is set to be expanded in the future. However, stay too long here (and I'm talking a matter of seconds), and that haunting music will start: the Shiver Leviathan has sensed his prey. If you can, get back into the early access area and the Shiver won't be able to get you. If not, well, at least you'll be reprinted.

Other Subnautica 2 Leviathans

A Needler Mango aims towards the player in Subnautica 2 — (Image credit: Unknown Worlds)

There are some other Subnautica 2 creatures that either aren't large enough to be considered leviathans, but are deadly enough to warrant a heart-pounding music change when they're near, or aren't as vicious as the two above. Here's each one and roughly where you'll find them:

Deepwing Brooder - A large, placid creature that can be found anywhere on the map, near the surface, usually travelling in pairs or groups of three. Similar to Subnautica's Reefback.
Needler Mango - Too small to be categorized as a leviathan, but deadly all the same. Shoots six needles at the player or their vehicle, dealing significant damage. Found in the area around the Alien Ruins.
Epicurean - These chubby guys also can't be classified as leviathans, but their presence prompts warning music all the same. Found in the deep areas around the Alien Ruins, mostly near the metal farm.
Great Jaw - This giant clam might appear placid, but if you damage its stringy tendons, it will close up, trapping you inside briefly and dealing damage. Found to the southwest of the lifepod.

To keep yourself safe from all of these leviathans and other enemies, there are a few essential tools you'll needs. I've already mentioned the tadpole, but you should also have flares and medical kits to hand, too, as well as plenty of food and water. To ensure you're as kitted out as possible, check out our other guides on crafting Subnautica 2 ingots, finding fibrous pulp, and getting the heat tolerance adaptation.