Trying to decide if you should buy Subnautica 2 during early access or wait for 1.0? Unknown Worlds says the launch version of the game will include co-op multiplayer, multiple biomes, leviathans, vehicles, and base building, though Subnautica 2 is still expected to evolve for several years before its full release.
Subnautica Early Access Summary
- May 14 launch
- $29.99 starting price
- Day one on Game Pass
- Four-player optional co-op
- Multiple biomes, creatures, leviathans, and vehicles
- Some story content
- Steam Deck Verified
- Expected two to three year early access period
- Reaper Leviathan Statue reward for buying during launch week
Subnautica 2 Early Access Release Date is Now Official
Despite waves of uncertainty surrounding the project, Unknown Worlds reveals the exact time when Subnautica 2 will finally enter early access.
Subnautica 2 Release Date & Early Access Launch
Subnautica 2 releases in early access on May 14, 2026.
Platforms & Game Pass Availability
Confirmed Platforms
Subnautica 2 is confirmed for:
- Xbox Series X|S
- PC (Steam & Epic Games Store)
While it is expected that Subnautica 2 will eventually come to PlayStation, it will not do so during early access. The game will also not be available on Nintendo Switch consoles at the beginning of early access.
Is Subnautica 2 on Game Pass?
Yes, Subnautica 2 will be available day one of early access as part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.
How Much Does Subnautica 2 Cost?
Subnautica 2 will cost $29.99 at the start of early access, though its price may increase over time.
Are There Preorder Bonuses or Special Editions?
While there are no preorder bonuses or special editions, players who purchase the game within the first week (from May 14 at 8:00 AM PT to May 25, 2026 at 10:00 AM PT) will receive a Reaper Leviathan Statue in-game. Notably, receipt of that item is contingent upon when you purchase the game, not when you play it for the first time.
Players can also earn an in-game Seamoth Statue base decoration by watching at least 20 minutes of the Subnautica 2 Pre-Launch Showcase on Twitch (May 9 at 8:00 AM PT) and a Lost River Poster blueprint if 100,000 players participate in a pre-launch event.
What to Expect from Subnautica 2's Early Access
Subnautica 2 will be in early access for two-to-three years. However, many of the game’s core systems will already be playable when the early access period begins on May 14:
Multiplayer & Co-Op
Subnautica 2 was built "from the ground up" for multiplayer, and it will have four-player co-op from day one. For more, see our multiplayer co-op guide.
Biomes & Creatures
Several biomes will be available to explore at launch, and they'll be filled with creatures and leviathans. Additionally, an interview from PC Gamer confirms that a new region that is home to The Collector, a huge squid monster, will be added in the game's first big post-launch update.
Vehicles & Base Building
You'll be able to explore the depths in your Tadpole submersible when early access arrives, as well as design and customize bases. However, these systems may not be feature-complete straightaway, and more tools, pieces of equipment, and vehicles are to be added during early access.
Story Content
While the game's full story will not be available at launch, players can expect some of it to be present.
Character Creation
Players will be able to choose from multiple character models at launch, with additional options expected to be added as part of early access updates.
How Long Will Subnautica 2 Early Access Last?
Early access is planned to last two to three years. During that time, players can expect small updates every four to six weeks, with large updates that add new content, areas, and systems being separated by several months.
PC Specs, Steam Deck & Performance
Minimum & Recommended Specs
As per the game's Steam page, the minimum and recommended PC specs are:
|
Minimum |
Recommended |
|---|---|
|
|
Steam Deck & Handheld Support
Subnautica 2 is officially Steam Deck Verified and can also be played on ROG Xbox Ally handhelds.
DLSS / FSR Support
DLSS and TSR upscaling are confirmed to be available at the beginning of early access. FSR will not be available at launch, but the developers are looking into adding it in future updates.
Buying Early Access vs Waiting for 1.0
If you're trying to decide whether to jump in during early access or to wait until 1.0, consider the following:
- Buy early access if you want to see, and play a role in, how the game changes over time.
- Wait for 1.0 if you want access to the full story immediately, hate bugs and balance changes, or don't like waiting for content updates.
OpenCritic Reviews
- Released
- May 14, 2026
- ESRB
- Everyone 10+ / Language, Fantasy Violence
- Developer(s)
- Unknown Worlds Entertainment
- Publisher(s)
- Krafton
