Subnautica 2 will head into its early access period on May 14, as revealed by developer Unknown Worlds Entertainment in a new trailer. Unknown Worlds also confirmed that early access for Subnautica 2 will have a simultaneous global launch on PC and Xbox Series X/S.
The early access announcement came weeks after Krafton was removed as Subnautica 2's publisher on Steam. The move came in the aftermath of a legal battle between Krafton and Unknown Worlds' co-founders, including its reinstated CEO, Ted Gill. According to legal testimony, Krafton used ChatGPT for advice on how to avoid paying out a $250 million bonus to the development team. A judge ultimately ruled in favor of Gill and his colleagues, though Krafton disagreed with the ruling. Despite the verdict, Unknown Worlds is still a subsidiary of Krafton as of this writing.
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Subnautica 2 Early Access Release Date
- Thursday, May 14, at 11:00 AM Eastern
Weeks after rumors concerning Subnautica 2's early access window emerged on social media, Unknown Worlds ultimately proved those rumors true. Subnautica 2 will enter early access on Thursday, May 14, at 11:00 AM Eastern, on PC and Xbox Series X/S consoles. Subnautica 2 will cost users $29.99, and Unknown Worlds stated that the price will increase once the game becomes a full release. Unknown Worlds released a new cinematic trailer to give fans a glimpse of the undersea wonders and dangers that await them. Subnautica 2 can now be wishlisted on Steam, the Epic Games Store, and the Xbox Store.
Once early access is available for purchase, buying Subnautica 2 on the Xbox Store will include access to the PC and console versions of the game via the Xbox Play Anywhere program. However, Unknown Worlds cautioned players by stating that Subnautica 2 will be in an imperfect state during early access and said that the gameplay experience may be "choppy" at times. With the original Subnautica 2 leadership team now reinstated, it remains to be seen how the game's development will change.
Subnautica 2's Open Waters Are a Sight to Behold
While Unknown Worlds confirmed that its upcoming title will use Unreal Engine 5, Subnautica 2 will also use some additional plugins to render plants, rocks, and walls in real time. While Subnautica 2's graphical performance will vary depending on each player's own system, the early-access environment should be an ample testing ground. Additional biomes, craftable items, and narrative experiences will be released over time during Subnautica 2's early access period. However, Unknown Worlds did not provide a concrete timetable for when Subnautica 2 would release major updates.
Although the window for a full release is still nebulous, Unknown Worlds stated that users should expect Subnautica 2 to stay in early access for around two to three years. Unknown Worlds invited Subnautica 2's early adopters to provide feedback that can help determine the future of the game. Feedback can be submitted via the official Subnautica 2 Discord server. Given that Subnautica 2 is the most-wishlisted game on Steam, time will tell how many players will jump in once early access goes live.
OpenCritic Reviews
- Released
- May 14, 2026
- ESRB
- Everyone 10+ / Language, Fantasy Violence
- Developer(s)
- Unknown Worlds Entertainment
- Publisher(s)
- Krafton
WHERE TO PLAY
Subnautica 2 is an underwater survival adventure game set on an all-new alien ocean world. It is the next chapter in the Subnautica universe, developed by Unknown Worlds.
New World, New Adventure - A new world awaits alongside an all-new story. You are a pioneer traveling to a distant world, but something is amiss. The ship's AI insists you carry on the mission. This world is too dangerous for humans to survive… Unless you change what it means to be human. What creatures, intelligent or otherwise, await your arrival?
Explore with Friends - Play alone or with up to three friends in online multiplayer co-op. Whether exploring mysterious ruins, building custom bases, or adventuring deeper into the world… The challenge of this planet will test your ingenuity and ability to adapt, in unexpected and curious ways.
Craft Submersibles, Tools, and Bases - Survival depends on utilizing the right tools. Alongside basic items such as your Scanner and Flashlight, you’ll find recipes for more advanced tools, equipment, and submersibles. Bases are more customizable with an overhauled building system. New tools allow for greater adaptation to the world.
Uncover Diverse New Biomes - From towering underwater cliffs to lush coral fields, this aquatic alien world is brimming with vibrant and breathtaking biomes, each teeming with diverse ecosystems and unique creatures. But something isn’t right. The world is out of balance. What happened here? What happened to you? And more importantly, where are you?
Study Mysterious Lifeforms - Uncover a rich world full of mysterious lifeforms, from the smallest fish to the largest Leviathans. Scan creatures to learn more about them. Use your Biosampler to take samples for study. As you learn more about this world, evolve your genetics to adapt your body for survival.
Survive Terrifying Depths - This world is vast and deep. Venture beyond the safety of shallow waters, descending into a dark unknown. Wonder and danger lurks around every corner. To survive this planet, you’ll need to push beyond your boundaries and unlock the secrets of this strange world.
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op
- Franchise
- Subnautica
- Number of Players
- 1-4 players
- Early Access Release
- May 14, 2026
- Platform(s)
- Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
