Subnautica 2 finally has an Early Access release date. Developer Unknown Worlds confirmed today that the underwater survival sequel will launch in Early Access on May 14, 2026 at 8:00 AM Pacific (11:00 AM Eastern), priced at $29.99 USD. Of course, players will only need to buy the game once during Early Access, with all additions, updates, and hotfixes through the eventual 1.0 launch and beyond included.
That this announcement is happening at all feels remarkable considering the year Subnautica 2 has had. The game was originally targeting an Early Access launch in 2025 before publisher Krafton pushed it to 2026 and fired Unknown Worlds founders Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire alongside CEO Ted Gill. As reported by Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier, a Delaware Chancery Court judge ruled in March 2026 that Krafton had violated its contract with the studio’s leadership and ordered Gill reinstated as CEO. With Gill back in his role and the studio cleared to move forward, the May 14 launch finally puts Subnautica 2 in players’ hands.
The original Subnautica is one of the most beloved survival games of the last decade, and the sequel has been one of the most wishlisted games on Steam for some time. Subnautica 2 takes the formula deeper with native multiplayer, letting players explore an all-new alien ocean world solo or with friends. The game still includes the core gameplay loop fans expect: scanning wildlife, gathering resources, crafting tools and submersibles, and building bases as you push further into the depths.
Subnautica 2 enters Early Access on May 14, 2026 for PC (via Steam, Epic Games Store, and Microsoft Store) and Xbox Series X|S.
