It's finally happening. After years of anticipation, multiple delays, and a tumultuous behind-the-scenes period, Unknown Worlds has officially set a launch date for Subnautica 2: May 14, 2026. The announcement landed today, April 30, 2026, alongside the release of the game's first official cinematic trailer.
The Official Launch Date: May 14, 2026
Subnautica 2 will enter Early Access on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 8:00 AM PDT / 11:00 AM EDT / 15:00 UTC / 4:00 PM BST. The launch is global and simultaneous across all confirmed platforms — no regional staggering.
Where to Play
The Early Access launch is confirmed on the following platforms:
- Steam
- Epic Games Store
- Microsoft Store (PC)
- Xbox Series X|S
- Xbox Game Pass — day-one inclusion on PC and Console
PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch are not part of the Early Access launch. Unknown Worlds has indicated those platforms may be considered after the v1.0 full release.
Pricing: $29.99 at Launch
Subnautica 2 will cost $29.99 USD at Early Access launch, with regional pricing applied automatically through each storefront. Game Pass subscribers can play at no additional cost on day one.
The price will increase when the game leaves Early Access — standard practice for Unknown Worlds titles, and consistent with how the original Subnautica was priced through its EA period.
Single-Player or Co-Op
One of the biggest changes for the franchise: Subnautica 2 is built as a single-player experience that can optionally be played in online co-op with up to three friends — a total of four players exploring the same alien ocean together.
The studio has been clear: solo play remains the core experience, but cooperative multiplayer is fully supported and seamless when you want it.
No Krafton on the Box
Notably, Krafton is no longer listed as the game's publisher on Steam, Epic, or Xbox storefronts following the legal dispute that played out throughout 2025 and early 2026. Unknown Worlds is taking on both developer and publisher credits for the launch.
The Cinematic Trailer
Today's announcement was paired with the release of the first full cinematic trailer for Subnautica 2, which gives players their first proper look at the new alien ocean world, several creature designs, and a glimpse at the narrative tone the studio is aiming for.
What's in the Early Access Build
The May 14 launch build will include:
- Up to 4-player online co-op multiplayer
- The opening story chapters set on a brand-new alien planet
- Multiple biomes — sunlit shallows through deep volcanic zones
- The Tadpole submersible and additional vehicles
- The procedural sculptural base-building system from Dev Vlog 6
- The DNA Modification System
- Cross-platform multiplayer between PC and Xbox
Steam's Most Wishlisted Game
Subnautica 2 enters Early Access as the most wishlisted upcoming game on Steam, reflecting the enormous anticipation for the sequel and the franchise's loyal fan base.
Looking Ahead — Full Release in 2027–2028
Unknown Worlds estimates the Early Access period will run two to three years, putting the v1.0 full release somewhere in 2027 or 2028. The team plans to add biomes, vehicles, creatures, and story content steadily through that period based on community feedback.