The countdown is on. Unknown Worlds has confirmed that Subnautica 2 dives into Early Access on May 14, 2026, landing on Steam, the Epic Games Store, the Windows Store, and Xbox Series X|S. After years of behind-the-scenes drama and one of the messiest developer-publisher disputes in recent memory, the most wishlisted game on Steam is finally almost here — and this time, you can bring friends.
Co-Op Comes to the Deep
For the first time in the franchise's history, Subnautica 2 supports cooperative multiplayer for up to four players. You and your crew will explore an entirely new alien ocean world together, building bases, crafting vehicles, and trying not to become lunch for whatever leviathan-class nightmare is lurking in the deep trenches.
The cinematic trailer gives us our first real look at the new planet's biomes, including bioluminescent coral forests, volcanic thermal vents, and an ice shelf region that looks like it could swallow a submarine whole. New creatures are everywhere — some friendly, many very much not.
The Krafton Controversy
The road to Early Access was anything but smooth. In 2025, parent company Krafton ousted Unknown Worlds' founders and delayed the game into 2026. Former developers alleged that Krafton made the decision — reportedly after consulting ChatGPT — to avoid a $250 million payout tied to delivering Subnautica 2 on its original 2025 timeline. A judge later forced Krafton to reinstate CEO Ted Gill, and development resumed.
Despite the turbulence, the team appears to have channeled the chaos into an ambitious Early Access build. Unknown Worlds says the game will remain in Early Access for roughly two to three years before its full release, with regular content updates planned throughout.
What to Expect at Launch
The Early Access build will include a full underwater sandbox with base building, vehicle crafting, a new current mechanic that can drag players into unexplored areas, and the new cooperative mode. The game is priced at $29.99 USD and will be available on PC and Xbox from day one.
Other developers have already started adjusting their release schedules to avoid Subnautica 2's splash. Cozy RV simulator Outbound moved its launch date earlier to steer clear of May 14, a testament to just how big this release is expected to be.
