Subnautica 2 Release Date & Early Access Status
Subnautica 2 entered Early Access on May 14, 2026. Platforms, price, Game Pass status, trailer and what to expect during EA.
Subnautica 2 entered Early Access on May 14, 2026 at 08:00 PDT / 15:00 UTC. This page is now updated for the live Early Access build, including platforms, price, Game Pass status and first-session links.
Early Access Details
- Release Date: May 14, 2026 (08:00 PDT / 15:00 UTC)
- Platforms: PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, Windows Store) and Xbox Series X|S
- Price: $29.99 USD one-time purchase
- Game Pass: Available on day one via Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass
- Steam App: Subnautica 2 app 1962700
Open the Early Access hub for launch timing, platform availability and first-session prep.
Watch the Official Trailer
Check out the latest official gameplay trailer to see what awaits you on the new alien planet:
For our frame-by-frame breakdown, see the trailer analysis.
What to Expect in Early Access
The developers at Unknown Worlds expect the game to remain in Early Access for approximately 2 to 3 years — see how long Early Access will last. This period will be used to refine gameplay, add new biomes and creatures, and perfect the brand new 4-player co-op multiplayer experience based on community feedback.
Prepare your gear, Pioneer.
Time Zone Cheat Sheet
The 08:00 PDT launch translates as follows for the most-asked regions:
| Region | Local Time |
|---|---|
| US Pacific (PDT) | May 14, 08:00 |
| US Eastern (EDT) | May 14, 11:00 |
| UK (BST) | May 14, 16:00 |
| Central Europe (CEST) | May 14, 17:00 |
| India (IST) | May 14, 20:30 |
| Japan (JST) | May 15, 00:00 |
| Australia East (AEST) | May 15, 01:00 |
These times are historical launch references. The game is live now in supported regions and storefronts.
First-Session Checklist
- Update before playing — install any day-one client updates or hotfixes.
- Update your GPU driver — Subnautica 2’s UE5 visuals reward a fresh Nvidia or AMD driver release.
- Free up storage — confirm the final install size in your storefront and leave room for hotfixes.
- Set up your co-op group — sort out who hosts and how you join before your first deep route, see the 4-player multiplayer guide.
- Claim launch rewards — after the 5 million wishlist milestone, Unknown Worlds changed the Reaper Leviathan Statue blueprint into a free item for every player at launch.
- Read the first 24 hours guide so you do not waste your first session figuring out what to craft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Subnautica 2 free with Game Pass? Yes — included with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass on day one. No additional purchase required while your subscription is active.
Can I refund Early Access if I do not enjoy it? Steam’s standard 2-hour / 14-day refund policy applies. Epic and Microsoft have similar windows. Test the game right away if you are unsure.
Why is Subnautica 2 only $29.99 if it’s a sequel? Early Access pricing tends to undercut the eventual 1.0 release price, which Unknown Worlds historically lifted by ~$10 once Subnautica 1 hit full release. If you want to buy Subnautica 2, buying during Early Access is genuinely cheaper.
When does the full 1.0 release come out? Estimated 2028–2029 — see how long Early Access will last for the full reasoning.