When is the Subnautica 2 release date? A decade after the original Subnautica launched into the deep blue sea of early access, Unknown Worlds has finally revealed the hit series’ next evolution.
While it promises more of the same open-water exploration we love, Subnautica 2 is finally bringing a native multiplayer experience to the table. However, just because you’ve got a few buddies to go diving with, that doesn’t mean the survival game will be any less terrifying than its predecessor. To find out all we know about the Subnautica 2 release date and what the game entails, read on.
Subnautica 2 release date window
Subnautica 2 is set to launch between 2027 and 2028, after early access development ends. Unknown Worlds estimates Subnautica 2 will stay in early access for “about two to three years” after its 2025 launch.
“We have a number of goals that we are adamantly working towards,” the devs say on the Steam store page. “We are focusing on delivering quality at a reasonable pace. At the end of the day, we’re dedicated to completing Subnautica 2 and making it the best game possible.”
In its current state, Subnautica 2 will launch into early access with multiplayer, several biomes, along with creatures, craftables, and some narrative. As the development process progresses, Unknown Worlds plans to add new content, such as more biomes, creatures, craftables, features, and narratives. It should be noted that Subnautica 2 will cost more post-launch, so snapping it up in early access is categorically the best time if you’re looking to save a few bucks.
Subnautica 2 early access
Subnautica 2 will launch into early access in 2025 and will be available on PC via Steam, the Epic Games Store, and the Windows Store, in addition to Xbox Series X|S. Unknown Worlds confirmed the release year in the first teaser trailer for the game.
Though it’s unconfirmed when exactly Subnautica 2 will emerge in 2025, there’s a good chance we won’t be waiting long. The original Subnautica launched into early access in December 2014, while Subnautica Below Zero arrived in January 2019. Based on this cadence, we can imagine a more concrete date to materialize at this year’s The Game Awards (TGA) in December, followed by a January or February drop.
It looks like PlayStation players won’t be able to get in on the action at launch. Judging by the fact that all previous Subnautica series releases have come to Sony’s platform, it wouldn’t surprise us if Microsoft signed a deal for a timed exclusive release. Subnautica 2 is also coming to Game Pass, so this seems all the more likely. Either that or Sony hasn’t green lit early access – we know how particular the publisher can be with it.
Subnautica 2 trailers
The Subnautica 2 reveal teaser – the only trailer we’ve had so far – opens with some shots of a young man floating in dark waters, mixed with lighter scenes of him prospecting vibrant coral reefs. That is until a giant crustacean creature sends him tumbling into the depths.
Fortunately, the young man is found by his colleague who comes to his aid in a small submersible. Less fortunately, the pair find themselves surrounded by a giant glowing Kraken-esque monster – spooky.
Subnautica 2 multiplayer
As teased in the reveal trailer, Subnautica 2 is finally bringing multiplayer to the series. Unknown Worlds says you’ll be able to explore its vast, alien world alone or with up to three friends in online multiplayer co-op.
It’s currently unclear if crossplay is coming to Subnautica 2 between Xbox and PC players, though we expect this to be the bare minimum for a game launching in 2025. It would be incredibly disappointing for this landmark feature to not be fully fleshed out.
Subnautica 2 story
According to Unknown Worlds, you are a pioneer traveling to a distant world, but something isn’t quite right. Despite the ship AI’s insistence that you crack on with the mission, it’s clear that this unchartered territory is not fit for human inhabitants. That is, “unless you change what it means to be human.”
This cryptic message perhaps indicates your character has to evolve or splice itself with the planet’s creatures to adapt and survive. We can already imagine fighting off leviathans with giant crab pincers, though this is of course only one way to read it. More simply, it can be tied to the survival tools we unlock throughout the game.
Subnautica 2 gameplay
From what we’ve been able to glean from the Subnautica 2 Steam store page, the basic gameplay loop sounds very similar to previous series entries. You’ll start with the basic survival tools like the scanner and flashlight, and gradually expand your arsenal through recipes. These recipes will allow you to craft advanced tools, equipment, and submersibles.
The scanner itself can be used to learn more about the local wildlife, while the Biosampler takes samples from it so you can study its deepest secrets. Base customization is also expected to be elevated, as Unknown Worlds says an overhauled building system is coming to the game. Considering the depths to which you’ll have to submerse yourself if you’re to find out the truth of what’s going on at the core of the planet, better shelter options sound especially great to us.
And that’s all we know about the Subnautica 2 release date for now. While you (im)patiently await more news on the game be sure to check out the best multiplayer games that’ll tide you and your pals over. If you’re still playing the original game, be sure to check out our Subnautica mods list to improve your gameplay experience.