With the Early Access launch of Subnautica 2 approaching in just a matter of days following years of anticipation, the developers have been releasing previews to build excitement. Over the weekend, Unknown Worlds conducted a two-hour online broadcast that highlighted the initial underwater exploration for viewers eager for more insights into the title. Additionally, the studio released a brief video clip demonstrating gameplay, available for viewing. The game is set to enter Early Access on May 14 via Steam, Xbox, and Epic platforms.
The story of Subnautica 2 unfolds on an unfamiliar planet, as outlined in its official summary: Escaping your original home due to persistent strife, Alterra provides an opportunity for a fresh start. However, while the colony vessel CICADA transports you and other settlers to this destination, an unexpected issue arises. The onboard artificial intelligence demands that the journey proceed regardless. Left isolated and confronting overwhelming challenges, players must employ all available resources to endure. The fate of human settlement on this planet rests with you.
Production of Subnautica 2 encountered obstacles during the previous summer, when reports emerged that Krafton—which acquired Unknown Worlds back in 2021—had dismissed the studio's leadership, prompting a lawsuit from the affected executives. In March of the current year, a court ruling required Krafton to restore Unknown Worlds CEO Ted Gill to his position. As the Early Access debut draws close, the project seems to have regained stability. That said, the complete edition remains distant, with the team projecting a development period in Early Access lasting approximately two to three years.