Subnautica 2 Release Date & Early Access Countdown
Subnautica 2 enters Early Access on May 14, 2026. Platforms, price, Game Pass status, trailer and what to expect during EA — all in one place.
The wait is almost over. Subnautica 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed survival game, is officially entering Early Access on May 14, 2026 at 08:00 PDT.
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
Watch the live Early Access countdown on the homepage — every second tracked in your local timezone.
Watch the Official Trailer
Check out the cinematic 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 |
Watch the homepage countdown for the second-by-second timer in your own timezone.
Pre-Launch Checklist
Before the launch window opens:
- Pre-load on Steam or Xbox — both platforms allow pre-loading 24–48 hours before launch. Check your store page on May 13.
- Update your GPU driver — Subnautica 2’s UE5 visuals reward a fresh Nvidia or AMD driver release.
- Free up storage — install size at launch is approximately 70 GB.
- Set up your co-op group — sort out who hosts and how you join in advance, see the 4-player multiplayer guide.
- Read the first 24 hours guide so you do not waste your peak-energy 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.