Developers on Early Access for Subnautica 2: Managing Expectations

A community discussion highlights that Subnautica 2's Early Access will feature bugs, placeholder assets, and a smaller map. Players are advised to lower expectations and note the discounted price during this phase.

Developers on early access for Subnautica 2 (don't expect a Full game)

Subnautica 2 Early Access Discussion

Seriously, lower your expectations for early-access. That’s why it’s called EARLY.

I really don’t get why people think that just because the game was delayed by a few more months or half a year, that means they have to release a fully polished game with no bugs and all the content right away. I think what we’ve seen is a pretty impressive version of the game, and I think it’ll be fun to play during early access, but you have to remember that bugs and glitches will be part of the experience.

The map will likely be very small, and some areas will just be empty, with items named things like “something_Placeholder_graybox.” And that's OKAY.

It's also been confirmed that the game will cost less during Early Access than after launch. If you don't like playing with bugs and you're afraid of spoiling your first impressions, you can buy the game at lower price and wait two years for the full release.