Subnautica 2 is an open-world underwater survival adventure game developed by Unknown Worlds. It is the first full sequel to the original Subnautica and takes place after the events of Subnautica: Below Zero. Early Access was released on May 14, 2026, for PC and Xbox Series X/S.
Game Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Developer | Unknown Worlds |
| Genre | Action, Adventure |
| Platforms | PC, Xbox Series X/S |
| Release Date | May 14, 2026 (Early Access) |
| Game Modes | Survival, Creative |
| Engine | Unreal Engine 5 |
| Multiplayer | Optional online co-op (up to 4 players, no PvP) |
Overview
Subnautica 2 features a brand new setting on an all-new alien moon, Proteus. The story follows a group of Pioneers striving to survive after their colony ship, the Cicada, crash-lands under mysterious circumstances. Unlike previous entries, characters, locations, creatures, and vehicles from Subnautica and Below Zero do not return as part of the main narrative, though cosmetic references exist.
The game is built using Unreal Engine 5, marking a shift from the Unity engine used in its predecessors. It introduces official, optional multiplayer support for up to four players in a cooperative environment without PvP. The developers have confirmed that there are no plans for VR support, and the game will not feature season passes, battle passes, subscriptions, or microtransactions. Additionally, no generative AI is used in the game's development.
Store Description
Subnautica 2 is an underwater survival adventure game set on an all-new alien world. It is the next chapter in the Subnautica universe, developed by Unknown Worlds.
Driven from your home by ongoing conflict, Alterra offers you the chance at a new life. But as the colony ship CICADA shepherds you and your fellow Pioneers to your new home, something goes awry. The ship’s AI insists that your mission should continue. Stranded and faced with near-insurmountable odds, you must do everything in your power to survive. The future of humanity on this world is in your hands.
Play Alone or With Friends
Subnautica 2 is crafted as a single-player experience that can optionally be played in online co-operative multiplayer with up to three friends. Players can choose from four pre-designed characters, with more customization options arriving throughout Early Access. Teams can work together to explore ruins and adapt to the planet.
Adapt to Survive
To survive the depths, players must utilize various tools. Key features include:
- Traversing vibrant biomes with the Tadpole submersible.
- Designing and customizing bases.
- Unlocking new tools, equipment, and vehicle upgrades as Early Access progresses.
Explore the Unknown
Players can scan and study a rich world of biodiversity, from small creatures to towering Leviathans. Every dive offers opportunities to uncover the mysteries of the ship's AI and the secrets beneath the surface.
Designed for Early Access
As an Early Access title, the game is in active development. Unknown Worlds plans to continuously expand the world with additional biomes, creatures, craftables, and narrative content. Player feedback is central to the development process.
System Requirements
Minimum
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 or later |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-8400 / AMD Ryzen 5 2600 (6 cores) |
| Memory | 12 GB RAM |
| Graphics | GeForce GTX 1660 6GB / AMD RX 5500XT 6GB |
| DirectX | Version 12 |
| Network | Broadband Internet connection |
| Storage | 50 GB available space |
Recommended
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| OS | Windows 11 |
| Processor | Intel Core i7-13700 / AMD Ryzen 7 7700X (8 cores) |
| Memory | 16 GB RAM |
| Graphics | Geforce RTX 3070 8GB / Radeon RX 6700 XT 8GB |
| DirectX | Version 12 |
| Network | Broadband Internet connection |
| Storage | 50 GB available space |
Note: System requirements are subject to change during Early Access.
Gallery
Screenshots
Concept Art
Promotional Art
Renders
Logos
Trivia
- Early Access Delay: The Early Access release was originally slated for 2025 but was delayed to 2026. While officially cited as needing improvement, later reports suggested internal corporate issues involving Krafton.
- Monetization: Despite Krafton listing the game as "Games-as-a-Service," Unknown Worlds confirmed there are no season passes, battle passes, subscriptions, loot boxes, or microtransactions.
- Returning Developers: Concept artist Alex Ries and composer Ben Prunty returned for Subnautica 2.
- Time Capsules: In July 2024, players discovered Time Capsules containing hex-encoded messages revealing the name "WATERSLUG," confirming a new creature.
- Launch Events:
- Watching the Pre-Launch Showcase on Twitch awarded the Seamoth Decoration statue blueprint.
- Reaching 100,000 applicants on the Alterra Career Aptitude Test awarded the Lost River poster blueprint.
- Reaching 5 million wishlists made the Reaper Statue blueprint free for all purchasers.
- Chinese Name: The official Chinese name adds the phrase "异星水域" (Alien Waters) to the original title.
