Subnautica 2
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Created article for Subnautica 2, including game overview, system requirements, store description, gallery, and trivia.
 -**Subnautica 2** is an open-world underwater survival adventure game currently being developed by [Unknown Worlds](https://unknownworlds.com/en) and the first full sequel to the original *Subnautica*. Early Access for *Subnautica 2* was announced on October 17th, 2024, and was released to the public on May 14th, 2026. It is unlikely that *Subnautica 2* will be available for PlayStation ahead of its full release, as PlayStation does not offer previews like Xbox or Early Access titles like PC. The Early Access period is expected to last 2-3 years, and will follow the same update structure as the previous two entries in the series.+**Subnautica 2** is an open-world underwater survival adventure game developed by [Unknown Worlds](http://unknownworlds.com). 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. -Unlike its Unity-based predecessors, *Subnautica 2* is made in Unreal Engine 5. It is also the first title in the franchise to feature an official, optional multiplayer mode, with support for up to four players and no PvP.- -There are currently no plans for *Subnautica 2* to have VR support. Season passes, battle passes, subscriptions, and/or microtransactions will not be added to the game at any point. No generative AI will be used during the game's development.- -*Subnautica 2* features a brand new setting, taking place after the events of *Subnautica: Below Zero* and *Natural Selection* on an all-new alien moon, **Proteus**. The story follows a group of **Pioneers** striving to survive on the alien world after their colony ship **Cicada** ends up crash landing under mysterious circumstances. Characters, locations, creatures, and vehicles from previous entries will not return.- ## 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 |-| **Multiplayer** | Optional Co-op (up to 4 players) | | **Engine** | Unreal Engine 5 |+| **Multiplayer** | Optional online co-op (up to 4 players, no PvP) | -## Store Description+## Overview -*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.+*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. -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.+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. -### PLAY ALONE OR WITH FRIENDS-*Subnautica 2* is being crafted as a single-player experience that you can optionally play in online co-operative multiplayer with up to three friends. You can choose from four pre-designed characters, with more characters and customization options coming throughout Early Access. Work together to explore long-forgotten ruins and learn to adapt to a planet that might not want you there.+## Store Description -### ADAPT TO SURVIVE-To survive the depths and make this planet your home, you’ll need to utilize all the tools at your disposal. Traverse vibrant and breathtaking biomes with your **Tadpole** submersible. Design and customize bases to return to when your adventures push you beyond the safety of shallow waters. As Early Access develops, so too will your array of tools, equipment, and vehicles. Upgrades will help push you beyond your boundaries and unlock the secrets of this strange world.+> *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.* -### EXPLORE THE UNKNOWN-Scan and study a rich world of biodiversity to understand life here. Discover everything from the smallest creatures to towering Leviathans. Experience the wonder, and sometimes danger, lurking around every corner. Every dive is an opportunity to uncover why the ship's AI is so determined to continue the mission and what mysteries lie beneath the surface of this breathtaking new frontier.+### 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. -### DESIGNED FOR EARLY ACCESS-*Subnautica 2* is an Early Access title in active development. Throughout this journey, we will continuously expand the world with additional biomes, creatures, and craftables, while expanding the narrative. You may encounter bugs, in-development features, and performance issues. Your feedback is the cornerstone of our development process. Join us and help shape the next chapter of the Subnautica universe.+### 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. -### CRAFTED BY UNKNOWN WORLDS-*Subnautica 2* is being developed by Unknown Worlds, the studio behind the award-winning *Subnautica* and *Subnautica: Below Zero*. Our journey began with the 2003 Half-Life mod *Natural Selection*, and today we have evolved into a fully remote, globally distributed team spanning from the United States to the United Kingdom, France, Australia, and beyond. Defined by a philosophy of open development and over a decade of community-focused innovation, we invite you to dive back into the depths with a studio dedicated to pushing the boundaries of the survival genre.+### 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. -*Welcome aboard, Pioneer.*+### 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:** For a more in-depth look at system requirements (including Ultra and Ultra++ options), click [here](https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/subnautica/images/a/a4/SN2_EA_Q2_2026_PC_Specs.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20260504201435). System requirements are subject to change during the course of Early Access.+*Note: System requirements are subject to change during Early Access.* ## Gallery ### Screenshots- -#### Store Screenshots-     - -#### Store Screenshots (Old)- ------ -#### Development Screenshots- ------- -#### Time Capsule Screenshots- ---- ### Concept Art+++ ---- ### Promotional Art- --+ ### Renders- ------+++    ### Logos- ---+ -### Videos- -#### Trailers- -* Teaser Trailer - October 17, 2024-* Gameplay Reveal Trailer - July 9, 2025-* Early Access Cinematic Trailer - April 30, 2026-* Early Access Gameplay Trailer - May 9, 2026- -#### Promotional Material- -* Waterside Q&A - June 3, 2025-* Discord Stage Live Developer Q&A - May 4, 2026-* Leviathans Meet Leviathan - May 7, 2026-* First Dive Showcase - May 9, 2026- -#### Dev Vlogs- -* Road to Early Access - April 23, 2025-* Building Unknown Worlds - June 19, 2025-* Creating the Collector Leviathan - September 16, 2025-* Crafting the Tadpole - December 9, 2025-* Diving Together in Multiplayer - February 10, 2026-* Building Bases - March 12, 2026-* Welcome Aboard, Captains - May 5, 2026-* Swimming Forward - June 4, 2026-* Early Access 1.1 - Adaptive Measures - July 7, 2026- -#### Voices from Beyond- -* Voices from Beyond Episode 1 - November 25, 2025-* Voices from Beyond Episode 2 - December 19, 2025-* Voices from Beyond Episode 3 - January 29, 2026-* Voices from Beyond Episode 4 - February 26, 2026-* Voices from Beyond Episode 5 - March 26, 2026- -#### Dive into the Legacy- -* Breaching the Surface - April 7, 2025-* An Echo of Hope - April 14, 2025-* Detecting New Lore - April 21, 2025-* The Keepers of 4546B - April 28, 2025- ## Trivia -* *Subnautica 2*'s Early Access release was originally slated for 2025, with an *Unknown Worlds* blog post announcing the delay to 2026 in July of 2025. According to the post, the decision was made to delay the game after internal playtests revealed several areas still in need of improvement, however it was later revealed in a lawsuit to have been part of a hostile takeover plan by the CEO of *Krafton* to avoid paying a bonus that had been promised to the *Unknown Worlds* team.-* Community concerns regarding *Subnautica 2* potentially featuring monetization strategies (battle passes, subscriptions, microtransactions, etc.) first arose when publisher *Krafton* listed the game as following a "Game-as-a-Service" model in one of its financial reports. Shortly after, the developers released a blog post that stated the following: "In reference to “Games-as-a-Service,” we simply plan to continually update the game for many years to come, just like the previous two *Subnautica* games. Think our Early Access update model, expanded. **No season passes. No battle passes. No subscription.**"- * These concerns were raised once again when it was reported that *Unknown Worlds* would be undergoing leadership changes in July of 2025, prompting another developer response. In addition to easing concerns regarding these changes, it was also reiterated that "[*Subnautica 2*] will remain a single-player first experience, with optional co-operative multiplayer. **No subscriptions. No loot boxes. No battle pass. No microtransactions.**"- * At least one developer has gone on to say that this delay should not shorten the projected Early Access length of 2-3 years.- * This leadership change has since been undone by a judge following a successful lawsuit by the original founders of *Unknown Worlds*.-* A number of developers have been confirmed to return for *Subnautica 2*.- * Concept artist Alex Ries, known for designing many of *Subnautica: Below Zero*'s fauna.- * Song artist Ben Prunty, who composed the soundtrack for *Subnautica: Below Zero*.- * Several tracks composed by Ben for *Subnautica 2* can be heard in the background of the game's Dev Vlogs.-* On April 24th, 2025, Subnautica Official account joined two Chinese video platforms, Bilibili and Douyin (Tik Tok Chinese version).- * On June 12th, 2026, the follower count of Subnautica official account on Bilibili reached 100,000.-* Beginning in July of 2024, multiple new Time Capsules were discovered by *Subnautica* players, each seemingly featuring a close-up screenshot of an unknown creature from *Subnautica 2.* These Time Capsules were soon acknowledged by developer Scott MacDonald on the Steam forums.- * Each time capsule features the hashtag "PEEPERSRULE" in their description.- * Each time capsule has the name "TC" followed by a string of numbers. When these numbers are converted to text through the use of a hexadecimal translator, the creature's apparent name is revealed: "WATERSLUG." The name was later confirmed directly by Scott MacDonald.-* On December 15th, 2024, a post was made on all major social media platforms, as well as the *Unknown Worlds* blog, announcing a giveaway of 200 *Subnautica 2* themed T-shirts.+* **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. -- -* On May 2nd, 2026, a number of launch events coinciding with the Early Access release of *Subnautica 2* were announced, all of which include in-game prizes that reference the original *Subnautica*.- * Watching the Pre-Launch Showcase live on May 9th for 20 minutes on Twitch earned players an in-game blueprint for the **Seamoth** Decoration statue.- * Winners of the "Leviathan Awakens" art contest will earn an in-game **Sea Dragon Leviathan** poster blueprint, as well as real-life plushes of the **Reaper Leviathan**, **Peeper**, and **Bladderfish** from Youtooz.- * An additional, non-referential prize for this particular event will involve the first place winner's design being made into an in-game poster.- * Reaching 100,000 applicants on the Alterra Career Aptitude Test (A.C.A.T.) earned all players an in-game **Lost River** poster blueprint.- * The requisite number of applicants was reached in approximately 3 hours post-announcement.-* On May 11, 2026, it was announced that the blueprint for a Reaper Statue originally only available for players who buy the game before May 25th would instead be free for all purchasers of the game, as a thank you for being wishlisted a total of 5 million times.-* The Chinese official name of *Subnautica 2* is derived from the original name by adding a colon and the phrase "异星水域" (Which means Alien Waters).- ## External Links -* [*Subnautica 2* on Steam](https://store.steampowered.com/app/1962700/Subnautica_2/)-* [*Subnautica 2* on Epic Store](https://store.epicgames.com/en-US/p/subnautica-2-d27f94)-* [*Subnautica 2* on Xbox Series X|S](https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/store/subnautica-2/9PJPCB188SVG)-* [System Requirements](https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/subnautica/images/a/a4/SN2_EA_Q2_2026_PC_Specs.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20260504201435)+* [Subnautica 2 on Steam](https://store.steampowered.com/app/1962700/Subnautica_2/)+* [Subnautica 2 on Epic Store](https://store.epicgames.com/en-US/p/subnautica-2-d27f94)+* [Subnautica 2 on Xbox Series X|S](https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/store/subnautica-2/9PJPCB188SVG)
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