Subnautica 2 pre-orders and preloading are now live ahead of its May 14, 2026 Early Access launch. Here’s the full breakdown of pricing, 4-player co-op, platforms, and launch content.
Subnautica 2 has officially opened pre-orders and preloading ahead of its Early Access launch on May 14, 2026. The underwater survival sequel from Unknown Worlds Entertainment has surpassed 5 million wishlists across Steam and Xbox, holding the top spot on Steam’s global wishlist for nine consecutive months. The game will be available on PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store) and Xbox Series X|S, with Xbox Game Pass support from day one.
How Much Does Subnautica 2 Cost?
Subnautica 2 is priced at $29.99 USD for Early Access. Unknown Worlds has confirmed that the price is localized by region, so check your preferred storefront for the exact figure in your currency. A special bundle option is also available:
| Option | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Subnautica 2 (Standard) | $29.99 |
| Subnautica Deep Ocean Bundle (includes Subnautica, Below Zero, and Subnautica 2) | $40.47 (50% + 10% off) |
One purchase covers the entire Early Access period. Every update, hotfix, and content addition through to the 1.0 launch and beyond is included at no extra charge. The developer has also confirmed that the price will increase after Early Access ends, making the current window the cheapest time to buy in.
Day One on Xbox Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers get Subnautica 2 on day one at no additional cost. This applies to both Xbox console and PC versions. If you are on the fence about buying, Game Pass is a risk-free way to dive in on May 14 without committing to a purchase.
What Platforms Is Subnautica 2 On?
The confirmed Early Access platforms are:
- PC: Steam, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store
- Console: Xbox Series X|S (Game Preview)
- Game Pass: Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass (day one)
- Handheld: Windows handhelds like ROG Ally are supported
PlayStation 5 is not included in the Early Access phase. Unknown Worlds has said they plan to bring the game to other platforms “when the time is right,” but no PS5 date has been announced. Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2 are also not confirmed.
4-Player Co-op: The Biggest New Feature
For the first time in the Subnautica series, players can explore with up to three friends in online co-op. This was the single most requested feature from the community since the original game launched.
Key details about the co-op system:
- Fully optional: the entire game is playable solo from start to finish.
- No PvP: co-op is purely cooperative.
- Proximity-based inventory sharing lets you grab resources from an ally’s locker while crafting nearby.
- You can convert a single-player save into a multiplayer session, or start a new co-op game.
- Cross-platform multiplayer is confirmed between Xbox and PC.
- Specialized roles emerge naturally: one player can farm resources, another builds, a third explores caves, while the fourth watches for Leviathans.
Unknown Worlds built multiplayer into the game from the ground up rather than adding it to an existing solo framework. Every feature developed since the earliest prototypes was designed to be multiplayer-capable, while never requiring a second player.
A New Planet, A New Story
Subnautica 2 takes place on Cesura, a completely new alien moon unrelated to Planet 4546B from the original game. Players take on the role of a Pioneer aboard the CICADA, a massive Alterra colony ship carrying 40,000 people. Something has gone wrong, and the ship’s AI insists you carry on the mission despite the planet being dangerously hostile to human life.
The game returns to the deep-ocean focus of the original Subnautica, moving away from the land-based exploration sections of Below Zero. Built on Unreal Engine 5, the sequel features more complex creature behavior, advanced lighting, realistic underwater visuals, and environmental hazards like ocean currents that can physically sweep players away.
A DNA modification system is also new: players can alter their own genetics to adapt to the planet’s conditions, changing what it means to be human in the process.
What Is Included in Early Access at Launch?
Unknown Worlds has been transparent about Early Access scope. On day one, the game includes:
- Several explorable biomes (towering underwater cliffs, lush coral fields, and more)
- 4-player co-op multiplayer
- A variety of creatures, including five confirmed Leviathans (more than the original had at full release)
- The beginning of the narrative (full story comes with 1.0)
- Overhauled base building and crafting systems
- New submersibles including the Tadpole
The Early Access period is expected to last approximately 2 to 3 years, consistent with the development timelines of both Subnautica and Below Zero. Updates will add new biomes, creatures, craftables, and story content throughout the process. A full 1.0 release could arrive between 2028 and 2029.
No Microtransactions, No Battle Pass, No Subscriptions
Unknown Worlds has repeatedly and firmly stated that Subnautica 2 will not feature season passes, battle passes, subscriptions, loot boxes, or microtransactions of any kind. This commitment was reiterated multiple times during the game’s development, including after leadership changes at the studio in 2025. You buy the game once, and you get everything.
System Requirements
Subnautica 2’s move to Unreal Engine 5 means higher hardware demands than its predecessors:
| Spec | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10/11 | Windows 11 |
| CPU | Intel i5-8400 / AMD Ryzen 5 2600 | Intel i7-13700 / AMD Ryzen 7 7700X |
| RAM | 12 GB | 16 GB |
| GPU | GTX 1660 6GB / RX 5500 XT 6GB | RTX 3070 8GB / RX 6700 XT 8GB |
| Storage | 50 GB | 50 GB |
| DirectX | Version 12 | Version 12 |
The 12 GB RAM minimum is notable and reflects the demands of the open-world ocean environment running on Unreal Engine 5. Broadband internet is required for multiplayer.
5 Million Wishlists and the Reaper Leviathan Gift
To celebrate crossing 5 million wishlists, Unknown Worlds expanded a previously limited reward. The Reaper Leviathan Statue blueprint, originally planned as a first-week bonus, is now available to every player across every platform from the moment Early Access launches. It is no longer a time-limited item.
What Players Usually Ask
Will Subnautica 2 come to PS5?
Not during Early Access. A PS5 version may follow after the full 1.0 release, but no date has been confirmed.
Can I play Subnautica 2 completely solo?
Yes. The game is designed as a single-player-first experience. Co-op is entirely optional, and no puzzle or mission requires a second player.
Does Subnautica 2 support VR?
Not at this time. Unknown Worlds has said they are not currently working on VR support, though they have not ruled it out for the future.
How long will Early Access last?
Approximately 2 to 3 years, based on the studio’s previous track record with Early Access titles.
Will the price go up after Early Access?
Yes. Unknown Worlds confirmed the price will increase after the full release. Buying during Early Access guarantees the lowest price.
Is there cross-play between PC and Xbox?
Yes. Cross-platform multiplayer between Xbox and PC is confirmed.
When Exactly Does It Launch?
Subnautica 2 Early Access goes live on May 14, 2026, at 08:00 PDT / 15:00 UTC. Pre-orders and preloading are available now on Steam, Epic Games Store, and Xbox. Whether you grab it on your preferred storefront or access it through Game Pass, the depths of Cesura are just days away.
If you are looking to pick up Steam wallet funds or explore gaming marketplace options ahead of the launch, GamerMarkt’s Steam Wallet Code page offers a convenient way to load your account. You can also browse GamerMarkt’s Steam account listings for a wide range of gaming options.
