Subnautica 2 early access date confirmed, Steam’s most wishlisted game launches May 14

The wait is nearly over. Unknown Worlds has confirmed that Subnautica 2, currently the most wishlisted game on Steam, will launch in Early Access on PC on May 14, 2026, just two weeks away.

Alongside the date announcement, a new cinematic trailer has dropped, teasing the kinds of creatures and mysteries players can look forward to in the sequel’s uncharted alien waters. If the original is anything to go by, you’re in for some genuinely unsettling depths.

Subnautica 2 Early Access cinematic trailer

The KRAFTON situation

The release comes off the back of a turbulent period for the studio. KRAFTON had previously confirmed a May window for the game, but the publishing situation remains murky. Unknown Worlds is still technically a KRAFTON subsidiary, despite the original Subnautica co-founders winning their legal battle against the publisher, a case that reportedly saw KRAFTON attempt to sabotage the studio’s leadership.

Whether Unknown Worlds has taken over publishing duties entirely, or could eventually break away from KRAFTON altogether hasn’t been officially confirmed. Fans would likely welcome full independence, given how damaging the court revelations were to KRAFTON’s reputation.

For now, though, Subnautica 2‘s Steam page has the exact global launch times listed, so you can plan your dive accordingly.

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