If you’ve ever dreamed of diving into the unknown depths of an alien ocean, the wait is almost over—Subnautica 2 is on the horizon, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting survival games of 2025. Whether you loved the terrifying isolation of the first game or the narrative depth of Subnautica: Below Zero, this sequel is bringing a bigger world, co-op multiplayer, and stunning next-gen visuals. Let’s break down everything you need to know.

Release Date & Platforms

• Release Date: Scheduled for early 2026 (official date pending).
• Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam & Epic Games Store).
• Next-Gen Only: Unlike previous entries, Subnautica 2 will not launch on PS4 or Xbox One, making full use of modern hardware for larger maps and more complex ecosystems.

👉 Want to explore more 2025 survival titles? Check out our full guide on Hell is Us.

Issues Slowing Down Subnautica 2’s Release

1. Early Access Delayed to 2026

• Originally slated for Early Access in 2025, Subnautica 2 has been pushed back to 2026. Unknown Worlds cited the need for more development time to refine biomes, add more creatures, and enhance narrative depth before launch.
• Krafton supports the delay, asserting it was made to preserve game quality and protect the Subnautica franchise from a rushed, unfinished release.

2. Legal Dispute and Leadership Shakeup

• A major lawsuit has erupted: ex-Unknown Worlds leadership (Cleveland, Gill, and McGuire) claim Krafton delayed the release to avoid a $250 million earnout bonus, which would be triggered if Early Access launched in 2025.
• Krafton fired the three, accusing them of abandoning development duties and even downloading confidential data before departure.
• Deprecated leadership denies this, asserting the game was ready and that the delay was financially motivated.

3. Community Backlash & Reputation Risk

• News of the delay and leadership firings sparked fan unrest—most notably calls for boycotts and fears of the game being compromised.
• Importantly, the team clarified that Subnautica 2 is not a games-as-a-service (GaaS) title. No season passes, no loot boxes, no subscriptions—pledge reaffirmed after backlash.

4. Milestone Review & Scope Reduction

• Leaked internal documents revealed Krafton’s concerns that Early Access wouldn't “drive IP growth,” citing the game lacked biomes, creatures, and narrative content. They recommended a 30% scope increase before release.
• Krafton validated the authenticity of these internal milestone reviews, positioning the delay as a quality-first decision.

Pre-Orders, Editions & Bonuses

As of now, pre-orders aren’t live, but based on trends:

• Standard Edition – Base game
• Deluxe Edition – Includes exclusive skins, base-building packs, and soundtrack
• Collector’s Edition (rumored) – Physical map of the new planet, artbook, and submarine model

We’ll update links as soon as official pre-order pages go live.

Gameplay & Mechanics

Subnautica 2 builds on its predecessors with more survival depth, multiplayer features, and new biomes.

✅ Exploration Without Limits

• The ocean world is 2x larger than Below Zero, with seamless transitions between surface and deep-sea biomes.
• Expect terrifying trenches, glowing alien reefs, volcanic zones, and frozen wastelands.

✅ Co-op Multiplayer (Finally!)

• Play with up to 4 friends in drop-in/drop-out multiplayer.
• Base-building and exploration are fully co-op compatible.
• Players can take specialized roles: pilot submarines, manage oxygen systems, or craft survival gear.

✅ Advanced Base Building

• Modular, more customizable bases with weather resistance.
• Shared resources across co-op saves.
• Drones and AI helpers to assist solo players.

✅ Survival Systems

• Oxygen and temperature management remain critical.
• New disease/infection mechanic adds risk in certain biomes.
• Wildlife is more dynamic—predators hunt prey naturally.

Story & Setting

Subnautica 2 is set on 4546B, the same alien planet as the first games, but explores new regions never seen before.

• You play as a new researcher sent to uncover the truth behind the Precursors (ancient alien race).
• Storytelling blends environmental discovery, datapads, and cutscenes, but maintains the franchise’s signature mystery-driven approach.

Expect multiple endings depending on choices made during survival and exploration.

Multiplayer & Crossplay

• Multiplayer: 1–4 players
• Crossplay: Confirmed between PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S
• Cloud Saves: Supported (Steam, Xbox Game Pass, PSN cloud sync)

Performance & Graphics

The game runs on a new Unity engine build, promising:

• 4K resolution on PS5/Xbox Series X
• 60 FPS performance mode and Quality mode with ray tracing
• PC features: DLSS/FSR support, ultra-wide monitor compatibility, ray tracing reflections and shadows

System Requirements (PC)

Minimum:

• CPU: Intel i5-9600K / Ryzen 5 3600
• GPU: GTX 1660 / RX 580
• RAM: 16 GB
• Storage: 50 GB SSD

Recommended:

• CPU: Intel i7-12700K / Ryzen 7 5800X
• GPU: RTX 3070 / RX 6800
• RAM: 32 GB
• Storage: 50 GB NVMe SSD

Critical Expectations & Community Buzz

Fans on Reddit, ResetEra, and X are hyped for:

• Co-op (“Finally I can play Subnautica with my best friend instead of watching him scream at Reaper Leviathans alone”).
• Bigger biomes and more terrifying deep-sea monsters.
• Concerns about balance in multiplayer survival—will it be too easy with 4 players?

IGN and PC Gamer early previews highlight Subnautica 2 as “one of the most immersive survival titles of 2025.”

FAQ (For Featured Snippets)

Q: Is Subnautica 2 multiplayer?
Yes, up to 4-player online co-op with full crossplay.

Q: Will Subnautica 2 be on PS4/Xbox One?
No, it’s next-gen only: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Q: How big is Subnautica 2 compared to Below Zero?
Roughly twice as large with more vertical depth and surface exploration.

Q: What’s the release date for Subnautica 2?
Early 2025 (exact date to be confirmed).

Final Thoughts

Subnautica 2 isn’t just a sequel—it’s a reinvention. With co-op, next-gen visuals, and a massive new world to explore, it has the potential to be one of the most talked-about survival games of 2025. Whether you’re in it for the thrill of building the perfect underwater base, or the sheer terror of what lurks in the deep, this game deserves a top spot on your radar.

👉 Meanwhile, if you’re into survival horror with a darker twist, don’t miss our guide to Dying Light: The Beast (2025).

(Gameplay Reveal Teaser)