Subnautica 2 will get Early Access launch in May

Subnautica 2 has been in headlines recently but not for the right reasons. A legal case between three fired Unknown Worlds Entertainment executives and publisher Krafton had resulted in a judge ruling that the former CEO of the studio must be reinstated. Now, Krafton is moving things along and getting on with the early access launch for Subnautica 2. 

Subnautica 2 is releasing into Early Access on both Xbox and PC in May 2026. The game had initially been planned to launch into early access before the end of 2025 but it was delayed. The exact reasons for the delay remain unclear.

Three former executives from Unknown Worlds Entertainment allege that the delay came into place to avoid massive bonus payouts agreed upon as part of Krafton's acquisition of the studio and the Subnautica IP. However, Krafton has argued that the game did not yet have enough content to release it. Now, just a few months into 2026, that appears to have changed.

In a statement sent to IGN, Krafton confirmed that it has pencilled in the early access launch for Subnautica 2 following a milestone review that took place earlier in March. The game will release amid ongoing litigation between the former Unknown Worlds CEO and Krafton.

KitGuru Says: We don't have both sides of the story in this situation between Krafton and the former Subnautica creators. In the meantime though, at least fans of the first game have something to look forward to in the coming months. 

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