They always say, "When it rains, it pours." In a world like 4546B, this probably rings true as well. Subnautica fans have received some disheartening news today. In a statement from Unknown Worlds, it was announced that Subnautica 2's Early Access release would be delayed into 2026.
Unknown Worlds provided context to their announcement, citing their beliefs in the "open development process" at their studio. In that air of transparency, Unknown Worlds reported there have already been playtests that were conducted for Subnautica 2.
Further within their statement, Unknown Worlds reported:
“We got some great feedback about Subnautica 2 during those playtests...It gave us a great indication that we're swimming in the right direction. It also provided some insight that there are a few areas where we needed to improve before launching the first version of Subnautica 2 to the world...With that in mind, we've made the decision to delay Subnautica 2's Early Access release to 2026.”
Despite the gloominess of this announcement, Unknown Worlds did provide a new gameplay reveal teaser trailer for Subnautica 2.
In this new teaser, we are treated to visions of a new planet, new sea life, new tools, new base building mechanics, and new reasons to fear treading into the depths of the ocean.
This news, however, may not be unexpected following the departure of several key Unknown Worlds leads in early July. Earlier this month, Krafton Incorporated announced the departure of several high-level personnel at Unknown Worlds, including then-CEO Ted Gill. Along with Gill were the exits of Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire. In a statement released by Cleveland, the massive changes within Unknown Worlds were unexpected.
Subnautica originally released in 2018 on PC, followed by later releases to console gamers in late 2018. The game also won the coveted Gamers' Choice Award for Fan Favorite Indie Game in 2018 and has over 5 million sales as of January 2020. Subnautica will also be coming to mobile gamers in July 2025, courtesy of Playdigious.
Stay connected with Gamer Social Club for more news as it comes out regarding the future of Subnautica 2, as well as other gaming news.
