Unknown Worlds Entertainment and Krafton have announced that Subnautica 2 will enter early access in May, as reported by IGN. It will be playable for Xbox Series X/S via Game Preview and PC via Steam Early Access and the Epic Games Store.
Studio head Steve Papoutsis recently thanked the team and its partners in a new statement. “Over the past nine months, you have worked incredibly hard to bring Subnautica 2 close to the finish line. That effort has resulted in a game we are truly proud of, one that each of us and our partners at Krafton unanimously determined is ready for Early Access release in May.”
The additional time following its delay last year has allowed for more story chapters, new biomes, creatures, and “many other features.” “With this significant progress, we have passed Krafton’s milestone review last week and are now ready to start our open development journey alongside our community. We have full confidence that we have reached a point where we can deliver an experience our players will love.”
Regarding Ted Gill, who was recently reinstated as CEO following a court order, Papoutsis said, “We look forward to working with Ted Gill to support a smooth transition and work toward a successful launch. Our priority is getting this game into the hands of the community that has been eagerly waiting for it—and that means honoring the work you have already done to make that possible.”
The decision comes shortly after Delaware Chancery Court Vice Chancellor Lori W. Will ruled that Krafton fired Gill and co-founders Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire without valid cause. Alongside reinstatement, he also has authority over the game’s early access release. The trio is also entitled to the previous $250 million payout that Krafton agreed on with its acquisition of the studio, provided it hits certain goals.
That seems a given, especially with reports that Subnautica 2 is the most wishlisted game on Steam, beating out the likes of Forza Horizon 6 and Resident Evil Requiem. For more details on what Unknown Worlds has been working on, check out the new Leviathan here. You can also learn about multiplayer and base-building, with the latter receiving numerous improvements.
