Subnautica 2 hits 5 million wishlists ahead of May 14 Early Access launch
Subnautica 2 launches into Early Access on May 14, 2026 at 8:00 AM PDT (17:00 CEST), and developer Unknown Worlds has confirmed that more than five million people have already wishlisted the game across all platforms. That puts it among the most-anticipated survival titles on Steam. For anyone who has been on the fence, pre-loading is now live — you can download the game up to 72 hours before launch.
The free bonus
To mark the milestone, Unknown Worlds is giving every player a Reaper Leviathan Statue — a decorative in-game item — from the moment Early Access opens, with no expiry tied to the first week. The studio said in its Unknown Worlds official announcement: "We can't wait to see the bases you'll create on May 14. Don't forget to share screenshots of how you've used your little but fearsome Reaper to decorate them!"
What's new this time
The original Subnautica and its sequel Below Zero were solo experiences. Subnautica 2 is built from the ground up for two-to-four player co-op — the multiplayer architecture was designed from the prototype stage, not added later. Solo play is still possible, but co-op is the focus. Players explore a new alien ocean world on a mission for the Alterra Corporation, with the same loop of base-building, crafting, and deep-sea exploration that made the first game a hit.
The game launches on PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store) and Xbox Series X/S. Per Xbox Wire, it's included in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass from day one, and cross-play between PC and Xbox is confirmed. ROG Ally and Steam Deck are also supported at launch.
The PlayStation gap
PS5 is absent from Early Access entirely. Sony players will need to wait until after the game reaches its full 1.0 release — timing for that hasn't been specified. Given that PlayStation has a significant share of the survival-game audience, that's a notable gap at launch.
Early Access pricing is $29.99 USD with regional pricing available through Steam at launch. If you're planning to dive in on May 14, the pre-load is ready now.