The verdict
Subnautica 2 enters Early Access on May 14, 2026, hitting Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass at Day One. $29.99, with Steam Deck support confirmed.
Subnautica 2, the sequel to Unknown Worlds’ beloved underwater survival game, has confirmed an Early Access release on May 14, 2026, at 15:00 UTC. It will be available on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass at Day One.
Context: the most-wishlisted game on Steam
Subnautica 2 is currently the most-wishlisted title on Steam, according to PC Gamer, showing that momentum from the original is still strong. Unknown Worlds is rolling in plenty of new features fans have been asking for.
Key facts to know
- Early Access date: May 14, 2026, 15:00 UTC [GosuGamers]
- Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and Microsoft Store, plus the ROG Xbox Ally [Xbox Wire]
- Price: $29.99
- Game Pass: free to play at Day One for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers (Essential and Premium plans not included) [GameSpot]
- Modes: primarily single-player, with online co-op for up to 3 players
- Early Access duration: the developer estimates 2-3 years in EA before a full 1.0 release in 2027-2028
- Pre-order bonus: buy before May 25 for a Reaper Leviathan base decoration
What it means for players
For Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, this is a great deal — you get a high-profile AAA-indie title at launch with no extra cost. Steam Deck and ROG Xbox Ally users are also covered: GamingOnLinux confirms Subnautica 2 is ready to go on Steam Deck from day one. That said, this is an Early Access build — expect bugs, missing content, and systems still being tuned. If you don’t enjoy waiting on patches, the full release will be the better move.
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