Subnautica 2 early access confirmed for May 14

Unknown Worlds Entertainment have announced that Subnautica 2 is now set to launch in Early Access on May 14 - no doubt to be a big release. And, I imagine a number of developers will be scrambling to move their release dates away from it. Who would want to attempt to compete for attention when this is coming? Not many. You would have to be crazy to.

The developers confirmed "Subnautica 2 will enter Early Access on May 14th, 2026, at 08:00 PDT / 15:00 UTC". Price at launch will be $29.99 with regional equivalents (they didn't directly mention other prices).

They also have a new cinematic trailer:

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The situation with this one has been quite confusing, due to a legal spat between Krafton and Unknown Worlds leadership. Krafton are no longer listed as the publisher for the game, although Krafton still own Unknown Worlds so it's not exactly clear what's currently going on behind the scenes between them.

Hopefully the release is actually a good one after everything that's happened. I guess we'll find out soon.

From the Steam page:

PLAY ALONE OR WITH FRIENDS

Subnautica 2 is being crafted as a single-player experience that you can optionally play in online co-operative multiplayer with up to three friends. You can choose from four pre-designed characters, with more characters and customization options coming throughout Early Access. Work together to explore long-forgotten ruins and learn to adapt to a planet that might not want you there.

ADAPT TO SURVIVE

To survive the depths and make this planet your home, you’ll need to utilize all the tools at your disposal. Traverse vibrant and breathtaking biomes with your Tadpole submersible. Design and customize bases to return to when your adventures push you beyond the safety of shallow waters. As Early Access develops, so too will your array of tools, equipment, and vehicles. Upgrades will help push you beyond your boundaries and unlock the secrets of this strange world.

EXPLORE THE UNKNOWN

Scan and study a rich world of biodiversity to understand life here. Discover everything from the smallest creatures to towering Leviathans. Experience the wonder, and sometimes danger, lurking around every corner. Every dive is an opportunity to uncover why the ship's AI is so determined to continue the mission and what mysteries lie beneath the surface of this breathtaking new frontier.

DESIGNED FOR EARLY ACCESS

Subnautica 2 is an Early Access title in active development. Throughout this journey, we will continuously expand the world with additional biomes, creatures, and craftables, while expanding the narrative. You may encounter bugs, in-development features, and performance issues. Your feedback is the cornerstone of our development process. Join us and help shape the next chapter of the Subnautica universe.

CRAFTED BY UNKNOWN WORLDS

Subnautica 2 is being developed by Unknown Worlds, the studio behind the award-winning Subnautica and Subnautica: Below Zero. Our journey began with the 2003 Half-Life mod Natural Selection, and today we have evolved into a fully remote, globally distributed team spanning from the United States to the United Kingdom, France, Australia, and beyond. Defined by a philosophy of open development and over a decade of community-focused innovation, we invite you to dive back into the depths with a studio dedicated to pushing the boundaries of the survival genre.

Currently, they're estimating it will take 2-3 years in Early Access to finish it.