We were very close to the Subnautica 2 Early Access, which was planned for late 2025, but we have some bad news. Krafton, the publisher of the game, has confirmed its delay to 2026. However, the developers are gradually revealing more about the underwater game. Last night, they revealed the first gameplay teaser, building anticipation among fans, with the Subnautica mobile finally available. So, Subnauts, let’s dive in and take a closer look at the Subnautica 2 gameplay and explore the reasons behind the delay.
Subnautica 2 Early Access Delayed
Krafton, the publisher of Subnautica 2, has pushed back the game’s Early Access launch to 2026. Last week, Krafton replaced the entire three-person leadership team behind Subnautica 2 and appointed Steve Papoutsis as the new CEO of Unknown Worlds Entertainment. Papoutsis is also the CEO of Striking Distance Studios, creators of The Callisto Protocol.
If Subnautica 2 had launched in 2025, Krafton would have paid a $250 million bonus to Unknown Worlds’ staff, but this now seems unlikely due to the delay. Krafton has stated that Subnautica 2 will remain free of microtransactions, battle passes, and loot boxes. The rest of the development team at Unknown Worlds remains unchanged.
The developers have confirmed that the Subnautica 2 Early Access will now be released in 2026 instead of late 2025, further postponing the full game launch. Based on recent playtest reviews conducted behind closed doors with the community, the developers are confident that they are heading in the right direction. However, there are still a few areas where improvements are needed before launching the game for Early Access.
That said, the developers have promised to deliver a bit more content for the Early Access than originally planned. They also plan to add more biomes, vehicle upgrades, tools, expand the story, introduce more creatures to discover, and include a few surprises.
Subnautica 2 Gameplay Revealed
The first gameplay reveal for Subnautica 2, titled ‘Take a Deep Breath,’ has finally been released, and it’s full of surprises. The trailer primarily showcased co-op gameplay, base building, new biomes, creatures, and more, all brought to life with Unreal Engine 5. This confirms that, for the first time in the series, players can team up with up to four friends online while still enjoying a story-driven solo experience.
Alongside stunning visuals, the trailer hints at new submarines and gameplay features that now include biological upgrades and mutations. This suggests a deeper survival experience where players adapt to face the unknown. The reveal also confirms combat elements, as players are seen defending themselves against aggressive sea creatures. It also shows more advanced and diverse tools than in previous Subnautica games.
One of the most intriguing teased features is a biological upgrade system. Although not fully explained, the teaser suggests DNA modification, allowing players to adapt to the ocean’s extreme conditions. This could involve trade-offs like increased mobility at the expense of stamina or resistance to specific threats.
So far, this is all we’ve learned from the Subnautica 2 gameplay teaser. If you have more questions about the game, check out the FAQ blog here.
When Is Subnautica 2 Coming Out?
The Early Access for Subnautica 2 is now scheduled for 2026. And the full release seems even further away. While developers promise more content during Early Access, the delay has disappointed many fans. However, the Early Access is available to wishlist on PC and Xbox Series X|S. Built on Unreal Engine 5, the gameplay looks better than the previous Subnautica game. And is creating a lot of excitement within the community, further fueling anticipation.
You can grab Subnautica games at the cheapest prices here.
Summary
Subnautica 2 has revealed its first gameplay teaser, showcasing co-op play, base building, new biomes, creatures, and stunning visuals powered by Unreal Engine 5. Players can team up with friends or go solo, explore deeper oceans, and use new tools, submarines, and even biological upgrades. Combat and DNA modification hint at exciting survival features. The game is shaping up to be the most ambitious yet in the series. Early Access is now expected in 2026.
What do you think about the gameplay? Let us know in the comments below. And for more gaming news, guides, tips, and more, check out Driffle blog.
