The wild behind-the-scenes ride of Subnautica 2 continues
Amid all the Subnautica 2 legal drama, developer Unknown Worlds and publisher Krafton have finally revealed a release window for the underwater exploration game. IGN reported Tuesday evening that Subnautica 2 will launch in Early Access in May, but Unknown Worlds and Krafton haven’t given a specific date just yet.
A message from Unknown Worlds head Steve Papoutsis stated the studio and publisher have “unanimously determined [Subnautica 2] is ready” to see the world. The wording here is of note as ousted director Charlie Cleveland said the studio knew “the game is ready for early access release and we know you’re ready to play it” last July, when the Subnautica 2 mess was just beginning.
On March 16, a judge ruled that Krafton must rehire the CEO of Unknown Worlds, Ted Gill, after firing him last summer. She ordered Krafton to not obstruct Gill’s “authority over the early access launch of Subnautica 2” as part of his return to the studio.
“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,” said Papoutsis. He noted how the team has crafted new story chapters, creatures, and biomes to get Subnautica 2 ready for an Early Access launch.
In a separate statement shared with IGN, Krafton noted the developers have “made meaningful progress following the milestone review approved earlier this month.” The statement also noted that the company disagrees with the court’s decision, which it had also said Monday. Krafton “remain[s] committed to an open development approach, working closely with the community as development continues, and are focused on delivering the best possible experience to players.”
Subnautica 2 will launch into Early Access sometime in May for Windows PC and Xbox Series X. Krafton’s legal battle pertaining to 2025’s firings remains ongoing.
