Subnautica 2 is set to bring us back to the watery depths of an alien planet in a sequel from developer Unknown Worlds. Technically speaking, the upcoming adventure will be the third game in the survival series, following up from the original 2018 entry and Subnautica: Below Zero in 2021.
First teased back in 2024, there are some exciting details about what's in store, with plenty of exploration and various dangers to face - including some mighty predators. Set to launch in Early Access, the developer most recently warned players to stay vigilant about fraudulent links for upcoming playtests back in February, and it's currently slated to launch in 2025, we're still waiting on a precise date.
It's undoubtedly exciting to see a new entry is coming our way, and we can't wait to discover more. After all, the series has made a name for itself for delivering some the best survival games around, with a unique setting that makes it stand out. And with some exciting features set to come in Subnautica 2, it sounds like it could very well be one of the biggest new games for 2025. For a full recap of everything we know so far about Subnautica 2, read on below.
Subnautica 2 release date speculation
Currently, Subnautica 2 is expected to release in Early Access sometime in 2025. This news came our way during the October 2024 Xbox Partner Showcase, along with a new trailer for the upcoming game.
Currently, you can wishlist the game already, so you can head on over to your platform of choice to track the new underwater adventure. In the meantime, you can also read our Subnautica review if you want a recap of the first alien outing.
Subnautica 2 platforms
Subnautica 2 is set to arrive on PC and Xbox Series X/S once it launches in Early Access sometime this year.
Sadly, there's no news on any PS5 or Switch support just yet, and the recent Switch 2 Direct didn't confirm if its set to come to the new-gen console among the lineup of upcoming Switch 2 games. However, that doesn't mean that we'll never see the title on those platforms in the future.
The first Subnautica became available on both PS5 and Nintendo Switch eventually. And since both also support Unreal Engine 5 (which Subnautica 2 is being developed with), there's still hope for a future announcement regarding additional platforms for the new game. Stay tuned for updates!
Subnautica 2 trailer
So far, the only thing we've had in the way of a Subnautica 2 trailer is a short teaser that was revealed during the October 2024 Xbox Partner Showcase.
In the clip above we see two humans in the deep – reminding us all that the new game will be multiplayer! The clip also shows off a player piloting what looks to be a Prawn Suit. Finally, we also see what looks to be a new Leviathan as a large tentacle monster with a purple glowing head revealed itself towards the end of the teaser.
Hopefully, we get a full trailer soon, but for now, this teaser definitely sets the mood and reminds us all how Subnautica isn't just a survival game, it's also one of the best horror games ever made.
Subnautica 2 story and setting
In Subnautica 2, you'll be exploring a new ocean-based alien world and following a brand-new story. According to a description on the Steam store page for the game, you'll play as a "pioneer traveling to a distant world." However, soon, you find that something is very wrong after your ship's AI starts insisting that you carry on a mysterious mission.
It turns out that this new world is too dangerous for humans to survive in, so you'll have to "change what it means to be human." That statement sounds pretty ominous if you ask us, and considering how the first Subnautica had you infected with an alien virus and Subnautica: Below Zero has you sharing a brain with an alien AI until you build it a new body, we aren't surprised that something will likely be messing about with your human body or DNA in Subnautica 2.
Subnautica 2 gameplay
Like the rest of the Subnautica games, Subnautica 2 will be a survival game where you'll have to explore the depths of an alien ocean, gather material, craft upgrades, and try to survive. You'll be scanning ruins to unlock new vehicles and other equipment to assist in managing your needs, as well as to help you progress further into the deep.
Subnautica 2 will have a story that you'll be following as you build up your underwater base and try to avoid all the monstrous Leviathan creatures eyeing you like a tasty snack. While we don't know much about the story yet, we do know that it will involve your human DNA and possibly finding secrets that can help you alter it in order to survive on harsh alien waters. We'll keep you posted as more details about this new story and its potential impact on gameplay mechanics head our way.
According to the description of Subnautica 2, exploration will also be a key part of the upcoming game as you'll be uncovering and logging new "diverse biomes" and creatures. Through scanning the terrain and animals around you, you'll find information to assist you in the story, as well as goals for upgrades that can help you expand or customise your underwater bases. The building system of Subnautica has reportedly gone through a massive overhaul, so expect base building to be a bigger star in the new game too.
A big new gameplay feature for Subnautica 2 is the fact that it will feature co-op. Previous entries in the series have all been single-player affairs, throwing us into a foreign ocean all by our lonesome. In the upcoming title, there will be up to four player cooperative gameplay for you and a group of buddies. So, if you are afraid of the deep, now is the perfect time to grab a group of mates and force them to play Subnautica with you for support.
Will Subnautica 2 be multiplayer?
Yes! For the first time in Subnautica history we are getting the option to play with our friends in Subnautica 2. The upcoming game will support up to four player co-op and cross play has also been confirmed. That means that PC and Xbox players will be able to game together without a care in the world… well apart from surviving multiple Leviathans, maybe.
In the trailer we saw two survivors swimming together on the new alien planet. However, we haven't seen any clips of actual co-op gameplay just yet. We don't know how multiplayer is being implemented exactly or what it will look like in Subnautica 2, so keep your eyes on this page as we update you with more details soon.
In the meantime, check out our list of the best co-op games of all time if you are after a new outing with your mates.
For more future releases, check out our lists of all the upcoming Xbox Series X games and new PC games heading our way.
