Subnautica 2 Crashes Through Early Access Records with Half-Million Players
The underwater survival sequel made a monumental splash on May 14, 2026, proving that fans were more than ready to dive back into the depths. Steam’s most wishlisted game lived up to the hype, attracting 467,582 concurrent players within its first hour according to SteamDB data, marking one of the most successful early access launches in recent memory.
The milestone came just days after Subnautica 2 crossed five million Steam wishlists on May 11, signaling unprecedented anticipation for developer Unknown Worlds Entertainment’s return to alien oceans. The game carries a $29.99 price tag and has already earned a 90 percent positive rating from over 5,000 user reviews, suggesting the wait was worthwhile for eager fans.
The launch represents a triumphant moment for Unknown Worlds after a turbulent development period involving lawsuits between publisher Krafton and the studio’s former leadership in July 2025. In March 2026, a judge reinstated CEO Ted Gill and gave him control over the early access plans, clearing the path for this week’s release.
Subnautica 2 introduces four-player co-op gameplay for the first time in the franchise, alongside DNA modification abilities that were originally cut from the first game. Unknown Worlds estimates the game will remain in early access for about two to three years, promising continuous updates based on community feedback.
Will Subnautica 2 maintain this momentum through its extended early access period, or has the franchise already peaked? What features are you most excited to see added during development?
