When does Subnautica 2 Early Access start?
May 14, 2026 at 08:00 PDT (15:00 UTC). Not a midnight release. For Japan and eastern Australia that lands after midnight on May 15.
Official launch info
Subnautica 2 Early Access
Everything you came here to find about the May 14 launch: date, price, platforms, what's actually in the build, and where things stand on Game Pass and crossplay.
In short: May 14, 2026 at 08:00 PDT (15:00 UTC) for $29.99 USD on Steam, Epic, and Xbox. Included with an active Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass subscription. The first build ships with a working core game; more biomes, creatures, vehicles, and story land in patches during Early Access.
Release date
May 14, 2026
08:00 PDT / 15:00 UTC
Price
$29.99 USD
Early Access launch price
Modes
Solo + co-op
Up to 4 players online
Platforms
PC + Xbox
No PS5, no Switch at launch
What "Early Access" actually means here
The May 14 build is the starting point, not the finished game. You get a working core: exploration, scanning, crafting, base building, 4-player co-op. More biomes, creatures, vehicles, and story arc land in patches across the EA window. The original Subnautica spent four years in Early Access before its 1.0, so plan for a long arc rather than a six-month sprint.
Several biomes
Some narrative
A variety of creatures and craftables
Official sources
Launch topics
Launch planner
Choose a platform and prepare the first session.
Early Access baseline
Track what exists now and what expands later.
Frequently searched questions
How much will Subnautica 2 cost at launch?
$29.99 USD on Steam, Epic, and Xbox. Unknown Worlds has warned the price will go up once the game leaves Early Access, so the EA window is the cheapest entry. Included with an active Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass subscription at no extra charge.
Does Subnautica 2 support co-op?
Yes, up to 4 players online. Solo play is also a full option. No split-screen, no couch co-op.
Does Subnautica 2 support cross-platform multiplayer?
Yes. Official listings point to cross-platform multiplayer across Steam, Epic, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, ROG Xbox Ally, and Game Pass. PS5 and Switch are not in the game at all, so friends on those platforms cannot connect.
Where to go after the launch hub
The next decisions, in rough order of urgency.