Subnautica 2 early access release date set for May after shock legal verdict
Subnautica 2 early access release date set for May after shock legal verdict
Following a series of delays and legal challenges, the long-awaited sequel to Subnautica is set to debut in early access this May, surprising fans with an earlier launch than anticipated.
A journey through the depths
The original Subnautica, a standout survival game from recent years, immerses players in an alien oceanic world, challenging them to survive and escape. In 2021, a spin-off titled Subnautica: Below Zero was released as a DLC expansion. A direct sequel, Subnautica 2, was announced in 2022, promising co-op gameplay for up to four players.
Legal turmoil and new direction
Originally slated for early access last year, Subnautica 2 faced setbacks due to staff dismissals and legal disputes. However, a recent court decision has moved the project closer to its launch. According to IGN, Steve Papoutsis, CEO of developer Unknown Worlds, confirmed the release in early access in May 2026.
‘Thanks to your dedication and talent, we’ve added more story chapters, built new creatures, and created new biomes along with many other features,’ the message reads.
Krafton argued that the studio’s founders had ‘checked out,’ leading to the game’s delay. ‘An internal assessment of the first playable in March 2024 made clear that the team had failed to deliver on their promise of developing sufficiently new content,’ the company stated. ‘But rather than roll up their sleeves and make the game they had promised, the Key Employees blamed others and overhauled the team.’
In March 2026, a judge ruled that Krafton must reinstate Ted Gill as CEO of Unknown Worlds, granting him full operational authority over the studio and the sequel’s launch. The court found that Krafton had breached the EPA by ‘terminating the Key Employees without valid cause and by improperly seizing operational control of Unknown Worlds.’
‘Today’s ruling does not resolve the former executives’ claim for damages or an earnout related to Subnautica 2, with further litigation still pending,’ the company added. ‘In the meantime, Krafton’s immediate focus remains unchanged: delivering the best possible game to Subnautica’s fans.’
Last year, Subnautica 2’s entire leadership, including CEO Ted Gill and senior team members Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire, were unexpectedly fired by Unknown Worlds owner Krafton. Steve Papoutsis, former CEO at The Callisto Protocol maker Striking Distance, was brought in as a replacement.
This led to a lawsuit from the fired employees, who claimed Krafton had tried to hinder Subnautica 2’s development and delay the sequel to stop them and other staff from collecting a $250 million bonus if the game released on time and hit certain sales milestones.
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