Subnautica 2’s delay into 2026 has been confirmed by publisher Krafton. In a mix of messaging on the game’s website and a separate statement, the publisher says that the decision to delay the game comes after feedback from various playtests.
The company said that, during the playtests, players were “responding well to the environment, creatures, and story, and felt positive about the general direction of the game”. However, they said, they were also given feedback regarding areas of the game where improvement was needed “before launching the first version of Subnautica 2 to the world.”
On Wednesday (July 9), it was first reported that the game was being pushed to 2026. The decision came just months before a possible $250 million payout was coming to developers. According to Krafton, the decision to delay has nothing to do with that reported payout, and is solely on the game’s state.
In a statement to Eurogamer, a Krafton spokesperson said that the delay was “based solely on our commitment to quality and to delivering the best possible experience for players” and wasn’t “influenced by any contractual or financial considerations”.
This delay also comes just a week after leadership at developer Unknown Worlds were let go, including co-founders Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire. Talks of a delay, Krafton says, took place before those changes were made.
According to Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier, the delay went “against the wishes of the studio’s former leadership”. A sentiment seemingly confirmed when Cleveland publicly stated that “the game is ready for early access release and we know you’re ready to play it.”
Do you believe that Krafton’s decision to delay Subnautica 2 was solely based on the game’s performance as opposed to money? Let us know down below, and join the discussion in the official Insider Gaming forums.
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Mike has been covering the gaming industry since 2012, and has reported on some of the largest events in the industry while also working as an investigative reporter. Outside of…
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