Survival is key in Subnautica 2, just like it was in the previous two games. With multiplayer being present for the first time, this is a big deep-sea venture into uncharted waters with Subnautica 2, so let’s check out when you can dive into early access.
Suit up, boot up, get the oxygen tanks ready, and get ready to explore even deeper and darker recesses of the ocean. Unknown’s Subnautica 2 follows in the footsteps of the games before it by starting with early access.
We have the full release date and platform information, so you know how to play it.
When Does Subnautica 2 Early Access Come Out?
Subnautica 2 Early Access goes live on May 14 for all players worldwide.
There’s no early access for early access, and the inception of this would be wild, so all consumers have the launch date to pencil in their diary. If we put the ugly scenario of Subnautica 2’s developer, Unknown Worlds, suing former leadership behind us, we can look ahead more positively to the early access release.
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We learned that Subnautica 2 was entering early access back in April 2026, and unless we have any final delays, it’s nearly time to go swimming.
Flippers on standby.
Subnautica 2 Early Access Release Times
SteamDB has listed a 15:00:00 UTC release time for Subnautica 2 Early Access, which would be an 8 AM PT start, first up.
As always, SteamDB has a ton of handy details, including a new Steam title’s updates, wishlist options, and an expected release date and time. This could change between now and launch, and I’ll update you if this is the case.
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For now, check out the Subnautica 2 Early Access release dates and start times in key regions around the globe.
| Region / Time Zone | Subnautica 2 Early Access Release Times |
|---|---|
| Pacific Time (PDT) | 8:00 AM—June 14 |
| Central Time (CDT) | 10:00 AM—June 14 |
| Eastern Time (EDT) | 11:00 AM—June 14 |
| Brasilia Time (BRT) | 12:00 PM—June 14 |
| British Summer Time (BST) | 4:00 PM—June 14 |
| Central European Summer Time (CEST) | 5:00 PM—June 14 |
| China Standard Time (CST) | 11:00 PM—June 14 |
| Korean Standard Time (KST) | 12:00 AM—June 15 |
| Japan Standard Time (JST) | 12:00 AM—June 15 |
| Australian Eastern Time (AET) | 1:00 AM—June 15 |
| New Zealand Standard Time (NZST) | 3:00 AM—June 15 |
Can You Play Subnautica 2 Early Access on PlayStation? PS5 Status, Explained
There will be no option to play Subnautica 2 on either PS4 or PS5 at launch, meaning Sony PlayStation gamers have to miss out for now.
Even though Subnautica and Subnautica: Below Zero both came to the PlayStation 5 and PS4, the initial early access build for the new game won’t be present on PlayStation hardware.
Can You Play Subnautica 2 Early Access on Xbox? Xbox Series X|S Status, Explained
Yes, Subnautica 2 Early Access is playable on Xbox Series X|S and the handheld Xbox ROG Ally consoles, but there won’t be an Xbox One port.
Often when I do these platform explainers, I have to systematically break the news that the console has to miss out on a PC game. In a bizarre twist of fate, Subnautica 2 Early Access IS coming to Xbox, but not PlayStation—a rare victory for Microsoft over Sony!
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You can play early access on the Series X|S models, as well as the ROG Ally handhelds, but last-gen misses out for now. There could always be an Xbox One 1.0 edition when the time comes. Stay tuned.
Can You Play Subnautica 2 Early Access on Nintendo Switch? Switch 2 Status, Explained
Nintendo Switch consoles have to join PS4 and PS5 in the no-swim zone, as Subnautica 2 is also staying out of Nintendo waters for the time being.
It’s an Xbox and PC debut at launch. If you’re on either platform, you can snap up early access and help the developer make the full release as complete as possible.
Is Subnautica 2 on your radar? Are you ready to survive again? Let us now via the Insider Gaming Discord.
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Andy is Insider Gaming's Senior Evergreen Editor and has been in the games journalism sphere in one way or another for over 7 years. His video game taste is as…
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