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Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Unknown Worlds delayed Subnautica 2’s planned Early Access launch from 2025 to 2026 in an announcement on July 9, 2025—and paired the news with the game’s first gameplay reveal teaser. That delay is now historical: Early Access launched on May 14, 2026.
Why was Subnautica 2 delayed?
Unknown Worlds said community playtests had produced positive feedback on the environments, creatures and story, while also revealing areas the team wanted to improve before the first public Early Access build. The studio described its reasoning this way: “Our community is at the heart of how we develop, so we want to give ourselves a little extra time to respond to more of that feedback before releasing the game into Early Access.”
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Subnautica - Xbox One | $69.14 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Island Thunder - Xbox | $10.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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No More Heroes 3 – Day 1 Edition - Xbox Series X | $21.79 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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MOTHERGUNSHIP (Xbox One) | $19.97 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Subnautica2 Plush Collectible Figurine – 9 Inch Soft Alien Deep Sea Creature Plushie Sculpture for... | $18.69 | Buy on Amazon |
The July 9, 2025 announcement said the additional development time would let the team respond to more feedback and add content, including biomes, vehicle upgrades, tools, story material and creatures. These are the studio’s stated reasons and plans; the announcement does not establish other alleged motives.
What changed from the original release plan?
On October 17, 2024, Unknown Worlds said the game was expected in 2025 for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC through Xbox Game Preview, with day-one Game Pass availability. The July 2025 announcement replaced that window with 2026.
#1 Best Overall
- Dive into a vast underwater world - sub Nautica's ocean range from shallow coral reefs to treacherous deep-sea trenches, lava fields, and bio-luminescent underwater rivers
- Scavenge, craft, and survive - after crash landing in your life pod, the clock is ticking to find water, food, and to develop equipment needed to explore as you collect resources from the ocean
- Construct underwater habitats - build Bases on the sea Floor, choosing layouts and components, and managing hull-integrity as depth and pressure Increase
- Unravel the mystery - signs abound that something is not right and you must Figure out what happened to this planet and what caused you to crash - can you find a way to make it Off the planet alive
- Disrupt the food Chain - lure and distract a threatening creature with a fresh fish, or simply swim as fast as you can to avoid gnashing jaws of roaming predators
The delay announcement described its accompanying footage as the game’s “first gameplay reveal teaser.” It was not the final trailer: Unknown Worlds released a separate Early Access gameplay trailer on May 9, 2026.
When did Subnautica 2 Early Access come out?
Subnautica 2 entered Early Access on May 14, 2026. Unknown Worlds announced availability on Steam, the Epic Games Store and Xbox/Microsoft Store. At launch, the studio said players could explore solo or play co-op with up to three friends.
Rank #2
- Ghost Recon just got an all-new jungle warfare experience. In Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Island Thunder, you lead an elite team of U.S. Army Green Berets in a mission to stop a drug-funded warlord from sabotaging Cuba's free elections. Island Thunder takes you deep into the heart of Cuba with eight missions, plus five desert missions you can download via Xbox Live. Compete in 12 expansive maps against your friends on split-screen multiplayer, system link, and enhanced Xbox Live play.
Xbox Wire described the Xbox and Windows PC release as Game Preview and reported day-one access through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Availability, subscription terms and prices can vary by region and may change.
What did the 2026 trailer announce?
The separate trailer released May 9, 2026 announced that Early Access would begin May 14 at 08:00 PDT / 15:00 UTC. Unknown Worlds stated a launch price of $29.99 USD, with prices localized by region. That is the announced 2026 launch price, not a guarantee of the current price.
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- Day 1 Edition contains a 5.3” x 7.3” softcover 70-page art book, a CD featuring select songs from the soundtrack, and a 7” x 4” Santa Destroy commemorative biker license plate, all in a custom box with an original illustration
- Grow Your Galactic Legend - In classic No More Heroes style, the Galactic Superhero Rankings are packed with outrageous boss battles, each oozing with personality; Soar through the ranks and prove you're the baddest in the universe
- Old Dog, New Tricks - From beam katana boss to wrestling pro, Travis can do it all; Take violence to new extremes with the customizable Death Glove, and punish those deadly invaders with combat that suits your style
- Superheroic Side Hustles - Explore Santa Destroy on Travis’ Demzamtiger to pick up odd jobs, from Coast Guard missions to toilet cleaning, then hit the road to unique locales like Neo Brazil and Thunderdome to keep the cash rolling in
- Bolder, Badder, and Better Than Ever - Thanks to sharper visuals, No More Heroes 3 has never looked better; Add in improved load times and better responsiveness, and you’ll be dishing out eye-popping ultra-violence in no time
Where can you play it?
| Access route | What official announcements say |
|---|---|
| Steam | Listed by Unknown Worlds as an Early Access storefront on May 14, 2026. |
| Epic Games Store | Listed by Unknown Worlds as an Early Access storefront on May 14, 2026. |
| Xbox / Microsoft Store | Listed as an Early Access route; Xbox materials describe Game Preview on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC, with Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass access. |
Check the relevant storefront for current regional pricing and availability. The official materials reviewed do not give a named statistic about the delay or the gameplay reveal.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Iconic Deep-Sea Gaming Design: Bring the thrill of the ocean depths into reality. Inspired by the mysterious creatures of Subnautica, this expertly crafted plush figure captures the unique features of the deep-sea leviathan, making it a must-have piece for every dedicated gamer and ocean explorer enthusiast.
- Premium Softness & Comfort: Crafted with high-quality, ultra-soft fabric and stuffed with high-density premium cotton filling. This huggable cushion offers an exceptionally smooth tactile experience, perfect for relaxing on the couch during intense gaming sessions or long office hours.
- Versatile Home & Office Decor: Beyond a gaming collectible, this striking deep-sea creature serves as an eye-catching decorative piece. Add a touch of sci-fi adventure to your living room sofa, bedroom bedding, gaming setup, desk space, or bookshelf display.
- Perfect Collectible Gift for Gamers: Looking for a unique surprise for a gaming fan? This authentic creature plush pillow makes an extraordinary gift for friends, family, adults, and gaming enthusiasts on birthdays, holidays, or any special celebratory occasion.
- Durable Craftsmanship & Easy Care: Features meticulous stitching and reinforced seams to ensure long-lasting durability for daily hugging and display. Designed for low maintenance, it is easy to spot clean with a damp cloth to keep its vibrant ocean colors looking fresh.
Rank #4
- Create the gun of your dreams with one of the most modular gun-crafting systems ever seen in a videogame
Official announcements
- Unknown Worlds: Early Access delay announcement, July 9, 2025
- Unknown Worlds: Early Access trailer and launch date, May 9, 2026
- Unknown Worlds: Early Access is live, May 14, 2026
- Xbox Wire: 2025 release window and Xbox plans, October 17, 2024
- Xbox Wire: delay, Game Preview and Game Pass details, July 9, 2025
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
