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Subnautica 2’s 2025 delay sparked a dispute between developer Unknown Worlds’ former leaders and its parent company, Krafton. A court later ruled against Krafton on key contractual and control issues, but the parties settled in July 2026. The game is now available in Early Access on Steam.
Why was Subnautica 2 delayed?
On July 9, 2025, Unknown Worlds announced that Subnautica 2’s Early Access launch would move to 2026. The studio said community playtests had shown areas that needed improvement and that the additional time would let the team add more biomes, vehicle upgrades, tools, story and creatures. The announcement explained the studio’s public rationale for the delay; it did not resolve the later disagreement over Krafton’s reasons or the game’s readiness.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Subnautica (PS4) | $23.46 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Subnautica + Subnautica Below Zero Double Pack (Nintendo Switch) | $48.46 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![Subnautica Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51W8KjDXA1S._SL160_.jpg)
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Subnautica Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code] | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Subnautica: Below Zero - PlayStation 4 | $22.60 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Subnautica - PlayStation 4 | $27.43 | Buy on Amazon |
The former leaders alleged that Krafton delayed the game and removed them to avoid an earnout payment. Krafton disputed those allegations. Those claims should be distinguished from what the court later decided.
What did the court decide?
In an interim opinion on March 16, 2026, the Delaware Court of Chancery found that Krafton had breached the acquisition agreement by terminating key employees without valid cause and had improperly seized operational control of Unknown Worlds. The court restored Ted Gill as CEO with operational authority, barred Krafton from impeding his authority over the Early Access launch and ordered that his Steam access be restored.
#1 Best Overall
- Descend into the depths of an alien underwater world filled with wonder and peril
- Craft equipment, pilot submarines and out-smart wildlife
- Explore lush coral reefs, volcanoes, cave systems, and more
- Underwater survival and exploration
The court’s order said: “Krafton is enjoined from circumventing Section 2.7(f) or impeding Gill’s authority over the early access launch of Subnautica 2 and must immediately restore his access to the Steam platform.” That ruling addressed the parties’ contractual and control dispute; it was not a judicial finding that the game was—or was not—ready to launch. It was also an interim phase of the litigation, not a final settlement.
Did the Subnautica 2 lawsuit get settled?
Yes. On July 1, 2026, Krafton, Unknown Worlds, Ted Gill, Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire reached a mutual settlement and agreed to dismiss pending legal proceedings. The joint settlement statement said Unknown Worlds would continue to lead development and Krafton would support the game’s success.
Rank #2
- Survival is key: gather valuable materials, craft tools, manage your hunger and thirst, all while evading the dangerous wildlife that sees you as its next meal
- the mysteries submerged on planet 4546b: you came here in search of answers. You risked everything to get here and you will not leave until you have uncovered the truth…
- exploration: Delve into unique Aquatic and terrain biomes that will unlock not only materials, but the answers that you seek
- build your habitat: crafting and building the comforts of home here. These bases will be integral for your survival from not only the wildlife, but also the harsh environment around you
Game Developer reported that Gill would leave the company and that studio staff would receive bonuses. Those details were reported as information attributed to Gill; they were not terms spelled out in the joint settlement statement.
Can you play Subnautica 2 now?
Yes. Steam lists May 14, 2026, as the Early Access release date and identifies Unknown Worlds Entertainment as both developer and publisher on its store page. Steam describes the game as unfinished and in active development. Its stated current content includes multiplayer, several biomes, some narrative, creatures and craftables; the page warns that players may encounter bugs, features still in development and performance issues.
Rank #3
- 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 game is an underwater survival adventure on an alien world. Steam says it can be played solo or online with up to three friends. The development plan is to add biomes, creatures, craftables, features and narrative over time. Unknown Worlds estimates Early Access may last about two to three years, but says the duration is difficult to predict. That estimate is not a confirmed 1.0 release date.
Should you play now or wait?
| Consideration | Playing in Early Access | Waiting |
|---|---|---|
| Unfinished build | Best if you are comfortable playing while development continues. | Better if you prefer a more complete version. |
| Current content and co-op | Consider it if the current biomes, creatures, craftables and solo or co-op play are enough to interest you. | Consider waiting if you want to experience more of the planned content first. |
| Bugs and performance | Expect possible bugs, in-development features and performance issues, as Steam warns. | Waiting may suit you better if those issues would disrupt your enjoyment. |
| Release timing | You can play now, while the game is evolving. | The studio’s two-to-three-year Early Access estimate is uncertain, and no exact full-release date is established. |
How many copies has Subnautica 2 sold?
The Asia Business Daily reported in 2026 that Krafton said the game sold more than four million copies within five days of its May 2026 Early Access release. That is a figure attributed to Krafton, not an independently audited sales total.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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
Rank #4
- From the award-winning studio, Unknown Worlds Entertainment, presents the return to the world of 4546B with Subnautica Below Zero
- Survival Is Key: Gather valuable materials, craft tools, manage your hunger and thirst, all while evading the dangerous wildlife that sees you as its next meal
- The Mysteries Submerged on Planet 4546B: You came here in search of answers. You risked everything to get here and you will not leave until you have uncovered the truth
- Exploration: Delve into unique aquatic and terrain biomes that will unlock not only materials, but the answers that you seek
- Build Your Habitat: Crafting and building the comforts of home here. These bases will be integral for your survival from not only the wildlife, but also the harsh environment around you
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.
