You’ll soon be able to play Subnautica 2 for yourself. We explain exactly when and how it all begins.
The release ofSubnautica 2is just around the corner.& nbsp;As with its predecessors Subnautica and Below Zero, it will first be available in Early Access. We’ll explain exactly when and how you can start the preload and finally start playing in Germany.
When can you start playing Subnautica 2?
A graphic illustrates this specifically for each time zone,which the developers at Unknown Worlds shared on X:
Subnautica 2 is releasing into Early Access on May 14, 2026 at 8AM PDT! Check our map to find out what time it will be for you, across the globe
Read more about the Early Access launch here ➡️ https://t.co/LM6UTOBncZ pic.twitter.com/VClLFnIKGy— Subnautica (@Subnautica) April 30, 2026
In Germany, the event will kick off specificallyon Thursday, May 14 at 5 p.m. CEST. That’s convenient, since it’s a holiday here and you won’t have to rush out of work early to dive into the underwater adventure on time.
When does the preload start?
Of course, you don’t want the download to get in the way. Conveniently, there’s a preload that the developer has alsorecently announced via X.
If you pre-order Subnautica 2on Steam for around 30 euros, you canstart the pre-download at any time since May 11.Pre-orders are also available via Epic or the Xbox Store, though pre-loading isn’t available there.
There is currently no concrete information regarding a potential PS5 or Switch version. If you want to try out Subnautica 2 without any commitment first, you can also do so via Game Pass, where the survival adventure will be available right at launch.
According to the developers, you’ll have to wait an estimated two to three years for the final release version outside of Early Access. The previous games also went through an extensive testing phase. As in the previous installments, you’ll once again find yourself in an alien underwater world where you’ll fight for survival, explore strange environments, gradually build a base, and steadily expand your arsenal of tools. A new feature is co-op for up to three players, so this time you won’t be on your own.
