Subnautica 2 entered early access on May 14, 2026, for Windows PC and Xbox Series X users worldwide [1, 2]. The game sold more than one million copies in its first hour and over two million by the end of the launch day [1].
Unknown Worlds released the first official roadmap for Subnautica 2, structured into three phases: quality-of-life updates, expanded cooperative gameplay, and extensive content additions [1, 2]. The initial update, labeled EA 1.1, will introduce a sprint button, increase the number of biomod slots, expand the storage cache, and add more base-building features [1, 2]. Scott MacDonald from Unknown Worlds explained, "We're going to do planned improvements to the biomod system, that you got a glimpse of earlier... We also plan on adding a more passive biomod slots, a storage cache and the ability to sprint, because that's something we've seen people who have huge bases - they might want to go a little bit faster, so we're going to be bringing those in the next quality of life update" [2].
The second update, EA 1.2, aims to improve HUD signals and add multiplayer features, including voice chat, emotes, player revive mechanics, and enhanced customization options [1, 2]. Subsequent updates will expand the game with new biomes, creatures, resources, tools, a vehicle, and a new story chapter [1, 2]. Among gameplay systems, biomods grant temporary buffs such as dashing and reduced oxygen consumption [2]. Elements like "rex gameplay" and "blight encounters" refer to planned creature interactions and enemy encounters to deepen the game's ecosystem [2].
Unknown Worlds estimates that the Subnautica 2 early access phase will last about two years while these updates and improvements roll out [1].
