Subnautica 2 early access release set for May 14 amid Krafton dispute

Subnautica 2 launches in early access on May 14 as legal dispute between Unknown Worlds and Krafton continues

Subnautica 2, currently the most wishlisted game on Steam, is set to launch in early access on May 14 for PC and Xbox Series X|S, as a legal dispute between developer Unknown Worlds and publisher Krafton continues.

The release date was announced alongside confirmation that the game will be priced at $30 during its early-access phase.

It remains unclear whether the price will change following its full 1.0 launch. Players who purchase the game during early access will retain access to all future updates and content added after the full release.

In a statement accompanying the announcement, the development team said, “We have plenty more in store for you all as we count down to early access on May 14.”

The publishing arrangement has also been clarified following recent changes on the game’s Steam page.

Although Krafton had been removed as the listed publisher, it will continue to co-publish the title alongside Unknown Worlds.

The release comes amid an ongoing legal dispute between the two parties. The disagreement has centred on plans to alter the early-access launch date, a move that could have affected a significant bonus payment to the developers.

A subsequent court ruling required Krafton to reinstate CEO Ted Gill and allowed Unknown Worlds to proceed with its intended release planning.

Despite the dispute, interest in Subnautica 2 remains strong, with players continuing to add the game to their wishlists in large numbers.

The title’s position as the most wishlisted game on Steam reflects sustained anticipation ahead of its early-access debut.