Subnautica 2 nears Early Access launch with over 5 million Steam wishlists

Subnautica 2 is almost here, and interest is already huge.

Unknown Worlds has opened pre orders for the underwater survival sequel ahead of its Early Access launch on May 14, 2026. The game has also passed more than 5 million wishlists on Steam, making it one of the most anticipated PC releases of the year.

Subnautica 2 has reportedly been the most wishlisted game on Steam, which puts it in a strong position before launch. Even as an Early Access release, it is likely to become one of 2026’s biggest games if that interest turns into sales and Game Pass players.

The path to release has not been smooth. Subnautica 2 was previously caught in a legal fight between Krafton, the parent company of Unknown Worlds, and the studio’s co founders. That dispute overshadowed the game for much of the past year and likely delayed what could have been one of 2025’s biggest releases.

After the legal battle ended with the co founders coming out ahead, Unknown Worlds locked in a release window and then confirmed the May 14 Early Access date.

The studio has also shared PC requirements, and they are higher than the first game’s. Players will need at least 12GB of RAM to run Subnautica 2 at 1080p and 30 FPS, compared with 8GB for the original.

Unknown Worlds recently held a large livestream showing more of the game. The studio covered major systems, visual improvements, and some of the ways Subnautica 2 expands on the original.

The sequel is expected to keep the same core appeal: exploration, survival, mystery, alien oceans, strange creatures, and the constant tension of diving deeper into unknown waters. The main question is how much content will be available on day one of Early Access and how quickly the studio can build from there.

Ted Gill, co founder of Unknown Worlds and recently reinstated CEO, said the team is excited by the response and wants to keep building the game with player feedback.

Subnautica 2 will also launch into Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, giving it a large audience beyond Steam buyers. That could help the game grow quickly, especially because Early Access survival games often benefit from active communities, feedback, and streaming momentum.

After a messy year of legal drama, Subnautica 2 is finally back where it needs to be: close to players. With over 5 million wishlists, pre orders live, and Game Pass support ready for launch, Unknown Worlds has a major opportunity this week.