Subnautica 2 early access release date set for May after shock legal verdict
Subnautica 2 early access release date set for May after shock legal verdict
Following a series of setbacks and legal challenges, the sequel to Subnautica is set to launch in early access in May 2026, much earlier than initially anticipated.
A journey through alien waters
Subnautica, a standout survival game in recent years, immerses players in an underwater world on an alien planet, requiring them to navigate through ecosystems and avoid deadly threats to survive.
From spin-off to direct sequel
The original title spawned a 2021 expansion titled Subnautica: Below Zero, which was initially planned as downloadable content. In 2022, a direct sequel was announced, promising cooperative gameplay for up to four players.
Delays fueled by internal turmoil
Subnautica 2 had previously been slated for early access last year, but the timeline shifted due to a wave of staff dismissals and ongoing legal disputes. The resolution of these conflicts appears to have accelerated the game’s development.
A CEO’s confidence in the project
According to IGN, Steve Papoutsis, the CEO of developer Unknown Worlds, shared a statement affirming the May 2026 release. “Thanks to your dedication and talent, we’ve added more story chapters, built new creatures, and created new biomes along with many other features,” he wrote in the message.
“With this significant progress, we have passed KRAFTON’s milestone review last week and are now ready to start our open development journey alongside our community. We have full confidence that we have reached a point where we can deliver an experience our players will love.”
Legal battle over leadership and deadlines
Last year, the entire leadership team of Subnautica 2, including CEO Ted Gill and senior members Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire, were abruptly removed by Unknown Worlds’ owner, Krafton. Steve Papoutsis was appointed as a replacement.
This move triggered a lawsuit from the dismissed employees, who argued that Krafton had obstructed development to prevent them from earning a $250 million bonus if the game met its release goals and sales targets.
“An internal assessment of the first playable in March of 2024 made clear that the team had failed to deliver on their promise of developing sufficiently new content,” Krafton’s response read. “But rather than roll up their sleeves and make the game they had promised, the Key Employees blamed others and overhauled the team.”
Judicial decision redefines direction
In March 2026, a judge ruled that Krafton must reinstate Ted Gill as CEO of Unknown Worlds, granting him full operational control of the studio and the sequel’s launch. The court found that Krafton had violated the EPA by “terminating the Key Employees without valid cause and by improperly seizing operational control of Unknown Worlds.”
As part of the ruling, Krafton was ordered to extend the deadline for the $250 million bonus, providing the team a potential chance to achieve it in 2026.
Krafton’s stance on the verdict
In response to the ruling (via Eurogamer), Krafton stated it “respectfully disagrees” with the decision, currently “evaluating our options as determine our path forward.”
“Today’s ruling does not resolve the former executives’ claim for damages or an earnout related to Subnautica 2, with further litigation still pending,” the company added. “In the meantime, Krafton’s immediate focus remains unchanged: delivering the best possible game to Subnautica’s fans.”
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