Subnautica 2 comes to Xbox Game Pass on launch day

Development on Subnautica 2 is in full swing at Unknown Worlds, which recently announced that the game will be available on Xbox Game Pass on May 14, 2026, giving members access on day one. This applies to both Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.

Subnautica 2 is launching across several platforms, including Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Rog Xbox Ally. At launch, the game will be available in early access, also known as Game Preview on Xbox. This approach is meant to gather player feedback and improve the game over time.

Hype around the launch

The game has generated significant interest and is currently sitting at the top as the most wishlisted game on Steam. That follows the success of the original Subnautica, released in 2018, and the popular spin-off Below Zero, which many fans also embraced. The team behind Subnautica 2 says this release is the result of years of development and dedication.

Senior QA analyst Rob Hamiter has confirmed that the team is focused on optimizing performance for the Rog Xbox Ally version, which has become a major priority following the game’s announcement. At launch, Subnautica 2 will offer a recommended graphics preset by default, but players will be able to tweak the settings to their liking.

Funding options and membership prices

In addition to Game Pass availability, Unknown Worlds will also offer Subnautica 2 for direct purchase at $30. Recently, the standard prices for Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass were lowered to $23 per month (down from $30) and $14 per month (down from $16.50), respectively. It’s worth noting that Subnautica 2 is not included in the Game Pass Essential or Premium tiers, meaning players on those plans will need to buy the game separately.

Release and legal issues

Publishing for Subnautica 2 falls under the partnership between Unknown Worlds and Krafton, the parent company of the studio. However, that relationship has a complicated history, as Krafton fired the founders of Unknown Worlds in 2025, which led to the game being delayed to 2026. There have been allegations that this was done on ChatGPT’s advice in order to avoid a potential $250 million payout to the founders that Krafton would have owed if Subnautica 2 had launched in 2025.

A judge recently ordered the return of CEO Ted Gill to Unknown Worlds, highlighting the tensions within the company. The team says it plans to keep developing the game actively over the coming years, which could make for a compelling and evolving experience for players.