After many trials and tribulations, Subnautica 2 is, at the time of writing, just a few days from releasing in Early Access on May 14th. To celebrate the occasion it got a lovely new trailers, which has all the right vibes.
Subnautica 2
Release Date: May 14, 2026
Genres: Adventure
This installment of the series seems to be really interested in science fiction horror, with expectation that our character might hear mysterious voices that might lead them to a tree (threatening).
There’s also an AI assistant which cheerfully recommends finding a convenient way to die before you’re even out of the drop pod. Good. Reminds me of older SF thriller “Sphere” a bit.
The vistas presented by the trailer run the full spectrum from “lovely, sunlit tropical waters” through “deep ocean life is terrifying AND huge”, all the way to some very alien-looking structures. We get to see a giant crab, though, so that’s neat.
There’s a big emphasis on base-building, which was to be expected, and a few glimpse at the co-operative gameplay that are the big selling features of the game this time around.
Unknown Worlds seem to be cooking with gas, and Subnautica 2 is looking better and better with every trailers, although it might be even worse for people with thalassophobia than the previous two.
There’s also a lengthy gameplay showcase with the developers, if the trailer isn’t enough for you. It shows off the game in a much calmer way than the thrilling trailer.
Subnautica 2 arrives in Early Access on May 14th, will you be playing?