Unknown Worlds’ long-awaited sequel has made a massive splash, hitting 467,000 concurrent players on Steam within just its first hour of availability. The developer confirmed that the game sold 1 million copies in that same opening window, a staggering achievement for a title launching during the middle of a weekday.
For an Early Access game currently available on PC and Xbox Series X/S, these initial numbers are enormous. With word of mouth beginning to spread, player counts are expected to continue climbing as more gamers dive into the deep blue.
A Strong Start Amidst Technical Challenges
Critical reception for Subnautica 2 has been largely positive, though reviewers note it is still a work in progress. In our own review, we awarded the Early Access launch a 7/10, highlighting that while the experience is fun, it is evident the game is still being refined.
"It’s pretty impressive that wading in the shallow tides of Subnautica 2's Early Access debut is as fun as it is already, and that should be a great sign of things to come, but I also wouldn’t blame anyone for waiting for these waters to rise a bit before getting their feet wet," the review noted.
Despite the positive feedback, the path to launch was fraught with drama. Development began around 2022, with an initial target release in 2025. However, the project faced significant hurdles following conflicts with publisher Krafton.
Overcoming Legal and Release Hurdles
The road to launch was complicated by intense corporate turmoil. In July 2025, Krafton removed Unknown Worlds' leadership, including CEO Ted Gill, from the company. This move triggered a legal battle, with the fired employees alleging that Krafton terminated them and delayed the game specifically to avoid paying a $250 million bonus tied to key development targets and deadlines.
Earlier this year, a judge ruled to reinstate Gill and his colleagues, which helped put the game back on track for its current release.
Just days before launch, Subnautica 2 suffered a leak online. However, this incident does not appear to have negatively impacted the game's commercial success or player engagement. The leak seems to have been a minor blip in an otherwise successful launch strategy.
The Legacy of the Original and What’s Next
Subnautica 2 was one of the most anticipated titles of the year, holding the record for the most wishlisted game on Steam prior to its release. The original game remains an indie darling, captivating fans with its serene yet mysterious underwater setting.
Players assume the role of a spaceship crash survivor on a mysterious alien planet, forced to use limited resources to survive and uncover the world's secrets. The first game delivered a compelling narrative that fans have been eager to see expanded upon in this sequel.
Now that the game is live, the focus shifts to long-term development. Subnautica 2 will receive updates over time, introducing new content and features. For now, the game offers a meaty narrative, robust co-op gameplay, and an expansive ocean to explore, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the franchise.
