History of Subnautica 2 in Timeline

Subnautica 2 is an upcoming action-adventure survival game, the sequel to the popular Subnautica (2018) and the third installment in the series following Subnautica: Below Zero (2021). Developed by Unknown Worlds Entertainment, it promises to expand upon the franchise's core gameplay loop of exploration, resource management, and base building within a hostile alien ocean. While specific details about the plot and new features are still emerging, fans anticipate a fresh narrative, enhanced environments, and potentially new survival mechanics to overcome.

2018: Subnautica release

In 2018, Subnautica was released.

2021: Subnautica: Below Zero release

In 2021, Subnautica: Below Zero was released.

April 7, 2022: Subnautica 2 confirmed

On April 7, 2022, the next game in the Subnautica universe was confirmed to be in development.

November 2023: Krafton reveals release window

In November 2023, Krafton revealed in a financial report that Subnautica 2 was to be released sometime in 2025.

February 8, 2024: Multiplayer and live-service description creates fan backlash

On February 8, 2024, a report described the game as a multiplayer live-service game, creating fan backlash. Developers clarified that it would have "no season passes, no battle passes, no subscription".

October 17, 2024: Cinematic trailer released

On October 17, 2024, a cinematic trailer for Subnautica 2 was released during the Xbox Partner Showcase.

April 23, 2025: First dev blog posted

On April 23, 2025, the first in a series of dev blogs was posted on YouTube showing new content and early gameplay footage.

July 2025: Krafton replaces Unknown World's CEO

In July 2025, Krafton replaced Unknown World's CEO Ted Gill, as well as studio co-founders Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire, with Steve Papoutsis. Following the announcement, Unknown Worlds reiterated that the game would have "no subscriptions. No loot boxes. No battle pass. No microtransactions."