Subnautica 2 Overcomes Pre-Release Controversy To Become Massive Hit On Steam

Subnautica 2, the long-awaited sequel to the 2018 hit survival game Subnautica, launched into early access on May 14, 2026, on Steam and Xbox Series X|S. The release proved to be a massive success, shattering expectations within its first hour.

Within 30 minutes of its 11 AM ET launch, the underwater exploration game attracted over 370,000 concurrent players on Steam. By the end of its first hour, peak concurrent player numbers had climbed to approximately 465,000—nearly eight times higher than the original Subnautica’s all-time peak of 51,156 players from around 2018. The game currently ranks as the fourth-most played title on Steam, trailing only Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, and PUBG: Battlegrounds.

Sales figures matched the player enthusiasm: Unknown Worlds Entertainment announced that Subnautica 2 sold one million copies within its first hour of launch. This exceptional performance is particularly impressive given the game’s early access status and mid-week Thursday release timing.

The launch success stands in stark contrast to the drama that preceded it. In 2025, the game became the subject of significant behind-the-scenes controversy involving developer Unknown Worlds and publisher Krafton, including legal disputes that resulted in a delay to 2026. Despite—or perhaps because of—this tumultuous development history, the game maintained significant player anticipation, becoming Steam’s most-wishlisted game before launch.

Early critical reception has been positive, with reviews commending the sequel’s quality and design. The game is available on Steam for PC and on Xbox Series X|S, with Xbox Game Pass integration also confirmed. The exceptional launch metrics suggest that the long wait and previous controversies have done little to dampen enthusiasm for this highly anticipated sequel.

Subnautica 2 Overcomes Pre-Release Controversy To Become Massive Hit On Steam

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