Subnautica 2 has hit nearly half 1,000,000 concurrent gamers on Steam in its first hour of launch. On the time of this text’s publication, Subnautica 2 was on an unimaginable 467,000 concurrent gamers on Valve’s platform, and developer Unknown Worlds confirmed the game had sold 1 million copies throughout the first hour of launch. For an early entry recreation that launched on PC and Xbox Collection X and S within the center of a weekday, these numbers are fairly large. It is doubtless they may solely develop from right here, as phrase of mouth spreads and extra gamers come on-line.
The important reception to the sport appears to be constructive. We gave Subnautica 2’s early entry launch a 7/10 in our overview, noting that it is enjoyable, but it surely’s evident the sport continues to be a work-in-progress. “It’s fairly spectacular that wading within the shallow tides of Subnautica 2’s Early Entry debut is as enjoyable as it’s already, and that ought to be an incredible signal of issues to come, however I additionally wouldn’t blame anybody for ready for these waters to rise a bit earlier than getting their ft moist,” we stated.
Subnautica 2 was one of probably the most anticipated video games round, and probably the most wishlisted recreation on Steam up till its launch. The primary recreation was an indie darling that captivated followers with its extremely serene, but mysterious setting. Gamers fill the sneakers of a spaceship crash survivor after touchdown within the ocean of a mysterious alien planet. They’re compelled to use no matter they’ll to survive and uncover the secrets and techniques round them. It made for an extremely compelling expertise, however one which additionally could possibly be expanded upon.
Subnautica 2 had a bumpy highway to launch, with growth starting round 2022. The sport was initially concentrating on a 2025 launch, however was delayed following drama with writer Krafton. In July 2025, Krafton eliminated Unknown World’s management from the corporate, together with CEO Ted Gill. This spawned a authorized battle, with the fired workers claiming Krafton allow them to go and delayed the sport to keep away from paying out a large $250 million bonus for hitting key targets and deadlines. A decide had Gill and his colleagues reinstated earlier this 12 months, which then put the sport again on monitor for launch.
There was one final impediment earlier than launch, nevertheless. Subnautica 2 leaked on-line days earlier than its launch. Nevertheless, it does not appear to have damage the sport in any notable approach. Subnautica 2’s launch is only the start, as will probably be up to date over time with new content material. For now, the sport packs a meaty narrative, co-op, and an expansive sea to discover.
Cade Onder is a freelancer for IGN’s information staff. He covers all issues leisure, together with gaming, movie, and extra. You will discover him on Twitter @Cade_Onder.