After confirming the development of a new installment in the Subnautica series, Unknown Worlds revealed early access plans for Subnautica 3 in 2024.
Subnautica 2 release date – Updated with statement from Unknown Worlds
While it’s been quite a while since the Subnautica development team first confirmed that another entry to the series was in development, developer Unknown Worlds has now revealed plans to begin early access to the Subnautica game The next one starts in 2024. Although not much is known yet. As for the next installment in the Subnautica series, it looks like fans can expect an extended early access period before the game’s official release.
Veteran Subnautica fans will likely be familiar with how the series handles beta access at this point, with both the first game as well as Subnautica: Below Zero each having extensive early access periods. widely before final release. With the Subnautica games being developed by independent studio Unknown Worlds, player feedback has always been an essential resource for development, so these early access periods allow for rapid accumulation feedback and bug report data, while allowing players a glimpse into the new mechanics, environments, and story of the Subnautica universe.
While many fans expected that the upcoming Subnautica sequel would have its own beta period, it wasn’t until a recent tweet from Subnautica’s official Twitter account that the early access window opened. given. It confirms that while it’s still too early for any major reveals about the third Subnautica game, the team is expected to announce plans for the game’s early access phase in 2024. With recent information pointing to a potential 2025 release date for the next Subnautica title, it could be less than a year before fans get their first look at the next game through early access .
It’s important to note that early access builds don’t necessarily reflect what the final version of the game will look like, with Subnautica: Below Zero being a prime example of this. The original Subnautica sequel was originally set to involve a significantly different story than the one seen in the game now and although fans continue to debate whether the plot Is this origin better or worse than what was seen in the finale. The product and game are still considered by the community to be less impactful than the original game due to differences in design choices.
Information regarding the next Subnautica title remains scant other than that it is in development and currently on track for a 2025 release, but this new development suggests the Subnautica community is having a great year. Great to look forward to. It’s no surprise that the community is hungry for more details, and fortunately, it may not be too long until there’s a more significant reveal about the game itself.
Statement given to GameWatcher
Unknown Worlds Entertainment has reached out to GameWatcher to clarify some of the information provided in Krafton’s fiscal 2023 earnings report. While the documentation we’ve seen puts Subnautica 2 at a 2024 release date, Unknown Worlds has informed us that it has no intention of releasing it in 2024, so we can assume that early access will arrive in 2025. We thought it was probably best to quote the Unknown Worlds statement on the GaaS model, because that’s something the community hasn’t responded to well, and we wanted to be as clear as possible.
“Regarding “Games as a Service,” Unknown Worlds just plans to continuously update the game for years to come, just like the previous two Subnautica games. Think of the Early Access update model of they, are extended. No season has passed. No battle has passed. No registration.”
The game is not designed primarily around multiplayer gameplay. It gives players the flexibility to enjoy the game alone or with friends through co-op mode.
Since its launch in 2015, the original Subnautica has maintained a strong community, reaching a peak concurrent player count of 51,156 on Steam. Over the years, its popularity grew, leading to the release of a new chapter in the series, Subnautica: Below Zero. This acts more like a DLC or expansion than a direct sequel.
In closing, the announcement of Subnautica 2 and 3 slated for release in 2024 and 2025 has stirred anticipation among fans. With promising new adventures on the horizon, players can expect to delve deeper into the ocean’s mysteries. As we await these exciting releases, the Subnautica community eagerly anticipates the opportunity to embark on thrilling underwater journeys once again.
