Published May 12, 2026, 11:01 AM EDT

Time to explore the deep blue

Image: Unknown Worlds Entertainment

Subnautica 2 is almost here, 12 years on from the early access launch of the first game and seven years after Below Zero . Once again, it's being released into early access — if it worked for the first two games, why change it up? — and according to the Steam page , developer Unknown Worlds Entertainment expects the full launch to come in "two to three years."

So if you're eager to jump into the deep oceans of Subnautica 2 , here are all the details on when the game releases in your time zone and how to preload.

Subnautica 2 release time in your time zone

According to an X post from the official Subnautica account , we know that Subnautica 2 will be released into early access at 11 a.m. EDT on Thursday, May 14 . Here's how that looks in your time zone:

8 a.m. PDT on Thursday, May 14 for the west coast of North America

11 a.m. EDT on Thursday, May 14 for the east coast of North America

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