Subnautica fans around the world were hit with a wave of disappointment this week as Unknown Worlds, the studio behind the beloved underwater survival game, officially confirmed that Subnautica 2 has been delayed.
Originally expected to arrive in 2025, the sequel is now slated for a 2026 release. This announcement came just days after a major $250 million payout from Embracer Group, the game’s former publisher, to sell its rights to a new owner.
So, what’s really happening behind the scenes? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
What Caused the Delay?
Unknown Worlds, the studio developing Subnautica 2, was acquired by Krafton (the company behind PUBG) back in 2021. However, they had a publishing deal in place with Embracer Group’s label Private Division.
Recently, Embracer has been downsizing its gaming portfolio, and as part of that restructuring, it ended the publishing agreement. But because that contract was already signed, Embracer had to pay out nearly $250 million to exit the deal.
This disruption in publishing has now forced the development team to pause and realign their production schedule. While the developers didn’t directly blame the delay on the publishing shift, it’s clear that the studio needs more time to adjust to the new setup and ensure a smooth development path.
What Will Subnautica 2 Look Like?
Subnautica 2 is expected to retain the core elements that made the original so popular—open-world exploration, beautiful underwater environments, base building, and survival mechanics. However, the sequel is also planning to introduce something new: co-op multiplayer. For the first time, players will be able to explore the deep ocean together.
There’s also a strong possibility that the game will feature live-service elements, where new content is added over time. But this has raised some concerns among fans, as many worry that it might affect the immersive, story-driven experience the original game offered.
The Impact of the $250 Million Exit
This isn’t just about one game. The $250 million exit by Embracer is part of a bigger shift in the gaming industry. Embracer has been cutting down on its projects and staff across multiple studios, trying to recover from past investments that didn’t work out as planned.
By paying out such a huge amount, Embracer is essentially admitting that it wants to step away from long-term, big-budget game development. Subnautica 2’s shift in publishers is just one part of this larger story.
For Krafton, which now fully controls the game’s development and release, this is a big opportunity. They can now shape the launch and marketing of Subnautica 2 as they see fit. It also gives Unknown Worlds a chance to rework the game without external pressure from a publishing partner.
What Fans Are Saying
Fans have expressed mixed reactions online. Many are disappointed by the delay but understand that more time could lead to a better game. After all, both Subnautica and Subnautica: Below Zero were praised for their polish and atmosphere. Players would rather wait than have a buggy or incomplete launch.
However, the talk about multiplayer and live-service models has made longtime fans a bit nervous. Subnautica was always known as a single-player experience that let you dive deep into a mysterious alien ocean at your own pace. Some players worry that shifting focus to multiplayer may take away from the game’s emotional and immersive feel.
What to Expect in 2026
While the wait is longer than expected, it also means more time for innovation and improvement. With the support of Krafton and without the pressure of a tight publishing deadline, Unknown Worlds now has a better shot at delivering a game that lives up to expectations.
We can expect:
- Enhanced visuals and gameplay
- New sea creatures and biomes to explore
- A smoother, possibly optional multiplayer experience
- Continued focus on environmental storytelling
- And hopefully, no rushed features due to publishing demands
Final Thoughts
Yes, delays can be frustrating, but they’re often necessary—especially for games with the scale and ambition of Subnautica 2. The $250 million deal shows how much value and expectation is tied to this title. With a bigger budget, more freedom, and less pressure, there’s a good chance that the final release will be worth the wait.
If you’ve been a fan of the original games, hang tight. The ocean is still calling—but we’ll just have to wait a little longer before we dive in again.
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