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

"Subnautica 2 launched on Steam and Xbox Series X|S at 11 AM ET today, May 14. There was a ton of interest right out of the gate, and a look at Steam's most-played games shows some eye-watering concurrent player count stats. At the time of writing, its last reported peak concurrent player count was 437,656, and that number is trending upwards."

"That dwarfs the launches of other hit Steam games this year, like Windrose and Slay the Spire 2. It's even more impressive when you consider that SteamDB doesn't take those playing on Xbox Series X|S or through the Xbox and Epic Games launchers on PC. Subnautica 2 was the most-wishlisted game on Steam prior to its launch, and it's clear that those wishlists are converting into sales."

"This successful launch also comes after a very tumultuous final year of development. In July 2025, Unknown Worlds' parent company, Krafton, forcibly delayed the game into 2025 and tried to oust the developer's founders from the company. This led to a lawsuit that ultimately resulted in the founders being reinstated. Krafton is still involved in the project, but it is no longer listed as the publisher on Steam."

"Subnautica 2 is now available as an early-access game on PC and Xbox Series X|S, with its Steam store page estimating the game will remain in Early Access for "about 2 to 3 years.""

Subnautica 2 launched on Steam and Xbox Series X|S at 11 AM ET on May 14 and drew very high interest immediately. Steam’s most-played data showed a peak concurrent player count of 437,656, trending upward. The count exceeds other major Steam launches earlier this year, including Windrose and Slay the Spire 2. The figure likely understates total players because SteamDB does not include Xbox Series X|S players or PC players using the Xbox and Epic Games launchers. Before release, Subnautica 2 was the most-wishlisted game on Steam, indicating strong conversion into sales. The launch follows a difficult development period involving Krafton delays and legal action that reinstated the founders. The game is available in early access on PC and Xbox Series X|S, with an estimate of about 2 to 3 years in early access.

Read at GameSpot