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Last week saw the highly anticipated release of Subnautica 2 make its way to PC and Xbox Series X/S. As the sequel to 2018’s Subnautica and 2021’s Subnautica: Below Zero, Subnautica 2 was one of 2026’s most anticipated releases, and with the game hitting one million copies sold in just 24-hours, it is safe to say that the sequel is living up to expectations.
Supporting both single player and co-op gameplay, Subnautica 2 tasks players with surviving on an alien planet which is completely submerged in water. Marking the first time that multiplayer gameplay is included, Subnautica 2 also introduces another brand-new feature which allows players to modify their own DNA in order to acquire new abilities, something which was scrapped from 2018’s Subnautica.
The only catch here is that Subnautica 2 is currently available in early access, but as somebody who has already sunk 10 hours into the sequel, I can confirm that this game looks incredible and runs perfectly, and I am yet to run into any issues. However, if Subnautica 2 appeals to you, but you do not want to splash out on the cash, fear not, as there is a way to grab the game at no extra cost.
Yes, it is thanks to the Xbox Game Pass, which is currently allowing its members to get their hands on Subnautica 2 for absolutely free as a day-one release. Available on the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate tier, as well as the cheaper PC Game Pass, the hit sequel is available to play on the Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Cloud gaming, but it is worth noting that it is not supported on the Xbox One, regardless of your Game Pass membership.
Our very own Leo Faierman shared his initial thoughts on Subnautica 2, calling it “familiar and fantastic on day one.” In their review, they wrote:
The risky ventures and near-deaths, the unforeseen tools that grant small advantages, how the narrative feeds into the landscape, and vice versa, Subnautica 2 synergizes these qualities unlike anything else on Steam that might share its store tags. Subnautica 2’s Early Access is already cargo-loaded, with its current vision an inspiring basis for building out this ideal sequel in waiting.
However, with any survival game, especially one set underwater, it is sometimes hard to get your bearings, or find that piece of equipment or material that you have been searching for for hours. Luckily, we at Screen Rant also have you covered on that front, with many guides dedicated to helping you on your way to learning the secrets of the alien planet you find yourself stuck on in Subnautica 2.
- Released
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May 14, 2026
- ESRB
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Everyone 10+ / Language, Fantasy Violence
- Developer(s)
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Unknown Worlds Entertainment
- Publisher(s)
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Krafton
- Engine
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Unreal Engine 5
- Multiplayer
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Online Co-Op
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https://screenrant.com/subnautica-2-free-download-xbox-game-pass-psa/
Angharad Redden
Almontather Rassoul
