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If you’re familiar with Subnautica’s game, you’ll know that early access isn’t something new. Subnautica 2 Early Access is a necessity to ensure the full 1.0 release is as complete as can be, and we’ve got everything you need to know.

Subnautica 2 doesn’t change from the effective formula of previous games. We’re still satisfying our exploration curiosity in the ocean, we’re surviving, but we’re also helping Unknown Worlds Entertainment along the way.

Early access is an effective way of ensuring development goes smoothly, and if you want to support it, find out how long it’ll be in EA for.

Subnautica 2 Early Access Length Before 1.0 Release, Explained

The developer has informed everyone that Subnautica 2 Early Access is expected to last between two and three years, as this would line up with the duration experienced for the previous games.

I took a quick visit to the Subnautica Discord, and the FAQ there answers many key questions. However, there’s one question that you’re interested in, because that’s why you’re here!

‘How long will Early Access last?’

The answer is a detailed one, and it does provide a window:

‘It is difficult to accurately predict how long Early Access will last. Based on previous Early Access games we have developed, we expect it to take about 2 to 3 years. We are focusing on delivering quality at a reasonable pace. At the end of the day, we’re dedicated to completing Subnautica 2 and making it the best game possible.’

This would align with other Subnautica games (more on this below) and means you’ll get plenty of bang for your buck if you commit to early access.

How Long Were Previous Subnautica Games in Early Access?

The original Subnautica was in early access for just over three years, whereas Subnautica: Below Zero clocked in at two and a half years.

Unknown’s tentative two-to-three-year window starts to make more sense by the second, doesn’t it?

Here’s each of the previous two games and the full duration of early access until the 1.0 release.

So, judging by previous games, you should be able to buy Subnautica 2’s 1.0 version sometime between December 2028 and May 2029!

Head on over to the Insider Gaming Discord and let us know how much you’re looking forward to diving in (pun intended) to Subnautica 2 Early Access.

For more content, read about Subnautica 2 developer Unknown Worlds suing former leadership, if you missed it.

Andy is Insider Gaming’s Senior Evergreen Editor and has been in the games journalism sphere in one way or another for over 7 years. His video game taste is as…

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