Unknown Worlds Entertainment announced Subnautica 2's early access launch for May on PC and Xbox following a Delaware judge's ruling to rehire former CEO Ted Gill. The decision comes amid legal disputes with publisher Krafton over firings and a potential $250 million payout, though Krafton disputes the outcome and plans further litigation.
On March 17, 2026, Unknown Worlds head Steve Papoutsis announced that the studio and publisher Krafton had unanimously approved Subnautica 2—the sequel to the underwater survival hit—for early access in May on PC and Xbox. This followed a successful milestone review, with Papoutsis praising recent additions of story chapters, new creatures, and biomes. "We have full confidence that we have reached a point where we can deliver an experience our players will love," he said in a team message reported by IGN, Kotaku, and Eurogamer. "We look forward to working with Ted Gill to support a smooth transition and work toward a successful launch." No specific date within May was given.
The announcement came one day after a March 16 ruling by Delaware's Chancery Court, which found that Krafton breached its 2021 acquisition agreement by firing Gill and several other studio leaders without cause in July 2025 and seizing control of the game. The acquisition included a performance-based earnout of up to $250 million if certain goals were met by the end of 2025. The firings and subsequent delay of the early access launch—originally planned earlier—sparked a legal battle, with questions raised over efforts to secure or avoid the payout. The court restored Gill's authority, including control over the Steam page and early access plans, and extended the earnout timeline.
Krafton responded: "While we respectfully disagree with today's ruling, we are evaluating our options as we determine our path forward... Today's ruling does not resolve the former executives' claim for damages or an earnout... with further litigation still pending." The publisher reiterated its commitment to fans and to strengthening the game ahead of early access, despite ongoing disputes.
