Subnautica 2 Road to Early Access
As Subnautica 2 approaches its 2026 Early Access launch, Unknown Worlds is conducting several rounds of testing. Whether you are looking for the "Game Preview" on Xbox or the "Experimental Branch" on Steam, this guide covers how to get in early.
๐ Important Milestones
- Phase 1: Alpha Stress Tests (Late 2025): Focused on multiplayer networking stability.
- Phase 2: Closed Beta (Q1 2026): Invitation-only testing for specific biomes.
- Phase 3: Steam Early Access / Xbox Game Preview (Mid 2026): Public paid release.
How to Sign Up for Beta Tests
Official registration is handled through the **Subnautica Mailing List**. Follow these steps to ensure you are eligible for a key:
- Visit the official Unknown Worlds website.
- Locate the "Sign up for Subnautica News" box.
- Check the box for **"Beta Testing Interest."**
- Complete the system utility survey (if prompted) to ensure your hardware meets the minimum requirements.
Steam "Experimental" Branch
If you own the game once it enters Early Access, you can access new features weeks before they hit the main branch:
- Right-click Subnautica 2 in your **Steam Library**.
- Select **Properties** > **Betas**.
- Select **"experimental"** from the dropdown menu.
- The game will download the latest (but potentially unstable) developer build.
Xbox & PC Game Pass "Game Preview"
Subnautica 2 is confirmed for **Xbox Game Preview**. Game Pass Ultimate subscribers typically get day-one access to the Early Access build. To join the Xbox Insider tests:
- Download the **Xbox Insider Hub** app on your console or PC.
- Navigate to **Previews** > **Subnautica 2**.
- Select **Join** (Note: Spaces are limited and granted on a first-come, first-served basis).
๐ป System Requirements Checklist
Beta participants are prioritized if they have **modern hardware** (GTX 30-series or higher) and a stable **SSD** for faster asset streaming in the new Unreal Engine 5 environment.
๐ฌ Feedback is Mandatory
Being a beta tester isn't just about playing early; you are expected to report bugs via the F8 feedback tool to help the developers polish the 4-player co-op experience.
What to Expect in the Early Builds
- Limited Biomes: Early tests may only include the first 200m-500m of depth.
- Multiplayer Stutter: Expect desync issues during Beta Phase 1 as the developers tune the dedicated server logic.
- Frequent Wipes: Saved data from the Alpha/Beta phases rarely carries over to the full Early Access release.
When is the exact release date?
Unknown Worlds has confirmed a "2026 Window." An exact month has not been announced as they prioritize game quality over speed.
Will my progress save between beta rounds?
Generally, no. Each major testing phase usually requires a fresh world save to properly test new features.
Is there a "Day One" dedicated server?
Yes, Unknown Worlds has stated that dedicated server binaries will be released alongside the Early Access launch to support the 4-player co-op model.
Next Steps
Be "Beta Ready": Don't let a slow server ruin your testing experience. Supercraft's development-tier servers are optimized for experimental builds, giving you the stability needed to properly stress-test Subnautica 2's new ocean depths.