The reputation of Xbox Game Pass was built on day-one releases, and now one of the year’s most anticipated games is set to debut on the service on May 14. The headliner for Game Pass’ May lineup is Forza Horizon 6, but another major sequel is set to arrive beforehand.
Unknown Worlds Entertainment’s Subnautica 2 will come to Xbox Game Pass day one on May 14, as confirmed by Xbox Wire. The original Subnautica is a beloved modern classic in the survival genre, and its full-fledged sequel has been incredibly hyped after a lukewarm reception to the original’s spin-off, Subnautica: Below Zero. Marooning players on a new ocean planet, Subnautica 2 is set to continue the series’ signature underwater gameplay that combines gradual survival-game progression with the eerie unknown of deep-sea diving.
The biggest innovation that Subnautica 2 has made over its predecessors is an official co-op mode (previously only possible via mods) that supports up to four players. A new submersible vehicle is also on the docket, as well as new player character abilities, and there is likely a variety of new items included.
The May 14 release of Subnautica 2 is, crucially, the beginning of its early access period – the game does not yet have a release date for its full version. Subnautica 2‘s May 14 release sees it land on Xbox Series X/S and PC. To play through Game Pass, you’ll need an Ultimate or PC Game Pass subscription; the two lower tiers, Essential and Premium, will not be entitled to Subnautica 2. The game will also be available through Steam on PC.
Despite Unknown Worlds seeing incredible success with the original Subnautica, Subnautica 2 has had a rocky road to development. The development studio has been embroiled in a lengthy dispute with co-publisher Krafton, which included a high-profile lawsuit over unjust firings of Unknown Worlds higher-ups. The saga threw Subnautica 2‘s release into question entirely for a time and even sparked a boycott, but with the reinstatement of Unknown Worlds’ leadership, the game appears to be back on track.
That said, early access games are always a bit of a gamble. Subnautica 2 may be missing certain features when it releases on May 14, and could potentially have some technical issues. Early access is, in part, a great opportunity to field feedback on such things, and its debut on Game Pass will help it reach a wider audience, thus benefiting its ongoing development. Subnautica 2 was a game to keep an eye on regardless; releasing on Xbox Game Pass is just an added benefit.
- Number of Devices Concurrently
-
Standard subscription plan allows two accounts playing at once, with four accounts playing at once on Friends & Family plan
- Highest Resolution
-
1440p streaming
- Number of Accounts
-
~35 million subscribers
- Compatibility
-
Xbox Series X|S, PC, ROG Xbox Ally, Android, iOS, Samsung & LG TVs, Meta Quest, Web Browser
- Price Per Month
-
Essential $9.99 | Premium $14.99 | Ultimate $29.99
- Price per year
-
12-month membership codes only available at certain retailers
