May 14, 2026: Subnautica 2 early access is here! This guide will be in stasis for a while, but we'll update it as soon as we know more about the Subnautica 2 1.0 launch and when it will arrive.
The Subnautica 2 early access release time is fast approaching and I for one can't wait to get my fins on and go for a swim. For now, Subnautica 2 is only available on Xbox Series consoles and PC, with the survival game preview also available to those with a Game Pass subscription, so if you meet that criteria, here's when you can play.
Subnautica 2 release times
As you can see from the image above, the Subnautica 2 launch takes place at the same time across the globe, meaning no-one gets access before anyone else. What this does mean is that, due to time zones, the actual release time the game launches at will vary in your country. Here's a few time zones, and if you're isn't included, you can use a world clock to work it out:
- PDT (US West Coast): 8 A.M., Thursday, May 14, 2026
- EDT (US East Coast): 11 A.M., Thursday, May 14, 2026
- BST (UK): 5 P.M. BST, Thursday, May 14, 2026
- CEST (West Europe): 6 P.M., Thursday, May 14, 2026
- JST (Japan): 12 A.M., Friday, May 15, 2026
- AUST (Australia): 1 A.M., Friday, May 15, 2026
With that information, you should be able to figure out the Subnautica 2 early access release time in your region, even if it's not listed above.
Can you preload Subnautica 2?
If you are accessing Subnautica 2 early access on Game Pass or you've already purchased it on PC or Xbox, you can now preload Subnautica 2, so you're ready to splash around as soon as launch time hits.
On PC, preloading should be pretty simple, with the option available as soon as you purchase the game. On Xbox (or PC with Game Pass Ultimate), however, you may need to navigate to updates to force the preload.
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