Subnautica 2 release times

Subnautica 2 early access release times — (Image credit: Unknown Worlds)

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Early access release times
Can you preload?

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

global release times for Subnautica 2 early access on a world map. — (Image credit: Unknown Worlds)

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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After studying Music and Lifestyle journalism and writing a column for a stylish lifestyle magazine in her hometown of Brighton, Danielle finally found her feet writing about videogames for WePC in 2021. She then honed her guides writing skills at PCGamesN between 2022 and 2026, when she took those skills to GamesRadar as a Guides Writer. Danielle's guides are a safe space - she definitely got stuck before you did, which is why she's perfect for the job. When she's not replaying the Silent Hill games or a more up-to-date single-player horror game, you'll find her fighting for her life in Dead by Daylight, tending to a garden in Stardew Valley, or doing both in Minecraft.