Subnautica 2 Leak Confirmed Real – Devs Admit Survival Game’s Dramatic Overhaul

Subnautica 2 is shaping up to be one of the most controversial survival sequels of the decade. After weeks of speculation, Krafton has officially confirmed that the leaked internal review document regarding the game’s design, monetisation, and development model is indeed real — and it changes everything fans thought they knew about the game.

Confirmed: Subnautica 2 Will Be Multiplayer-First With Live Service Features

The doc, initially posted via a Reddit leak last week, outlined hefty internal criticisms of Unknown Worlds’ direction with the sequel — and it didn’t take long for the internet to spiral into debates. That chatter exploded across Discord servers, Twitter threads, and Steam forums before publisher Krafton stepped in to confirm it: yes, the doc is real, and yes, the game is shifting away from its solitary roots.

Subnautica 2 will be a shared-world survival game with seasonal updates, cosmetic monetisation, and a focus on co-op multiplayer. It’s a departure from the single-player serenity that defined the original and its icy follow-up, Subnautica: Below Zero.

In the internal doc, criticism centred around the risk of alienating the existing fanbase, particularly due to the shift in tone and design towards more “live service” elements. Specifically, it raised concerns about the viability of its $30–$40 (£23–£31 / RM140–RM187) price point without a clearer identity — is it a survival sandbox? Is it narrative-driven? The answers appear to be still forming.

Platform Targets, Early Access Plans and Global Release Strategy

Subnautica 2 is expected to hit Early Access in late 2025, launching on PC first via Steam, with console versions — PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S — planned depending on feedback and successful monetisation testing. Players can expect a worldwide rollout, with no regional restrictions confirmed so far.

The controversial internal document also mentioned that the current build of the game includes cross-play functionality. That’s big — but so is the backlash. Fans were caught off-guard by the decision to prioritise team-based exploration, and there’s been a notable division across the game’s Steam discussions. While some players are excited for shared aquatic discovery, many long-time Subnautica purists fear the loss of atmospheric solitude that made the original timeless.

Graphically, Unknown Worlds is reportedly leveraging Unreal Engine 5 tech to push visuals closer to what we’ve seen in titles like ARK 2 and Frostpunk 2 — weather effects, dynamic oceans, and deeper AI creature behaviour. The aim appears to be balancing single-player sensibilities with fresh multiplayer dynamics on next-gen hardware.

Cosmetics, Battle Passes, and the Ongoing Monetisation Conversation

Krafton’s admittance adds credibility to parts of the leak that discussed planned in-game cosmetic DLC, potential battle passes, and a ‘seasonal event cadence’. While these only affect visuals for now, fans aren’t exactly thrilled — the community remains cautious of systems that could evolve into pay-to-win mechanics or deepen grind fatigue.

Beyond cosmetics, expect monetised environmental customisation options down the line. Things like base building skins and submersible paint jobs are in testing — though it’s too early to say if they’ll stick for the final build. That early access window in late 2025 will be crucial for gauging community feedback before Unknown Worlds commits to this monetisation direction.

Despite the noise, Unknown Worlds asserts that their vision hasn’t changed — they’re just expanding it. In their follow-up statement, they suggested that players will still be able to go solo and enjoy the eeriness of alien oceans. The twist is in the flexibility: team up if you want to, or dive alone as before. But with internal documents reportedly stating “the team is stretched thin” and “the vision isn’t fully communicated,” there are real questions around production bandwidth and scope.

In short, this isn’t just a sequel with quality-of-life upgrades. Subnautica 2 is being rebuilt as a live game that will be actively updated and monetised to retain long-tail engagement — not unlike titles like No Man’s Sky post-launch or even Sea of Thieves.

Preorders, Editions and Price Details

While preorder dates haven’t been officially announced yet, expect preorders to open alongside the early access confirmation later this year. Based on Krafton’s pipeline, pricing is expected to start at around £29.99 / $39.99 / RM187 for the base game. A ‘Founder’s Pack’ or Deluxe Edition is reportedly in discussions internally — likely including early skins, beta access, and exclusive co-op equipment, though again, nothing concrete has hit storefronts as of writing.

Retailers such as Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation Store and Microsoft Store are expected to carry the digital versions globally, with no news yet on a physical release. Krafton’s marketing cycle is pegged to ‘ramp up’ closer to autumn, just ahead of other open-world survival launches like Crimson Sands and Until Drowned.