Subnautica was well received when it first released back in 2018. Even players with thalassophobia can still enjoy playing the game. That being said, it had a sequel in 2021, Subnautica Below Zero. It too had good reviews, but the one we’re going to take a look at today is Subnautica 2 and its troubled development.
What’s the state of Subnautica 2 now?
The game was released back in May of 2026. To this day, the game has gotten some very positive reviews. However, it is still in early access. That means that the game can still change, or things may still happen. It’s unclear when the game will release in its full version, but the developers over at Unknown Worlds Entertainment know what they are doing.
The legal battle against Krafton
The Subnautica 2 lawsuit is a legal battle between developer Unknown Worlds Entertainment and its parent company, Krafton. At the center of the dispute is a massive $250 million earnout payment that was included when Krafton acquired Unknown Worlds. The payment was tied to specific performance targets related to Subnautica 2.
The controversy exploded in mid-2025 when Krafton removed Unknown Worlds’ leadership, including co-founders Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire, along with CEO Ted Gill. Around the same time, Subnautica 2 was delayed from a planned 2025 Early Access launch into 2026. The former leadership claimed the game was ready for Early Access and accused Krafton of intentionally delaying the release to avoid paying the earnout.
The verdict and aftermath
In March 2026, the lawsuit took a dramatic turn when a Delaware court issued a preliminary ruling largely favoring the former Unknown Worlds leadership. The judge ordered Ted Gill to be reinstated as CEO, restored his authority over Subnautica 2’s release decisions, and extended the earnout period that was at the heart of the dispute. The ruling stated that Krafton had likely breached portions of the acquisition agreement by removing leadership and seizing control of studio operations.
The court also prevented Krafton from interfering with Unknown Worlds’ operational control while the litigation continued. This was viewed as a significant victory for the developers because it restored much of the independence they claimed had been promised in the acquisition deal.
Subnautica 2 has entered Early Access and remains commercially successful despite the controversy. However, the legal dispute itself remains one of the most significant developer-publisher conflicts in recent gaming history. What began as a disagreement over a game’s release schedule evolved into a courtroom battle over creative control, contractual obligations, and a quarter-billion-dollar payout. The case has become a major example of the tensions that can arise when independent studios are acquired by large publishers.
Should you buy Subnautica 2?
The answer is yes, even if they are still under legal turmoil, once you purchase the game, you will own it. They won’t take it away from you. The game is good too, with too many positive reviews; that should be enough of a reason. One would think that Unknown Worlds shouldn’t have gotten in bed with Krafton. Hindsight is always 20/20, but if you’re on the fence, wait for the official release or for a discount.
