Subnautica 2 Attracts Nearly Half a Million Players on Steam Upon
Subnautica 2 has hit almost half a million concurrent players on Steam in its first hour of release.
Subnautica 2 has hit almost half a million concurrent players on Steam in its first hour of release.
Subnautica 2 quickly gained traction on Steam, reaching an impressive 467,000 concurrent players within the first hour. Developer Unknown Worlds announced that the game sold 1 million copies during this initial period, despite being an early access title available on PC and Xbox Series X and S during a weekday. These figures indicate a strong start, with potential for further growth through positive word of mouth and increasing player numbers.
The game's early critical reception appears favorable, with a review rating of 7/10 highlighting its enjoyable nature while acknowledging that it remains a work in progress. Subnautica 2, highly anticipated and the most wishlisted game on Steam prior to launch, follows its predecessor's success as an indie favorite known for its tranquil yet enigmatic environment. Players immerse themselves in the role of a survivor stranded on an alien planet's ocean after a spaceship crash, navigating survival challenges and unraveling mysteries.
Subnautica 2 faced development challenges, commencing around 2022 with an initial target release year of 2025. However, issues arose, leading to delays due to disputes with publisher Krafton. In 2025, Krafton ousted Unknown World's leadership, triggering legal disputes over alleged termination to avoid substantial bonus payouts for meeting game development milestones. Following a court ruling earlier this year, the original team was reinstated, allowing the game's progress to resume.
Despite a pre-release leak, Subnautica 2's launch proceeded smoothly, setting the stage for ongoing updates and content additions. The game currently offers a rich narrative, cooperative gameplay, and vast underwater exploration opportunities.
