Subnautica 2 comes to Xbox and PC Game Preview in 2025, and it has co-op

thesixthaxis.com:

Subnautica 2 has been revealed by Unknown Worlds, with an unexpected partnership with Microsoft to bring the game to Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC via the Xbox Game Preview program in 2025. It will be available on select Xbox Game Pass tiers on day one.

While it will continue in the same tradition as Subnautica and Subnautica: Below Zero, Subnautica 2 will make some big changes for the series. For one thing, Unknown Worlds is now working with Unreal Engine instead of Unity, which will allow them to push visual fidelity that bit harder. For another, you’ll be going to a new world and not returning to Planet 4546B. And finally, you won’t have to go alone this time – Subnautica 2 has got full co-op.

Writing on Xbox Wire, Community manager Donya Abramo explained:

“Co-operative multiplayer for up to four players, something that has been hotly requested by our community over the years, will be available with the Xbox Game Preview launch. Introducing the optional co-operative experience alongside a whole new planet felt like the best opportunity to make that switch, and we’re certain that it will test your ingenuity and ability to adapt as you explore the world together. But for those who prefer the eerily beautiful solitude of solo play, Subnautica 2 will still provide that familiar experience, and prove equally as challenging.”

Earlier in 2024, Unknown Worlds had to address rumours that the game would be going for a Games as a Service model, shutting this down, alongside the notion that it would be all in on multiplayer, and not just optional co-op. They’re continuing to stick to that plan, it seems.

Unknown Worlds has been teasing this game for a while, and it will be great to see it come together. It is a shame, however, that the studio isn’t leaning on the Steam Early Access program as it did with the first two games, given that the PC community on Steam was a significant enough factor in the game’s development for Unknown Worlds to try and pursue the same direction,