Krafton has announced that the release of Subnautica 2 is now postponed to 2026. This decision comes as a result of the positive feedback from playtests, which suggested that developers need more time to refine certain aspects of the game and provide a more complete experience.

A Krafton spokesperson clarified that this change was not influenced by any contractual obligations related to bonuses for the developer, Unknown Worlds. As stated, “This decision was based solely on our commitment to quality and to delivering the best possible experience for players.”

In light of this delay, leadership at Unknown Worlds had previously hinted at a bonus tied to specific revenue targets set to be achieved by the end of 2025. With the game pushed to a later date, those targets likely won’t be met, impacting potential bonuses for staff.

This announcement follows the recent shake-up in the Unknown Worlds leadership team, with prominent figures, including Charlie Cleveland, Ted Gill, and Max McGuire, departing unexpectedly just prior to this announcement.

The studio’s mission, as articulated by new CEO Steve Papoutsis, is to ensure that players receive a game that meets high standards and exceeds their expectations once released.