Redditor spots Subnautica 2 playtest ahead of the 2026 early access release
Subnautica fans online seem to have discovered official playtest data for the highly anticipated sequel on SteamDB. The Subnautica 2 Playtest (App ID 1962780) showed that 280 players participated four months ago, offering the first concrete glimpse into the game's testing phase.
The SteamDB listing reveals some details about the testing program. To start with, the playtest was originally released on July 19, 2025. But as you can see in the screenshot, the playtest received its most recent update on August 26, 2025, indicating ongoing development activity despite the broader corporate turmoil surrounding the project. The app is currently hidden from public view, typical for closed beta testing programs.
This playtest was spotted by a Redditor and posted to the site. Interestingly, the community reactions to the discovery have been notably mixed. Several Reddit users expressed jealousy toward the beta testers, with one commenting, "You're telling me 280 people have played SN2?!" The response from a knowledgeable community member revealed that the 280 figure represents only the "public playtest pool," suggesting even more players have experienced the game through internal testing.
However, the discovery comes amid ongoing uncertainty about the game's future. One tester noted there hasn't been "a new build for a while now," with the last update occurring before the major leadership changes at Unknown Worlds Entertainment. This has left some community members concerned about development continuity.
The corporate drama surrounding publisher Krafton has clearly affected community sentiment. While some players remain excited about the game itself, others have expressed reluctance to support the project, with one fan stating they're "not excited for it anymore after all that the Publisher has done."
Despite the mixed reactions, the playtest data suggests Subnautica 2 development continues progressing toward its 2026 early access launch. It also remains the most wishlisted game on Steam. In any case, it would be a while before fans get to see the first underwater glimpse of the sequel.
Source(s)
Reddit posts, SteamDB
