The sequel will take place on an “entirely new” alien planet and utilize Unreal Engine 5 for “stunning stylized graphics.”

Unknown Worlds Entertainment planned to share more about the next Subnautica and its early access plans this year, but publisher Krafton beat it to the punch (again). According to the latter’s Q4 fiscal year 2023 and full-year earnings results, the next game is titled Subnautica 2.

Players will explore an “entirely new” alien planet and its aquatic surroundings, with the Unreal Engine 5 used to deliver “stunning stylized graphics.” It also includes one to four-player co-op, a first for the series, though solo play is still supported. Perhaps the most surprising aspect is the sequel will use a Games-as-a-Service model for “enhanced replayability.”

The title is interesting because Subnautica: Below Zero, which exited early access in May 2021, also takes place after the original. Perhaps Subnautica 2 is more directly connected – either way, we’ll need to wait for more details. It doesn’t have a release date, but Krafton confirmed in its previous results that it’s targeting a launch in the first half of 2025.