Subnautica 2 Review — Early Access Impressions, Performance & Verdict
Updated 2026-06-02
This Subnautica 2 review evaluates the Early Access build released on May 14, 2026 across content depth, performance, co-op implementation, and value for money. Subnautica 2 review scores from major outlets have been positive, praising the expanded ocean and co-op while noting the incomplete story and biome count. This Subnautica 2 review provides a balanced look at what works, what doesn't, and whether the current price justifies the experience for new and returning players.
Pros and cons
The strengths of Subnautica 2, based on this Subnautica 2 review and community consensus, include the seamless open ocean with no loading screens, the deep base building system with thermal power relays and auto-repair drones, and the well-implemented four-player co-op that actually works at launch. The creature AI is more sophisticated than the original, with leviathans employing patrol routes and environmental interactions. On the downside, this Subnautica 2 review notes that the story content cuts off abruptly at act two, some biomes feel empty compared to the original Subnautica's launch build, and performance on older GPUs struggles with the draw distance required for the seamless ocean.
| Category | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Content Depth | 7/10 | 16–25 hours; good for Early Access |
| Performance | 7/10 | Stable on mid-range, rough on older GPUs |
| Co-op Implementation | 9/10 | Smooth, no major desync issues |
| Base Building | 9/10 | Best in the series so far |
| Story | 6/10 | Promising but incomplete |
| Visual Design | 9/10 | Stunning biomes and creature models |
Performance benchmarks
This Subnautica 2 review tested performance on multiple configurations. At 1080p with a RTX 3060 and i5-11400F, the game maintains 55–65 fps with medium-high settings. At 1440p with a RTX 4070 and i7-13700K, frame rates range from 70–90 fps on high settings. The biggest performance impact is draw distance — reducing it by one notch gains 15–20 fps with minimal visual trade-off in most biomes. Subnautica 2 review testing found that the Thermal Spires and Deep Zone biomes are the most demanding due to particle effects from thermal vents. DLSS and FSR are supported, with DLSS Quality mode providing the best balance of image quality and frame rate.
Verdict: should you buy it now?
Based on this Subnautica 2 review, the recommendation depends on your patience. If you loved the original Subnautica and want to experience the new ocean as it grows, the $29.99 Early Access price is a fair entry point — you get 15–25 hours of content now, and your save will carry through to 1.0. If you prefer complete experiences with a finished story, wait for the full release. The Subnautica 2 review consensus is that the core gameplay loop is excellent, the co-op is a genuine highlight, and the foundation is strong enough that the game will only improve with updates. The current Subnautica 2 review score across Steam sits at Very Positive (88% of 12,000 reviews positive as of June 2026).
FAQ
- Is Subnautica 2 worth buying in Early Access?
- Based on current Subnautica 2 review scores and content depth, yes if you want to support development and experience the game as it evolves. The 15–25 hours of current content justify the $29.99 price. Wait for 1.0 if you need a finished story.
- Does Subnautica 2 run well on Steam Deck?
- Subnautica 2 review testing shows the game runs at 30–45 fps on Steam Deck at medium-low settings. It is marked as Playable on Steam Deck but not Verified due to small UI text in co-op chat.