Subnautica 2 is out now in early access, and it’s doing great, but if you’re playing on the biggest modern console platform out there–PlayStation 5–the game is not available for you. Why is that? And is Subnautica 2 ever going to come to PlayStation 5? Here’s what we know.
PS5 doesn’t have a dedicated early-access program
Some have theorized that Subnautica 2 is not on PlayStation 5 as of yet because the game is in an early-access state and is not available with a 1.0 version. Steam has its own Early Access program, which is very popular, and Xbox has its own version called Game Preview.
Sony does support some early-access games, but not as widely as Steam or Xbox. For example, Palworld is available on PS5 in its current unfinished state, as is Path of Exile 2. It appears Sony accepts unfinished games on a case-by-case basis, but without a dedicated early-access program.
With Subnautica 2 selling 2 million copies in 12 hours, it certainly appears that Sony is missing out on a lot of money here. That being said, there could be countless other reasons why Subnautica 2 is not on PS5.
PS5 does have a Beta Program, but this is specifically for games earlier in development like Horizon Hunters Gathering, and access to tests is available only by invitation.
What Unknown Worlds has said
A developer at Subnautica 2 studio Unknown Worlds said on Discord and re-shared on Reddit that there is “no news” about a PS5 edition of the game, with the developer citing the PS5’s lack of an early-access program.
GameSpot has contacted Unknown Worlds seeking comment on potential PS5 plans for Subnautica 2.
All other Subnautica games are on PlayStation
Subnautica 2 may not be on PS5, but the previous games in the series are available on Sony’s console platforms. 2018’s Subnautica 2 landed on PS4 and later PS5, while 2021’s Subnautica: Below Zero came to those platforms as well. PlayStation 5 is not the only popular console platform that doesn’t offer Subnautica 2, as the game is also unavailable on Switch and Switch 2.
We will report back with more information on a possible PS5 edition of Subnautica 2 as more information comes to light. If you’re just getting started with Subnautica 2, be sure to consult some of GameSpot’s Subnautica 2 guides.