If you’re a fan of the original open-world underwater survival hit, you’re probably already scouring the internet for details on the long-awaited sequel, from its glowing new biomes to terrifying new leviathan species. One of the most common questions from eager players right now is what the Subnautica 2 cost will be across different platforms and edition types, especially as developer Unknown Worlds Entertainment has shared scattered details over the past year. We’ve pulled together all confirmed pricing info, plus tested tips to avoid overpaying when you pick up the game.
Confirmed Subnautica 2 Cost for Standard Editions Across Platforms
Unknown Worlds has officially set the standard edition price for next-gen consoles and PC at $59.99 USD, a standard price point for AAA releases in the current market. standard edition pricing is consistent across most next-gen platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Steam, and the Epic Games Store. The only exception is the Nintendo Switch version, which is priced at $49.99 USD to account for the hardware-specific performance adjustments made for handheld play, with no cuts to core game content.
regional pricing adjustments will apply based on your local currency and tax rules. For players in the European Union, the standard edition is listed at €69.99, while UK players can expect to pay £59.99. If you own the original Subnautica on the same platform you plan to buy the sequel for, many first-party retailers are offering a 10% pre-order discount as a loyalty reward for long-time fans. Third-party sellers like Amazon and GameStop are also throwing in exclusive in-game skin packs and physical stickers for pre-orders at no extra cost, so it’s worth shopping around before you commit to a purchase.
Special Edition Pricing and What You Get for Extra Cost
For players who want extra bonus content, there are two upgraded edition options available at higher price points. The Digital Deluxe edition costs $79.99 USD across all platforms, and includes exclusive suit and vehicle skins, a 100-page digital artbook, the full official soundtrack, and 72 hours of early access to a bonus post-launch biome. The limited-run physical Collector’s Edition is priced at $149.99 USD, and comes with all Digital Deluxe content, plus a steelbook case, a 9-inch resin figurine of the new Shadow Leviathan, and a printed physical copy of the artbook.
special editions only offer cosmetic and bonus content, no gameplay advantages, so if you’re only here for the core story and exploration gameplay, the standard edition is more than enough to get the full experience. If you’re on a tight budget and don’t want to splurge on special editions, you can earn extra cash for your game purchase by playing casual skill-based games in your free time. A lot of players we know pick up quick, low-stakes games between exploration sessions to earn small rewards that add up fast, and Jaiho Rummy is a popular pick for this because its short match times fit perfectly into gaps between Subnautica playthroughs without pulling you away from your game for too long. Keep in mind that the Collector’s Edition is a limited print run, so if you’re a diehard fan who wants the physical merchandise, you’ll want to pre-order early before stock sells out, as resellers usually mark up limited edition games by 50% or more after release.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out for When Buying Subnautica 2
The listed sticker price isn’t always the final amount you’ll pay, and there are a few common hidden costs many players forget to account for when planning their purchase. First, platform-specific subscription requirements for online play apply if you want to use the game’s co-op multiplayer mode. PlayStation 5 players need an active PS Plus subscription, and Xbox Series X/S players need an Xbox Game Pass Core subscription, both of which cost $9.99 USD per month if you don’t already have an active plan.
Unknown Worlds has also confirmed that paid story DLC will be released 6 to 8 months after the game’s launch, with an estimated price of $29.99 USD, so if you want to experience all the game’s story content as it releases, you’ll want to factor that extra cost into your budget. Some regions also add 10 to 15% sales tax on top of the listed store price, so make sure you check the final checkout price before confirming your purchase to avoid unexpected charges. If you already have an active Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, you won’t have to pay the full purchase price at all, as Subnautica 2 will be available on the service on day one for all subscribers.
There are plenty of easy ways to avoid paying more than you need to for the game:
- Buy the game during the first month of launch to get free pre-order bonus content without paying extra for the deluxe edition
- Use existing platform subscription discounts (like Xbox Game Pass Ultimate perks) to knock 15-20% off your purchase
- Wait for seasonal sales 3-4 months after launch if you don't mind waiting to play, when prices drop by 30% on average
Is Subnautica 2 Worth the Price Tag?
At the end of the day, whether the price is worth it depends on how much you enjoy underwater survival gameplay, but early playtest previews suggest the game offers plenty of value for the cost. The main story campaign is estimated to take 25 to 30 hours to complete, and side content, exploration, and co-op multiplayer add another 40+ hours of gameplay, so even casual players who only log a few hours a week will get months of entertainment out of the base game. the game includes full cross-platform play for co-op, so you can play with friends no matter what platform they own, with no extra fee for that feature.
Unlike many other modern AAA releases, Subnautica 2 has no in-game microtransactions, no battle passes, and no pay-to-win mechanics, so once you buy the base game, you’ll get all core gameplay updates for free. The original Subnautica has a 92% positive rating on Steam more than 8 years after its release, and the sequel is expected to have the same level of polish and replayability, so most players will find the price well worth the investment. If you’re still on the fence, you can wait for post-launch reviews to drop before buying, but keep in mind that pre-order discounts only apply before the game’s official release date.
At the end of the day, the exact Subnautica 2 cost you’ll pay depends on the edition you pick, the platform you play on, and any discounts you qualify for at the time of purchase. If you’re eager to jump into the new underwater world right away, pre-ordering the standard edition with a platform loyalty discount is the best way to get the lowest price. If you don’t mind waiting, holding out for a post-launch sale can save you a significant amount of money while still letting you enjoy the full core game experience.
