Strike in the community: Fake links to playtest Subnautica 2 are circulating on Steam

The Subnautica 2 community was caught off guard by an unexpected threat: fraudulent links promising early access to the highly anticipated game are being sent to players on Steam. The developer Unknown Worlds quickly warned fans about the scam and emphasized that they will never contact anyone via direct message on the platform to offer game tests.

Phishing alert: how does the scam work?

The fraud was initially reported by GamesRadar, after an official warning on the Unknown Worlds profile on X. The message reiterated that fake links were circulating, directing players to supposed tests of Subnautica 2. In the game's official Discord, community manager Donya Abramo clarified that any legitimate invitation to company tests or surveys will be sent only through the official Unknown Worlds email.

“Any contact related to studies or playtests will be made exclusively via email from an official Unknown Worlds address,” stated Abramo.

Although the developer recently opened a form for a "User Research Participant Pool", a group of users who provide feedback on the game, the link for legitimate registration is available only on the official Discord server. If you come across this invitation elsewhere, be cautious.

If you clicked, what to do?

For those who have already accessed the malicious links, the developer's recommendation is clear: immediately change your password and enable two-factor authentication to protect your account.

Scams like this are becoming more common

Subnautica 2 is not the only game used in recent scams. In January 2025, TechRadar Gaming reported a similar scheme involving fake invitations to a supposed playtest of Mafia: The Old Country. An attentive user on Reddit captured an image of the scam, which imitated an official Steam link, including the game's logo and a format that seemed authentic at first glance.

Tips to avoid scams on Steam and other platforms

Cases like this show that the excitement to test a game early can be used against players. To avoid falling for this type of scam, follow some basic security tips:

• Never click on links sent via direct messages on Steam or other platforms, unless you are certain of the source.
• Always check official channels (Discord, developer's website, verified profiles on X, institutional emails).
• Enable two-factor authentication on your account to add an extra layer of protection.
• Be wary of offers that seem too good to be true—especially if they involve early access to popular games.
   

Subnautica 2: What do we know so far?

The interest in Subnautica 2 is no surprise. The game promises to expand on the original experience with a cooperative mode, allowing players to explore the mysteries of the alien ocean together. The first official teaser, released at the end of 2024, further increased the hype.

Although an official release date has not been announced yet, Subnautica 2 is set to enter Early Access in 2025.

Stay tuned to the official channels of Unknown Worlds and avoid falling for scams while waiting to dive into this new underwater adventure!