Subnautica 2 Wiki: Ocean Survival
The long-awaited sequel to the acclaimed underwater survival game brings official multiplayer co-op for the first time. Up to 4 players can explore alien oceans together. This wiki covers everything you need to keep a co-op world online and hosted.
๐ Release Status
- Release: Out now in Early Access (launched May 14, 2026); expected to stay in Early Access for ~2-3 years
- Players: Up to 4 co-op (drop-in, host-based)
- Platforms: PC (Steam, Epic, Windows Store) and Xbox Series X|S, plus Game Pass on PC and Xbox. No PlayStation 5 or Switch version.
- Crossplay: Yes, between PC and Xbox (on by default)
- Developer: Unknown Worlds Entertainment
Server Guides
๐ Multiplayer Setup
How host-based co-op works and how to keep a world online for your crew.
Read Guide โ
๐ Co-op Synergy
Master 4-player roles, shared blueprints, and team mechanics.
Read Guide โ
๐ Early Access Guide
How to get the game on Steam, Epic, the Windows Store, and Game Pass.
Read Guide โ
๐ป Hosting Requirements
Hardware and bandwidth guidance for smooth always-online co-op.
Read Guide โ
๐ฎ Crossplay Guide
How to play with friends across PC and Xbox (no PlayStation version).
Read Guide โ
โ๏ธ Server Configuration
Customize world settings, difficulty, and server options.
Read Guide โ
๐พ Save Management
Back up, restore, and migrate your co-op world data safely.
Read Guide โ
โ๏ธ Save Sync & Hand-off
Upload-to-Cloud and Import-Save: how to move the host role between players.
Read Guide โ
๐ ๏ธ Troubleshooting
Fix connection, crossplay, and save issues for hosted co-op sessions.
Read Guide โ
Why Always-Online Hosting?
Subnautica 2 co-op is host-based: the world lives in the host's save, and it is only online while that player is in the session. There is no official dedicated-server tool. Running the world on a managed always-online host removes that dependency, so your crew can play without waiting for one specific person to be online.
๐ 24/7 Availability
Your ocean world stays online even when the original host is offline. Friends can join anytime.
๐ Cross-Timezone Play
Perfect for groups spread across different time zones.
โก Stable Sessions
An always-online host avoids the disconnects of one player hosting from a home machine.
๐ง Easy Management
Backups, restores, and config from one panel instead of juggling save files by hand.
Expected Server Requirements
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 4 cores | 6+ cores |
| RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| Storage | 20 GB SSD | 50 GB NVMe |
| Network | 10 Mbps | 100 Mbps |
Note: Requirements are estimated and may change with Early Access release.
Multiplayer Features
- 4-Player Co-op: Drop-in, host-based exploration of the alien ocean together
- Crossplay: PC and Xbox players in the same world (on by default; no PlayStation version)
- Shared World Save: The world lives in the host's save; everyone's progress is stored in that file
- Shared Discovery: Recipes and data entries are shared across the crew; oxygen stays individual
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an official Subnautica 2 dedicated server?
No. There is no official dedicated-server tool yet (it is one of the top community requests). Co-op is host-based: the world runs inside one player's save. A managed always-online host keeps that world reachable when the original host is offline.
Is Subnautica 2 crossplay?
Yes, between PC and Xbox (including Game Pass), on by default.
Is Subnautica 2 on PlayStation 5?
No. There is no PlayStation 5 version, so PS5 players cannot join. The game ships on PC and Xbox Series X|S only.
How many players can join?
Up to 4 players in drop-in co-op.
Community Resources
First-Mover Opportunity: Subnautica has millions of fans who've been waiting years for multiplayer. Expect massive demand on day one.