Yes. Subnautica 2 supports crossplay between PC (Steam and Epic Games Store) and Xbox Series X|S from day one of its Early Access launch on May 14, 2026. PlayStation and Nintendo Switch are not supported at Early Access launch.
Cross-progression details have not yet been confirmed by the developer.
Let’s get into more details about enabling cross-platform play on Subnautica 2.
Quick Overview
| Platform Pairing | Crossplay |
|---|---|
| PC (Steam) and Xbox Series X|S | Supported |
| PC (Epic Games Store) and Xbox Series X|S | Supported |
| Steam and Epic Games Store | Supported |
| PlayStation 5 and Any | Not Available at Launch |
| Nintendo Switch / Switch 2 and Any | Not Available at Launch |
| Cross-Progression | Not Yet Confirmed |
Is Subnautica 2 Crossplay Between PC and Xbox?
Yes. At the Early Access launch, Subnautica 2 supports crossplay between PC via Steam and Epic and Xbox Series X|S consoles. The Steam page lists cross-platform multiplayer as a key feature, confirming it works across these platforms from Early Access day one.
The crossplay is powered by Epic Online Services. The game uses peer-to-peer connections between players, but relies on Epic Online Services for connecting players together, which is what makes the cross-platform functionality possible.
This is the same backend used by many other games with crossplay, including Fortnite.
Is Subnautica 2 Crossplay Between PC and PlayStation?
Not at Early Access launch. The game will be available on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, as well as on Xbox Series X|S through Xbox Game Preview and Xbox Game Pass. PlayStation is not part of the Early Access launch lineup.
It is possible that crossplay could grow to include remaining platforms once they are added, although the developer has not directly addressed this yet.
PlayStation support, if it comes, would likely arrive after the full 1.0 release, which Unknown Worlds expects will take around two to three years of Early Access development.
Is Subnautica 2 on Game Pass?
Yes. At launch, the game is available on Xbox Series X|S through Xbox Game Preview and Xbox Game Pass.
If you are an Xbox Game Pass subscriber, you can access Subnautica 2 Early Access from day one at no additional cost.
How Multiplayer Works in Subnautica 2?
Multiplayer is a first for the Subnautica series, and Unknown Worlds has been deliberate about how it integrates with the solo experience. Here is how it actually works:
Player Count:
Subnautica 2 is crafted as a single-player experience that you can optionally play in online co-operative multiplayer with up to three friends, for a total of four players in a session.
Drop-in, drop-out:
The game uses a drop-in, drop-out system, allowing you to convert your single-player save to a multiplayer one at a moment’s notice. You also have the option to create a separate multiplayer save from your solo play, keeping all your adventures contained to a different world.
How to play the crossplay mode with friends in Subnautica 2?
You need to add friends through the built-in friends list system first, and then proceed with inviting them to your session.
You can also invite friends via your chosen platform’s friends list, or use Subnautica 2’s own friends list, which allows you to invite cross-platform players.
Single-player first philosophy:
Unknown Worlds has been upfront that the multiplayer is designed to feel optional rather than essential. Unknown Worlds has made it clear that Subnautica 2 has been designed as a single-player experience first and foremost.
While you can play with other people, there are some elements of the gameplay that work best when playing alone. The atmosphere, discovery, and sense of isolation that defined the original game are still the core of the sequel.
No local co-op:
Subnautica 2 will not support local split-screen play. Co-op is online only.
No voice chat at launch:
The developers are still exploring the possibility of a voice chat feature, so it is not yet confirmed whether Subnautica 2 will support co-op with proximity voice chat. Players can use voice chat via Discord and other platform-based options at launch.
Early Access caveats:
Since the game is launching into Early Access, some multiplayer roughness is expected. The team has committed to quick patches as they gather community feedback, following the same open development model used for the original Subnautica.
Is Cross-Progression Available?
Unknown Worlds has not officially confirmed cross-progression details as of the Early Access launch.
Given that the game is launching on PC and Xbox only, and both platforms can be linked through Xbox and Epic accounts, limited cross-progression between those platforms may be possible, but nothing has been formally announced. This section will be updated as the developer clarifies the feature.
About Subnautica 2
Subnautica 2 is an upcoming action-adventure survival game developed by Unknown Worlds Entertainment. It is a sequel to 2018’s Subnautica and the third game in the series after 2021’s Subnautica: Below Zero. The game is set to release in Early Access on May 14, 2026.
Subnautica 2 enters Early Access after originally being targeted for a 2025 launch window. Unknown Worlds expects the Early Access period to run for around two to three years, following a similar open development model to the original Subnautica, with the team building out the game iteratively alongside community feedback.
The road to launch was anything but smooth. In July 2025, Krafton announced it had replaced Unknown Worlds’ CEO Ted Gill as well as studio co-founders Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire. Cleveland, McGuire, and Gill filed a lawsuit against Krafton related to their firings that same month.
It had also come to light that the firings and delayed release had come months before Krafton was due to pay the development team a bonus worth up to $250 million USD based on revenue targets that a release into Early Access would have helped achieve. A court later ruled in the founders’ favor, finding that Krafton had breached the agreement by terminating the key employees without valid cause and by improperly seizing operational control of Unknown Worlds, and Ted Gill was reinstated as CEO.
Despite all of that, Subnautica 2 arrives with enormous player interest. The game is currently Steam’s most-wishlisted title and will launch at a price of $29.99. Notably, the studio has confirmed there will be no microtransactions, battle passes, or season passes.
Is Subnautica 2 coming to PlayStation?
There is no confirmed PlayStation release date. The developers plan to bring the game to other platforms at the right time, but PlayStation support has not been announced for Early Access. The most likely scenario is a PlayStation release closer to the full 1.0 launch, which is expected around 2028 to 2029 based on the two-to-three-year Early Access window.
Is Subnautica 2 coming to Nintendo Switch or Switch 2?
Not confirmed. The previous games in the series were available on Nintendo Switch, but it is not yet clear whether Subnautica 2 will appear on Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2.
Do I need Xbox Live Gold to play co-op on Xbox?
Xbox users need an Xbox Live Gold or Xbox Game Pass Core subscription for online co-op.
Can I play Subnautica 2 solo even with crossplay enabled?
Yes. Crossplay only applies to multiplayer sessions. Solo worlds are completely separate, and solo worlds do not mix with co-op unless you choose to convert them, preserving the solo experience entirely.
How much does Subnautica 2 cost?
Subnautica 2 will be available in Early Access at an initial price of $29.99. Xbox Game Pass subscribers can access it from day one at no additional cost.
