Subnautica 2 supports solo play and online co-op with up to four players. Cross-platform multiplayer works across supported PC and Xbox platforms, and sessions are started from the in-game multiplayer menu.
Player Count
Up to four players: you plus up to three friends.
Supported Platforms
Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox / Microsoft Store, Game Pass Ultimate, and PC Game Pass.
Host a Co-op Session
Use this flow when you are the host:
- Update the game before launching a session.
- Open the multiplayer menu.
- Choose the host option shown in-game.
- Start or load the world you want to play in.
- Invite friends from the platform friend list, or share the in-game Friend Code if the friend does not appear.
Join a Friend
Use this flow when someone else is hosting:
- Make sure your game is on the same current version as the host.
- Open the multiplayer menu.
- Use the join friends option if the host appears in your list.
- If the host does not appear, use the Friend Code option shown in-game.
- Join while the host session is open.
Session Checklist
Before inviting friends:
- Same build — all players must be on the same current game version.
- Friend list or Friend Code — try the platform friend list first, then use the in-game Friend Code fallback.
- Host first — the host starts the session, then sends invites.
Solo vs Co-op
| Solo | Co-op | |
|---|---|---|
| Players | 1 | Up to 4 |
| Progression | Your own save | Shared session |
| Invite setup | Not needed | Host invites friends or shares a Friend Code |
Troubleshooting
| Problem | What to check |
|---|---|
| Invite does not appear | Platform network status and friend list sync. |
| Friend does not appear | Use the Friend Code option instead of waiting for the friend list to refresh. |
| Cannot join session | Check game updates, platform account connection, and whether the host session is still open. |
| Session feels broken | Restart the session before assuming save corruption. |