You can download Subnautica for Windows or macOS through its official listings on Steam or the Epic Games Store. Check the listing’s requirements against your exact computer before buying: the published minimums are not a guarantee that every PC or Mac will run the game well.
Official ways to download Subnautica
Steam and the Epic Games Store both list Subnautica as a digital purchase for Windows and macOS. The live store page is the place to confirm current platform availability and the price or any offer in your region; those details can change. Unknown Worlds also lists the game on Steam, Epic, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation on its official games page.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Subnautica + Subnautica Below Zero Double Pack (Nintendo Switch) | $45.60 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
![Subnautica Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51W8KjDXA1S._SL160_.jpg)
|
Subnautica Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code] | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![Subnautica: Below Zero - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51yHvxpS-nS._SL160_.jpg)
|
Subnautica: Below Zero - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code] | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
No Man's Sky - Nintendo Switch | $31.85 | Buy on Amazon |
The game is an underwater adventure on an alien ocean planet. Its store descriptions feature exploration, gathering resources, building bases and storage, using vehicles, and managing oxygen.
How to download and install it
- Open the Steam listing or the Epic Games Store listing and confirm that it supports your computer’s operating system.
- Compare your computer with the requirements shown on that store page, including available storage.
- Complete the purchase through the selected storefront. Prices and offers may vary by region and over time.
- Install that storefront’s desktop client if you do not already have it, then find Subnautica in your library and choose its Install or Download option.
A purchase on one storefront should not be assumed to transfer to the other. Avoid unofficial download mirrors; the official listings are the appropriate digital download routes.
#1 Best Overall
- Survival is key: gather valuable materials, craft tools, manage your hunger and thirst, all while evading the dangerous wildlife that sees you as its next meal
- the mysteries submerged on planet 4546b: you came here in search of answers. You risked everything to get here and you will not leave until you have uncovered the truth…
- exploration: Delve into unique Aquatic and terrain biomes that will unlock not only materials, but the answers that you seek
- build your habitat: crafting and building the comforts of home here. These bases will be integral for your survival from not only the wildlife, but also the harsh environment around you
Will Subnautica run on your PC or Mac?
The following figures are the requirements published on Steam’s Subnautica listing, accessed October 8, 2026. They are storefront specifications, not results from testing a particular computer. Check the current listing before purchase in case requirements or compatibility information have changed.
Steam requirements at a glance
| Platform or level | Published requirements |
|---|---|
| Windows minimum | 64-bit operating system; Windows Vista SP2 or newer for the game; 4 GB RAM; Intel HD 4600 or equivalent graphics; DirectX 11; 20 GB available storage. Steam separately notes that its client supports Windows 10 and later as of January 1, 2024. |
| macOS minimum | OS X 10.9 Mavericks; Intel Haswell 2-core/4-thread 2.5 GHz processor or equivalent; 4 GB RAM; Intel HD 4600 or equivalent graphics; 20 GB available storage. |
| Recommended | 8 GB RAM; Intel Haswell 4-core/4-thread processor at 3.2 GHz or equivalent; Nvidia GTX 550 Ti or equivalent graphics with 2 GB VRAM; 20 GB available storage. |
There is an important distinction on Windows: the game listing’s minimum operating system is older, but Steam says its client supports Windows 10 and later. Since installing through Steam requires using its client, check the current Steam client requirements as well as the game requirements.
Rank #2
- Dive into a vast underwater world - sub Nautica's ocean range from shallow coral reefs to treacherous deep-sea trenches, lava fields, and bio-luminescent underwater rivers
- Scavenge, craft, and survive - after crash landing in your life pod, the clock is ticking to find water, food, and to develop equipment needed to explore as you collect resources from the ocean
- Construct underwater habitats - build Bases on the sea Floor, choosing layouts and components, and managing hull-integrity as depth and pressure Increase
- Unravel the mystery - signs abound that something is not right and you must Figure out what happened to this planet and what caused you to crash - can you find a way to make it Off the planet alive
- Disrupt the food Chain - lure and distract a threatening creature with a fresh fish, or simply swim as fast as you can to avoid gnashing jaws of roaming predators
Mac compatibility needs extra care
Steam’s listed macOS minimum describes older Intel-era hardware and OS X 10.9 Mavericks. It does not establish performance or compatibility for every newer macOS release or for Apple Silicon Macs. Check the live listing and your Mac’s exact configuration rather than treating the minimum as a guarantee.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Flashing-light warning
Steam warns that Subnautica contains flashing lights that may make it unsuitable for people with photosensitive epilepsy or other photosensitive conditions.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Embark on an epic voyage, find your own destiny in this epic space adventure
- Includes 6 years of updates
- An entire universe to explore on the go in the palm of your hands
- For the first time ever, PlayStation 5 physical edition as well as Nintendo Switch (physical & digital)
Rank #3
- From the award-winning studio, Unknown Worlds Entertainment, presents the return to the world of 4546B with Subnautica Below Zero
- Survival Is Key: Gather valuable materials, craft tools, manage your hunger and thirst, all while evading the dangerous wildlife that sees you as its next meal
- The Mysteries Submerged on Planet 4546B: You came here in search of answers. You risked everything to get here and you will not leave until you have uncovered the truth
- Exploration: Delve into unique aquatic and terrain biomes that will unlock not only materials, but the answers that you seek
- Build Your Habitat: Crafting and building the comforts of home here. These bases will be integral for your survival from not only the wildlife, but also the harsh environment around you
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
