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The original Subnautica has no built-in multiplayer mode. To play it with friends, install Nitrox, a community-developed multiplayer mod: one player hosts a server, and the others join using that server’s IP address. The steps below cover the original game—not Below Zero—and are based on Nitrox’s documented setup.
If you are the one hosting, our Subnautica Nitrox server setup guide goes further, covering UDP port 11000, server.cfg settings, admin commands and backups.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Subnautica (PS4) | $23.46 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Subnautica + Subnautica Below Zero Double Pack (Nintendo Switch) | $48.46 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![Subnautica Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51W8KjDXA1S._SL160_.jpg)
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Subnautica Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code] | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Subnautica: Below Zero - PlayStation 4 | $22.60 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Subnautica - PlayStation 4 | $27.43 | Buy on Amazon |
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How do I play Subnautica multiplayer?
Use Nitrox for the original Subnautica. It is a community mod, not an official multiplayer menu, and its developers describe it as an open-source project. The project lists features including player movement, item pickup and drop, world syncing, building, power, vehicles, chat, and a remote-player HUD. However, Nitrox remains in development, so do not assume every part of a playthrough will synchronize seamlessly. Check the Nitrox releases page for the current version and compatibility notes before installing: game updates can affect whether the mod works. Nitrox release 1.8.1.0 says it supports the latest Subnautica release on Steam, Epic Games, and Microsoft Store.
How to set up Nitrox and host a game
- Download and extract Nitrox. Get it from the project’s official release page, then unzip it to a suitable location. Do not try to run the launcher from inside the zipped archive. Follow the official installation guide if you need help locating or extracting the files.
- Point the launcher to your game installation. Run
NitroxLauncheras administrator. Open Options and select the installed Subnautica folder. The official guide includes example folder locations for Steam and Epic Games installations. - Start the server. In the launcher, open Server and choose Start Server. The server window shows the host’s local IP and the address friends will need to connect. See Nitrox’s server guide for the current hosting instructions.
- Make the server reachable. Nitrox uses UDP port 11000. The project says the port must be open, which may mean configuring port forwarding on your router; it also mentions a VPN service as an alternative. If players cannot connect, check that your firewall allows both
Subnautica.exeandNitroxServer-Subnautica.exe. Router and firewall settings differ, so consult the official guide rather than exposing network access without understanding the change.
How friends join your Nitrox server
Give your friends the server IP shown in the host’s server window. In the Nitrox Launcher, they should open Multiplayer, add a server name and IP, and connect. They then enter a username and choose a player color before joining. The official join guide documents the connection flow.
#1 Best Overall
- Descend into the depths of an alien underwater world filled with wonder and peril
- Craft equipment, pilot submarines and out-smart wildlife
- Explore lush coral reefs, volcanoes, cave systems, and more
- Underwater survival and exploration
Does Nitrox work with Below Zero?
No. Nitrox’s support documentation says it currently works with the base game, Subnautica, and not Subnautica: Below Zero. The Nitrox FAQ is the place to check for any future change in compatibility.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What about Subnautica 2 co-op?
Subnautica 2 is a separate game, not a multiplayer mode for the original. Its official page describes solo play or co-op for up to four players. Choose it if you want that separate title’s built-in co-op; choose original Subnautica with Nitrox if you specifically want to play the original game and are comfortable setting up a modded server. See the official Subnautica 2 page for the separate game’s feature description.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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
Rank #4
- 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
Rank #3
- 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
Rank #2
- 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.
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