Subnautica 2 System Requirements and Recommended Specs

Subnautica was a surprise hit back in 2018, serving up the normal survival crafting spiel with a heavy dose of thalassophobia. A novel combination that cut through the gaming community’s crafting fatigue, and they’ve remained keen ever since.

A sequel was inevitable, and just like the original game Subnautica 2 is hitting early access. That means the system requirements are likely to change, and performance should improve as the game gets closer to full release. With those sobering disclaimers out of the way, here’s the scoop.

• OS: Windows 10 or later
• CPU: Intel Core i7-13700 / AMD Ryzen 7 7700X (8 cores)
• RAM: 16 GB
• GPU: GeForce RTX 2060 / Radeon RX 5600 XT
• DirectX: Version 12
• Storage: 20 GB Available space

• OS: Windows 10 or later
• CPU: Intel Core i5-8400 / AMD Ryzen 5 2600 (6 cores)
• RAM: 8 GB
• GPU: GeForce GTX 1660 / RX 5500 XT
• DirectX: Version 12
• Storage: 20 GB Available space

It’s worth reiterating that this game is going to launch in early access, so the minimum and recommended system requirements can change as development progresses.

As it stands right now, the Subnautica 2 System Requirements are relatively accessible. They are a significant step up from the original game’s requirements, but not unreasonably so as the previous game launched in 2018, which was over 7 years ago. (Yep, you’re old now.)

Anyway, given the supposed size of Subnautica 2 and the exploratory nature of the gameplay, a powerful CPU should probably be your first upgrade to make sure everything goes swimmingly. However, it’s not all about processing power as the lighting effects look totally crazy, which hints at a massive potential upgrade to the experience if you have a new graphics card. The RTX 50 Series would be perfect, if they become attainable any time soon.

If your GPU and CPU are already up to snuff, we’d recommend a new gaming monitor. Something as vibrant, immersive, and potentially spooky as the oceanic depths would really shine with an OLED monitor. An ultrawide curved OLED monitor, such as the XENEON 34WQHD240-C QD-OLED would make this game especially magical.

It’s a little bit hard to describe really, which should be taken as a compliment and evidence of how unique it is. Unless you count the first game.

Anyway, you won’t be surprised to learn that this game takes place underwater, which provides ample opportunity for exploration in all three dimensions. This exploration comprises gathering resources, crafting equipment, supplies, and trying to survive such an inhospitable setting.

The prospect of survival is made all the more difficult by the frankly colossal sea creatures you’ll encounter, most of which aren’t friendly and all of which bear the sort of alien appearance only seen in the crushing depths of the ocean. Seriously, some of these things make anglerfish look downright adorable.

Of course, not everything is sharp teeth and glowing appendages, there is much beauty to be found, too. Nearer the surface where light can still penetrate, you’ll be dazzled by vibrant reefs, luscious flora, and friendly fauna. All of which makes for a nice respite from the aforementioned deep-sea nastiness.

The core gameplay loop hinges on creating a base from which to conduct your exploration. This starts out pretty primitive but can be upgraded over time to become a more liveable environment. From here you can craft the really cool stuff like robust submersibles for safer dives, more powerful tools to aid in resource collection, and a few weapons to repel predatory fish.