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Crossplay
March 2, 2026 at 08:40 PM
New article covering crossplay implementation, platform support, friends system, and Game Pass integration
Crossplay in Subnautica 2 allows players on different platforms to join the same co-op session. The game uses Epic Online Services (EOS) for cross-platform matchmaking and connectivity, enabling seamless play between PC, Xbox, and handheld devices. Design Lead Anthony Gallegos described the approach as making the game "available anywhere, with anybody."
Platform | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
PC (Steam) | Confirmed at launch | Full crossplay with all other confirmed platforms. |
PC (Epic Games Store) | Confirmed at launch | Full crossplay via native EOS integration. |
PC (Microsoft Store) | Confirmed at launch | Full crossplay including with Xbox Game Pass PC subscribers. |
Xbox Series X|S | Confirmed at launch | Announced at the Xbox Partner Showcase in October 2024. Available as Game Preview (Microsoft's Early Access equivalent). |
Xbox Game Pass | Confirmed at launch | Day-one availability at no additional cost to subscribers. Crossplay-enabled with all platforms. |
Steam Deck | Confirmed compatible | Full crossplay support. Discussed specifically in Dev Vlog 5. |
ROG Ally | Confirmed compatible | Full crossplay support across the ROG Ally device range. |
PlayStation 5 | Planned for later | Not confirmed for Early Access launch. The developers stated PS5 will come "when the time is right." Crossplay planned for when PS5 version launches. |
Nintendo Switch | Not confirmed | Developers indicated it will arrive "when the time is right." Subnautica and Below Zero received Switch 2 editions in February 2026, but Subnautica 2 has not been announced for Switch. |
Subnautica 2 uses Epic Online Services as a platform-agnostic connectivity layer rather than relying on platform-specific matchmaking systems (Steam's matchmaking, Xbox Live, etc.). This architectural choice enables true cross-platform play without requiring players to use a specific storefront or service.
The game's multiplayer uses peer-to-peer networking: one player hosts the session while others connect directly. EOS handles the connection brokering across platforms. Up to four players can join a single co-op session regardless of which platform each is using.
Players have two ways to invite friends:
Method | How It Works |
|---|---|
Platform friends list | Use your native platform's friends system (Steam friends, Xbox Live, Epic friends) to send invitations. Works within the same platform ecosystem. |
In-game friends list | Subnautica 2's own cross-platform friends menu allows adding and inviting friends regardless of which platform they use. This is the primary method for cross-platform play. |
All multiplayer is invitation-based. There is no automatic matchmaking with strangers. Players invite specific friends to join their world, and those friends can join and leave freely using the drop-in/drop-out system.
Subnautica 2 is available on Xbox Game Pass on day one of Early Access, announced alongside the game's reveal at the October 2024 Xbox Partner Showcase. This means Game Pass subscribers on Xbox and PC can play during Early Access at no additional cost beyond their subscription. Game Pass players have full crossplay access with Steam, Epic, and other platform players.
The Game Pass integration significantly expands the crossplay player pool, as subscribers on both Xbox consoles and PC Game Pass (which uses the Microsoft Store) can join sessions with players on any other supported platform.
Dev Vlog 5 specifically mentioned crossplay compatibility with handheld devices alongside the main PC and Xbox platforms. Both the Steam Deck and ROG Ally series are confirmed to work with full crossplay functionality, allowing portable players to join sessions with desktop and console players. This means a player on a Steam Deck can explore Planet Zezura with friends on Xbox Series X, Steam desktop, and Epic Games Store simultaneously.
All multiplayer in Subnautica 2, including crossplay, is entirely optional. The full game can be completed solo. Gallegos emphasized: "We never wanted to encroach on someone's game that just is like, 'I want to play solo.' We never wanted to have the moment where you had to pull the switches in tandem." No content is locked behind multiplayer, and no puzzles require multiple players.
Whether cross-progression (carrying save data between platforms) is supported
Exact PS5 launch timeline and whether it coincides with the full 1.0 release
Whether crossplay can be disabled for platform-specific sessions
Voice chat integration across platforms (currently relies on Discord or platform-native solutions)
