What to know
- Subnautica 2 supports cross-platform multiplayer between PC and Xbox Series X|S.
- A PS5 version has not been confirmed for the Early Access launch.
- Multiplayer supports up to four players in online co-op.
- Crossplay uses an in-game friend code system instead of platform invites.
Subnautica 2 introduces multiplayer for the first time in the series, and many players want to know whether PS5 and Xbox users can play together.
Right now, the answer is no — at least not yet.
The game launched into Early Access and Xbox Game Preview on May 14, 2026, for Windows PC and Xbox Series X|S only. PlayStation 5 is not part of the current release lineup, which means PS5 players cannot join Xbox players because there is no PS5 version available.
Unknown Worlds has confirmed that Subnautica 2 includes full crossplay support between supported platforms. That currently means:
- Steam PC
- Epic Games Store PC
- Xbox Series X|S
- Xbox PC/Game Pass
Players across those platforms can join the same multiplayer sessions through the game’s built-in friend system.
How crossplay works in Subnautica 2
Instead of relying on Xbox Live or Steam-only invites, the game uses its own friend code system. You add friends directly inside the game and then invite them into co-op sessions.
The process is simple:
- Open the multiplayer menu.
- Share your in-game friend code.
- Add friends across platforms.
- Host or join a co-op world.
The system works regardless of whether players are on Xbox or PC.
Does Subnautica 2 support 4-player co-op?
Yes. Subnautica 2 supports online co-op for up to four players. You can either:
- Play solo from start to finish
- Host a multiplayer world
- Join another player’s world online
Unknown Worlds describes multiplayer as optional, meaning the game is still designed around the traditional single-player survival experience the series is known for.
Why is there no PS5 version yet?
The biggest reason appears to be the Early Access structure.
PlayStation does not currently have an equivalent system to Steam Early Access or Xbox Game Preview for unfinished games. Because of that, Unknown Worlds launched the game first on PC and Xbox platforms.
That does not necessarily mean the game will skip PS5 permanently. The original Subnautica and Subnautica: Below Zero both eventually launched on PlayStation consoles after their earlier PC-focused releases.
Several reports suggest a PS5 version is likely once the game approaches its full 1.0 release, though the developers have not announced a timeline yet.
Can PS5 and Xbox crossplay happen later?
Potentially, yes.
Since the game already supports cross-platform multiplayer infrastructure between Xbox and PC, adding PS5 crossplay later would be technically possible if a PlayStation version launches.
Until the studio shares more details, PS5 players will need to wait for an official platform announcement.
Subnautica 2 already supports cross-platform multiplayer between Xbox and PC players, making it one of the biggest additions in the series so far. But PS5 players are still on the sidelines because the game has not launched on PlayStation yet.
If you plan to play co-op at launch, you currently need either a PC or Xbox Series X|S. For PS5 users, the best option is to watch for future announcements as the game moves through Early Access development.
