Short answer
Your PC should at least meet the Steam minimum requirements before you buy or install Subnautica 2. If your CPU, GPU, RAM, DirectX support, or storage falls below the listed minimum, wait, upgrade, or use another supported platform instead of relying on launch workarounds.
If your PC is near the minimum, start with low settings and expect Early Access performance to change over time. If your PC is closer to the recommended requirements, you have a better starting point, but it is still worth treating major patches as performance recheck points.
Current PC requirements
| Part | Minimum listed on Steam | Recommended listed on Steam |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10/11 | Windows 11 |
| CPU | Intel Core i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 5 2600 | Intel Core i7-13700 or AMD Ryzen 7 7700X |
| Memory | 12 GB RAM | 16 GB RAM |
| GPU | GeForce GTX 1660 6GB or RX 5500 XT 6GB | GeForce RTX 3070 8GB or RX 6700 XT 8GB |
| DirectX | Version 12 | Version 12 |
| Network | Broadband internet connection | Broadband internet connection |
| Storage | 50 GB available space | 50 GB available space |
The minimum row is the first gate. The recommended row is the safer target if you want fewer compromises while the game is still changing in Early Access.
What to check first
- Check your GPU model and video memory. A card far below GTX 1660 6GB or RX 5500 XT 6GB is outside the listed minimum.
- Check your CPU against the i5-8400 / Ryzen 5 2600 baseline.
- Make sure you have at least 12 GB RAM before treating launch problems as a game bug.
- Leave at least 50 GB available storage for the install.
- Confirm DirectX 12 support and update your GPU driver.
- On Windows 10, update to version 22H2 / build 19045 or newer before troubleshooting a DX12 launch error.
If you get a DirectX 12 or GPU error
First confirm the hardware row above. Then follow the launch checklist:
- update Windows and your GPU driver;
- make sure Subnautica 2 is using the dedicated GPU, not integrated graphics;
- verify the Steam install files if you are using Steam;
- collect your Windows build, PC specs, screenshots, and crash logs before contacting support.
Use the startup crash and DirectX 12 guide if the game still will not open after those checks.
Should you buy on a near-minimum PC?
Buy only if you are comfortable lowering settings and revisiting performance after patches. Early Access can improve, regress, or change hardware behavior as optimization work continues.
Wait if your PC is below the minimum requirements, if you cannot update Windows or GPU drivers, or if you want a more stable experience before upgrading hardware.
Version note
Checked on June 23, 2026 against the Steam store requirements and official Subnautica 2 Help Center launch guidance. Recheck after major Early Access updates, optimization patches, storefront requirement edits, or driver-specific fixes.