Although there is no official VR mode for Subnautica 2, you can already dive in with a VR headset. We show you how it works.
Subnautica 2 has had an extremely successful Early Access launch. Unlike the first game, however, it does not yet offer native VR support. That has not stopped the community from experiencing the game in virtual reality anyway. The key is UEVR, an open-source framework that makes nearly all games built with Unreal Engine 4 or 5 playable in VR. There is one catch, though.
How to launch Subnautica 2 in VR
To play Subnautica 2 in VR, you first need the PC version of the game. Then download the latest version of the UEVR mod and extract it to a folder of your choice.
- Note: You can find the necessary links to downloads, profiles, and further guides at the end of the article.
Next, launch the mod’s tool (uevrinjector.exe) and then start the game itself. In the mod interface, select Subnautica 2 from the process list and choose a VR runtime such as OpenVR or OpenXR. After that, configure the settings and inject the mod into the running game.
Important settings for a stable start
The autosave system is currently one of the biggest issues. If it is enabled, it can cause crashes. That is why you should disable this feature in the game. Saving will then only work outside VR mode in regular flat-screen play.
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Performance is another critical point. Even on powerful systems, the game does not always run smoothly in VR. Lower the graphics settings and, if necessary, use additional performance-boosting options.
Subnautica 2 in VR: Why you should wait for now
Before you excitedly jump straight into your VR headset, here is a warning: The experience is not very good yet — emphasis on “yet.”
Here are the issues you should currently expect:
- Subnautica 2 currently runs very unstable with the UEVR mod. Crashes, fluctuating frame rates, and visual glitches are common.
- The menus are not designed for VR and are cumbersome to use.
- The controls are also still awkward. Instead of modern 6DoF motion controls with both controllers, the current setup only uses a basic version with head-based controls. That means you partly move through your line of sight rather than through real hand interactions. For a game built heavily around exploration, that feels unusual and can noticeably reduce immersion.
- On top of that, many updates are expected during the Early Access phase, and they could temporarily break the mod.
The good news: The UEVR modding community is already working hard on optimizations. Dedicated profiles should soon improve the HUD, controls, and other issues. In other words, the community is worth keeping an eye on.
My take on Subnautica 2 in VR
You are better off waiting for now. If you are curious and enjoy experimenting, you can already give it a try. Just do not expect a smooth VR experience. Anyone who wants to enjoy the full game without compromises should hold off a little longer.
Links to downloads and further reading
- Here is our topic hub for Subnautica 2, where you can find many more exciting articles and helpful guides.
- You can download UEVR for free here
- The UEVR documentation includes troubleshooting help
- And you can find the necessary community UEVR profiles here.
