Quick answer
The official Steam page lists Windows 10/11, a 64-bit system, 12 GB RAM, GTX 1660 6GB or RX 5500 XT 6GB, DirectX 12, broadband internet, and 50 GB storage as the minimum baseline. Recommended specs move up to Windows 11, 16 GB RAM, an RTX 3070 8GB or RX 6700 XT 8GB, and stronger CPUs. Hotfix 3 also matters for PC players because it fixes DLSS crashes, saved DLSS settings, Frame Generation availability in some versions, and upgrades DLSS to 4.5.
What the specs really mean
Minimum means entry, not comfort
Minimum specs are a door into the game. They are not a promise that every biome, co-op session, or future update will feel smooth.
Storage needs breathing room
Steam lists 50 GB available space. Keep extra room for patches, shader caches, screenshots, and save backups.
Early Access can shift performance
Unknown Worlds says the game will keep expanding with biomes, creatures, tools, vehicles, and optimization work. Recheck specs after major updates.
DLSS advice changed after Hotfix 3
Do not rely on launch-week DLSS warnings without checking the patched build. Hotfix 3 specifically names DLSS crashes, saved settings, Frame Generation, and DLSS 4.5.
Visual notes and source media
Original route art
Abyss Guides uses original chibi deep-sea art for page visuals instead of copying wiki screenshots or fan uploads.
Source: Abyss Guides original artwork
Official Subnautica 2 gameplay trailer
Use the trailer for mood, vehicles, and biome context. Do not treat trailer scenes as exact farming coordinates.
Source: Official Subnautica YouTube embedHow to read the PC requirements
Start with Steam, not copied tables
The Steam page is the source to check first because it is the platform page players actually install from.
Treat recommended specs as the smoother target
If you want fewer compromises, aim closer to 16 GB RAM and the recommended GPU tier instead of trying to live exactly on minimum.
Plan for online co-op overhead
Online co-op adds network and session variables. If your PC is barely above minimum, lower settings before blaming the connection.
Check DLSS after the latest hotfix
Hotfix 3 upgrades DLSS to 4.5 and fixes several DLSS and Frame Generation problems. A settings guide written before June 1, 2026 may be stale.
Recheck after major roadmap updates
New biomes, creatures, vehicles, and visual work can change the practical feel of performance even if the official table stays similar.
PC readiness card
Minimum RAM
12 GB
Enough to enter, not always enough for comfort.
Storage
50 GB
Leave room for patches and saves.
Best target
Recommended
A better fit for co-op and recording.
Hotfix 3
DLSS 4.5
Retest graphics settings after the patch.
Official PC spec summary
| Part | What to check |
|---|---|
| OS | Minimum: Windows 10/11. Recommended: Windows 11. |
| CPU | Minimum: Intel Core i5-8400 / Ryzen 5 2600. Recommended: i7-13700 / Ryzen 7 7700X. |
| Memory | Minimum: 12 GB RAM. Recommended: 16 GB RAM. |
| Graphics | Minimum: GTX 1660 6GB / RX 5500 XT 6GB. Recommended: RTX 3070 8GB / RX 6700 XT 8GB. |
| Storage | 50 GB available space, with extra free space strongly preferred. |
| DLSS / Frame Generation | Hotfix 3 fixed DLSS crashes, saved settings, and some Frame Generation availability problems. |
Do not promise Steam Deck or laptop performance from PC specs alone
A desktop spec table does not automatically answer every handheld or thin laptop case. Treat portable devices, shared memory, heat limits, and driver issues as separate checks.
FAQ
How much RAM does Subnautica 2 need?
Steam lists 12 GB RAM minimum and 16 GB RAM recommended.
How much storage does Subnautica 2 need?
Steam lists 50 GB available space. Keeping more free space is safer for updates and saves.
Can I play below minimum specs?
Maybe, but this page would not recommend buying based on below-minimum hardware. Wait for more performance reports or play on a stronger device.
Will specs change during Early Access?
They can. Early Access updates can add content and optimization changes, so recheck after major patches.
Did Hotfix 3 change PC graphics advice?
Yes. It fixes DLSS crashes, DLSS settings not saving correctly, Frame Generation availability in some versions, and upgrades DLSS to 4.5.