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Quick Start Guide

This guide will help you get Nitrox Unlocked up and running quickly. Follow these steps to start playing Subnautica with friends.
Make sure you have already installed Nitrox Unlocked before proceeding with this guide.

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Choose Your Path

There are two ways to get started with multiplayer:

Host a Game

Start your own server and invite friends

Join a Game

Connect to an existing multiplayer server

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Hosting a Local Game

If you want to host a game for you and your friends:
1

Launch Nitrox

Open the Nitrox Launcher application you installed.
2

Configure Game Path

If this is your first time launching, you’ll need to set your Subnautica game path:
  • Click the Settings icon
  • Browse to your Subnautica installation folder
  • Click Save
Common locations:
  • Windows: C:\Program Files\Subnautica\ or C:\Games\Subnautica\
  • Linux: ~/.local/share/Steam/steamapps/common/Subnautica/
  • macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Steam/steamapps/common/Subnautica/
3

Start the Server

In the launcher’s server tab:
  • Click Create New Server or select an existing save
  • Configure basic settings:
    • Server name
    • Max players (default: 10)
    • Password (optional)
    • Game mode (Survival, Freedom, Hardcore, or Creative)
  • Click Start Server
The embedded server will start in the background.
4

Launch the Game

  • Switch to the Play tab
  • Click Play Game
  • Subnautica will launch with Nitrox multiplayer enabled
5

Connect to Your Server

In the Subnautica main menu:
  • You’ll see the multiplayer menu
  • Your local server should appear in the LAN servers list
  • Click on your server and press Join
  • Enter the password if you set one
Make sure your firewall allows connections on port 11000 (UDP) for other players to connect.

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Invite Friends

For friends to join your server, they need:
  1. Your IP address: Find it at whatismyip.com
  2. Port forwarding: Forward UDP port 11000 on your router to your PC
  3. Server password: If you set one
Friends can then:
  • Open their Nitrox-enabled Subnautica
  • Click Add Server in the multiplayer menu
  • Enter your IP address and port (default: 11000)
  • Connect with the password

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Joining an Existing Server

If someone else is hosting:
1

Get Server Details

Get the following information from the server host:
  • Server IP address
  • Port (usually 11000)
  • Password (if required)
2

Launch Nitrox

Open the Nitrox Launcher and click Play Game to start Subnautica with multiplayer.
3

Add the Server

In the Subnautica multiplayer menu:
  • Click Add Server or Direct Connect
  • Enter the server IP address and port
  • Save it to your server list (optional)
4

Connect

  • Select the server from your list
  • Click Join
  • Enter the password if prompted
  • Wait for the connection to establish

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Your First Multiplayer Session

Once connected to a server, here are some things to try:

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Basic Multiplayer Concepts

All players share the same world but have their own:
  • Inventory
  • PDA entries and blueprints (synchronized on discovery)
  • Oxygen levels and health
  • Position and actions (visible to all players)
  • Multiple players can build on the same base
  • Builders place items, and they’re synchronized to all clients
  • Be careful not to deconstruct while someone is building
  • Use the in-game chat to coordinate construction
  • Vehicles can be used by any player
  • Only one player can pilot a vehicle at a time
  • Cyclops submarine supports multiple players aboard
  • Vehicle upgrades and customization are synchronized
  • Story events trigger for all players
  • Radio messages are shared
  • PDA logs and data downloads sync to everyone
  • Major events (Aurora explosion, etc.) happen for the whole server

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Using Chat Commands

Press Enter to open the chat and communicate with other players. You can also use commands: 
/help           - Show available commands
/list           - List all connected players
/whisper <name> - Send a private message
/ping           - Check your latency
More commands are available depending on your permission level. See Client Commands for a full list.

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Common Issues

  • Make sure you’re on the same network
  • Check that the server is running
  • Try using Direct Connect with localhost or 127.0.0.1:11000
  • Verify the server is running and accessible
  • Check firewall settings on both client and server
  • Confirm port forwarding is configured correctly
  • Ensure you’re using the correct IP address and port
  • Verify your Subnautica installation is up to date
  • Make sure no other mods are installed (Nitrox may conflict)
  • Check the Nitrox logs in Nitrox Launcher/logs/
  • See the full Troubleshooting Guide

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Next Steps

Now that you’re up and running, explore these topics to get the most out of Nitrox:

Server Configuration

Customize game mode, permissions, and server settings

Hosting a Dedicated Server

Run a persistent server without the launcher

Features Overview

Learn about all multiplayer features and capabilities

Troubleshooting

Solve common problems and errors

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