How to Access the Subnautica 2 Experimental Branch on PC and Xbox

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By Gaming News
13 August 2026 no comments

Find out how to join the Subnautica 2 Experimental Branch on Steam and Xbox to test upcoming updates, mechanics, and new features early.

Subnautica 2 Experimental Branch Access  
Key Takeaways
  • The Subnautica 2 Experimental Branch is now available for Steam and Xbox players to test upcoming features and mechanics early.
  • Save files are version-specific and do not carry over between the Experimental Branch and the main Early Access build.
  • Steam users can only install one version at a time, while Xbox players can keep both builds on their console simultaneously.
 

Subnautica 2 Experimental Branch Is Now Live

Unknown Worlds announced that the Subnautica 2 Experimental Branch, or a public test branch, is now live for Steam and Xbox players. Basically, players can test updates and upcoming features in this branch shortly before they get released in the main build. So yes, we have unlocked an inception-type reality in Subnautica 2 where we get early access to the early access.

For those interested to get into this entirely opt-in insider program, saves do not crossover between this branch and the main build. These are saved in each version so the correct one should appear when you load whichever version you are playing.

 

Accessing the Subnautica 2 Experimental Branch

To get access on Steam, players can right-click Subnautica 2 in their library, head on to Properties, and go to Game Versions & Betas. Then in the Beta Participation drop-down menu, select the Experimental branch which will automatically start downloading the experimental branch version.

As for Xbox players, interested players should be in the Xbox Insider program and should either have a Subnautica 2 copy or be subscribed to Game Pass Ultimate. From there, just head to the Xbox Insider Hub, go to Previews, and join the Subnautica 2 Experimental (Public Test). Then just follow the installation process.

One more important distinction between the versions on the platforms is that on Steam, only one build can be installed at a time. Meaning you either have the experimental branch or the main early access build. Switching between the two means downloading each version every time. In contrast, Xbox will retain both builds in your console, which means it will take more storage. So there is a tradeoff for both, but for many, redownloading and reinstalling every time may be the worse of the two.

   

Why Should You Join the Experimental Branch?

Whether the Experimental Branch is worth using really comes down to what kind of Subnautica 2 player you are. If you would rather have the most stable version of the game and don’t care about seeing content before everyone else, there isn’t much reason to switch.

But if you enjoy watching the game develop, testing new mechanics, finding things that aren’t quite finished, and getting an early look at upcoming changes, the Experimental Branch gives you a chance to do exactly that. Plus, it’s pretty cool to see cyclops in Subnautica 2, though the devs pointed out that it won’t be released in the game. It’s basically just a placeholder for a bigger and better one apparently.

 

Where can I buy Subnautica 2 at the cheapest price?

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Sending some gaming news your way from a surfing paradise island. Loves creating content, and researching informative facts and useless trivia. A novice in the gaming industry but a veteran in communications and publication.

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