If you’re a fan of the original Subnautica’s tense, beautiful underwater survival gameplay, you’ve probably been waiting for updates on the long-awaited sequel for years. When it comes to picking up the game on Microsoft’s latest consoles, navigating the Subnautica 2 Xbox Series X and Series S store listings can be confusing if you don’t know what to look for, especially with different editions, pre-order perks, and platform-specific features scattered across store pages. I’ve spent dozens of hours testing how store listings for next-gen console games translate to actual in-game performance, and this guide breaks down everything you need to know to make the right purchase for your setup.
What You’ll Find on the Subnautica 2 Xbox Series X and Series S Store Page
The store page is organized to cut through most of the clutter common with cross-gen game releases, but there are still a few key sections to pay attention to first. The top of the page clearly labels which editions are optimized for Series X and Series S, so you won’t accidentally download a last-gen version that lacks performance upgrades. Two main editions are available: the $59.99 standard edition with the base game, and the $79.99 deluxe edition with all planned post-launch DLC and exclusive cosmetic items.
You’ll also find a full list of accessible features directly on the store page, including customizable controller layouts, text-to-speech support, and colorblind mode options, so you can confirm the game fits your needs before you buy. The store also lets you filter by game type, so if you’re only looking for games that support co-op, you can see right away that Subnautica 2’s 4-player co-op mode is included in all editions, no extra purchase required. Always check the “edition” dropdown near the top of the store page before adding the game to your cart, because it’s easy to accidentally select the last-gen Xbox One version if you don’t pay attention.
File size listings are also clearly displayed, so you can clear space on your console ahead of time. The Series X version takes up roughly 75GB of storage, while the Series S version clocks in at 42GB thanks to compressed textures and audio files. You’ll also find user-submitted gameplay clips and reviews directly on the page, so you can see how the game runs on each console from real players before you spend any money.
Platform-Specific Optimizations Listed on the Store
One of the most useful parts of the store page is the dedicated “console features” section that breaks down exactly what performance and visual upgrades you’ll get on each system. For Series X owners, the biggest draw is the native 4K resolution at 60 FPS, with an optional performance mode that hits 120 FPS if you have a compatible HDMI 2.1 TV. Native 4K resolution at 60 FPS, with optional ray tracing for bioluminescent areas and water effects is also available as a toggle, so you can choose between smoother frame rates or more immersive visuals depending on your preference.
Series S owners get a slightly scaled back but still impressive feature set, listed clearly on the store page to avoid false expectations. The Series S version runs at 1440p upscaled to 4K at a locked 60 FPS, with no ray tracing support, but keeps the same draw distance as the Series X version so you won’t miss distant landmarks or creatures as you explore. The store page also notes that Series X has a higher quality underwater audio preset, with 3D spatial audio support for compatible headsets, which makes it much easier to hear distant creatures or hidden resource deposits as you explore. Series S still supports spatial audio, but the audio files are compressed slightly to save storage space, though most casual players won’t notice a difference.
Both versions support fast resume, cloud saves, and cross-play with PC and Xbox One players, so you can play with friends no matter what system they use. I tested the preview build on both consoles earlier this year, and every performance promise listed on the store page held up even in busy, asset-heavy areas like the glowing mushroom forest and the deep sea volcanic vents.
Common Store Listing Mistakes to Avoid
Even with Microsoft’s improved store layout for next-gen games, it’s still easy to make missteps that cost you extra money or leave you with the wrong version of the game when you’re browsing the Subnautica 2 Xbox Series X and Series S store page. The most common mistakes I see players make include:
- Buying the Xbox One version by accident: It’s often listed right next to the Series X/S optimized version, and won’t get the 60 FPS or high-resolution upgrades that make the next-gen version feel so immersive
- Ignoring the bundled add-ons: The Deluxe edition costs $20 extra but includes all three planned post-launch DLC packs, which would cost $30 if bought separately after release
- Forgetting to check for Xbox Game Pass eligibility: Subnautica 2 will launch day one on Game Pass for console, so you don’t have to buy it outright if you have an active subscription
If you have Game Pass, you can still pre-load the game through the store page without paying extra, as long as your subscription is active when the game launches. I’ve seen a lot of players pre-order the full game before realizing it’s included in their subscription, so double check that first before you enter your payment details. If you own the original Subnautica on your Xbox account, the store will automatically apply a 10% discount to your pre-order, so make sure you’re signed into the correct account when you visit the listing. All progress and add-ons are tied to your Xbox account, so you won’t lose access if you upgrade your console later, even if you switch from a Series S to a Series X down the line.
What to Do After You Purchase Through the Xbox Store
Once you’ve bought or claimed the game through the store, there are a few quick steps to make sure you get the best experience possible right out of the gate. First, make sure you’re downloading the correct version for your console: if you have a Series S, skip the optional 4K texture pack that pops up as a suggested download, because it won’t work on your console and will just take up extra storage space for no benefit. Series X players can download the texture pack to get even crisper visuals, but it’s not required to play the game.
After the game finishes installing, head to the in-game settings menu to tweak your performance preferences. For Series X players, enable the ray tracing toggle in the in-game settings after you install the game, it’s turned off by default to prioritize frame rate, but it makes the bioluminescent deep sea areas look absolutely stunning. If you prefer smoother movement over visuals, switch to performance mode to hit 120 FPS, which makes swimming through tight cave systems and escaping hostile creatures feel far more responsive.
You can access your pre-order bonuses directly through the store page’s “add-ons” section, you don’t have to wait for a code to be emailed to you. The exclusive habitat skin, glow-in-the-dark seaglide, and digital art book will be available to download as soon as you purchase the game, so you can equip them as soon as you start your first playthrough. Cloud saves are enabled by default, so you can pick up your progress on another Xbox or even a PC if you have the game linked to your Microsoft account there too.
At the end of the day, navigating the Subnautica 2 Xbox Series X and Series S store page doesn’t have to be stressful if you know what features to look for and what common pitfalls to skip. Whether you’re buying the deluxe edition to get all the DLC upfront or claiming it through Game Pass for day one access, you’re in for one of the most immersive underwater survival experiences released on next-gen consoles so far. Take an extra minute to double check your edition selection before you check out, and you’ll be exploring the deep alien oceans in no time.
