What is Nitrox for Subnautica?

Updated

Nitrox is a free, community-developed multiplayer mod for Subnautica, and nitrox.rux.gg is its official site. It's the place to go if you want to play Subnautica cooperatively with friends — joining or hosting a server, exploring, and building bases together — rather than playing the base game solo. The site itself is a hub for downloading the mod, reading install and FAQ documentation, and connecting with other players.

What the site offers

The homepage and its navigation point to a few core things:

  • Download — the mod itself, described as free, with a stated 3.4M+ downloads.
  • Guides — an install guide and FAQ page, which the site explicitly directs new users to read.
  • Community — an entry point to find servers, get help, and chat with other Nitrox players (the site cites a 25K+ online Discord figure).
  • Blog — release news, e.g. posts for version 1.8.0.0 and 1.8.1.0.
  • About — background on the project.

Key facts

Aspect Detail
Cost Free (per the site's own description)
Developer Community-developed, open source
Platforms Windows and Linux
Launcher Nitrox Launcher, currently available for Windows
Max players Up to 100 slots (for large hosted events)
Cross-play Native cross-play support built into the mod

How multiplayer works

Nitrox lets you join or create your own server. Two features stand out for getting connected:

  • UPnP support — the mod automatically opens the required ports, so you can connect to friends without third-party VPN software.
  • In-game messaging — a built-in, cross-platform chat system keeps players in touch during a session.

Gameplay ranges from a survival playthrough with friends to a creative build session, and the mod includes options like a randomized starter Escape Pod.

Who it's for

Nitrox is aimed at Subnautica players who want a co-op experience and are comfortable installing a mod. Because it's community-run and open source, expect regular updates and contributions rather than official publisher support. If you're on Windows, the dedicated launcher is the intended path; Linux is listed as supported, but the launcher is noted as Windows-only, so check the install guide for your setup.

Getting started

  1. Go to nitrox.rux.gg and open the Download page.
  2. Read the install guide and FAQ before installing — the site points new users there first.
  3. Install and launch via the Nitrox Launcher (Windows).
  4. Join an existing server or host your own, then connect with friends.

For current version numbers, supported stores, and any platform-specific caveats, rely on the site's own guides and blog, since those details change with each release.