How to Play Subnautica in VR on Oculus Quest 2

Yes, you can play Subnautica in VR on an Oculus Quest 2, but the Quest 2 does not run the PC version of Subnautica natively; you need a VR-capable gaming PC, a PC-to-Quest connection such as Link or Air Link, SteamVR, and a compatible VR mod. The current SubmersedVR project is designed to modernize Subnautica’s VR support and adds motion-controller functionality, although it remains a work in progress.

The setup is especially interesting because Subnautica’s underwater environments become much more immersive when viewed through a VR headset. However, getting the game running correctly requires attention to the VR runtime, launch options, mod installation, and controller configuration.

For Quest 2 owners, the most important point is that this is PC VR, rather than a standalone Quest 2 game. You will be using the Quest 2 as the headset while your computer runs Subnautica and sends the VR experience to the headset.

Best for Subnautica VR on Oculus Quest 2: Meta Quest 2, Link Cable, and Xbox Wireless Controller

Meta Quest 2 — This headset is the central display and tracking device for the setup, providing the stereoscopic VR view needed to explore Subnautica while connected to a capable gaming PC.

Meta Quest Link Cable — A wired PC connection provides a direct route between the Quest 2 and gaming computer, making it useful for players who want consistent connectivity during longer Subnautica sessions.

Xbox Wireless Controller — A traditional gamepad can provide a familiar control option for players who prefer conventional Subnautica controls instead of relying entirely on experimental VR motion-controller functionality.

Related products: a gaming PC with suitable VR performance, a USB-C cable, a compatible Wi-Fi 5/6 router for Air Link, and rechargeable Quest 2 batteries can also be useful for a complete setup.

Note: SubmersedVR currently recommends SteamVR/OpenVR for its modern motion-control implementation, and its documentation specifically says Oculus Runtime is not supported by the mod.

What You Need to Play Subnautica in VR on Oculus Quest 2

Playing Subnautica in VR on Oculus Quest 2 requires a gaming PC, the Quest 2 headset, SteamVR, the PC version of Subnautica, and a compatible VR mod. The Quest 2 itself does not run the PC version of Subnautica as a standalone Quest application. Instead, the computer runs the game while the headset displays the VR environment.

For the game, the Steam version is a practical choice because Subnautica officially lists SteamVR support, with a keyboard or gamepad required. The current SubmersedVR project also supports the latest standard version of Subnautica from Steam or Epic, while beta branches and the Microsoft Store version are not supported.

You will also need BepInEx, which provides the mod-loading framework required by SubmersedVR. After installing BepInEx, you can add the SubmersedVR files to the Subnautica installation folder.

Your Quest 2 needs to connect to the PC through Quest Link, Air Link, or another compatible PC-VR connection. SteamVR should then recognize the headset before you launch the game.

Finally, SubmersedVR requires the SteamVR/OpenVR runtime rather than the Oculus Runtime. For Oculus Link users, the project’s instructions recommend adding -vrmode openvr to Subnautica’s launch options and starting SteamVR before launching the game.

Basic requirements include:

• Oculus/Meta Quest 2
• VR-capable Windows gaming PC
• Subnautica for PC
• Steam and SteamVR
• Quest Link or Air Link
• BepInEx
• SubmersedVR
• Keyboard or compatible controller
• Adequate free storage and graphics performance

Because SubmersedVR is still described by its developers as a work in progress, expect occasional bugs or configuration issues rather than the same polished experience as a native VR game.

How to Install SubmersedVR for Subnautica on Oculus Quest 2

Installing SubmersedVR for Subnautica on Oculus Quest 2 involves preparing BepInEx, downloading the correct SubmersedVR release, copying its files into the game directory, and configuring Subnautica to use SteamVR/OpenVR. The mod’s developers currently describe SubmersedVR as a work in progress, so installation requirements can change as development continues.

Before modifying anything, close Subnautica and SteamVR. If you use the Steam version, open your Steam library, right-click Subnautica, select Manage > Browse local files, and keep this folder open.

Follow these basic steps:

• Install BepInEx for Subnautica. Extract the appropriate BepInEx package into the folder containing Subnautica.exe. Launch the game once and then close it so BepInEx can generate its required files.
• Download SubmersedVR. Use the project’s official GitHub Releases page and download the packaged SubmersedVR_VERSION.zip release rather than the source-code archive.
• Extract SubmersedVR. Copy the contents of the downloaded archive into your main Subnautica installation directory. Incorrect file placement can prevent the mod or its controller bindings from loading properly.
• Remove conflicting VR mods. SubmersedVR’s documentation specifically warns against installing the older Subnautica VR Enhancements or Motion Controls mods alongside it.
• Configure SteamVR. For Quest 2 users connecting through Link or Air Link, add -vrmode openvr to Subnautica’s Steam launch options and start SteamVR before launching the game. The Oculus Runtime is not supported by SubmersedVR.

Once installed, launch the game through SteamVR and check whether the headset enters VR mode and the controllers respond correctly. If something fails, the BepInEx\LogOutput.log file can provide useful diagnostic information.

How to Connect Oculus Quest 2 to PC for Subnautica VR

Connecting an Oculus Quest 2 to a PC for Subnautica VR can be done with a USB-C Link connection or wirelessly through Air Link. Meta Quest Link allows the Quest 2 to access PC VR content using the computer’s processing power, which is essential because Subnautica and SubmersedVR run on the PC rather than directly on the headset.

For a wired setup, install the Meta Quest Link PC software on your Windows computer and connect the Quest 2 using a suitable USB-C data cable. Put on the headset and enable Quest Link when prompted. If the prompt does not appear, Meta’s current instructions indicate that you can open Quick Settings, select Settings > Link, enable Link, and launch it.

Air Link provides a wireless alternative. Your Quest 2 and gaming PC should be connected to a suitable network, and you can enable Air Link from the Quest environment before selecting your computer. Wireless performance can vary depending on network conditions, so a wired Link connection may be preferable when troubleshooting latency or connection instability.

Once the headset is connected, start SteamVR before launching Subnautica. This is particularly important with SubmersedVR because the mod uses the SteamVR/OpenVR runtime rather than the Oculus Runtime. The project’s instructions specifically recommend adding -vrmode openvr to Subnautica’s Steam launch options for Oculus Link or Air Link users.

Before launching the game, verify that SteamVR recognizes the Quest 2 and that the headset displays the SteamVR environment. Then launch Subnautica through SteamVR and allow the mod to initialize.

Quick connection checklist:

• Install Meta Quest Link on the PC.
• Connect Quest 2 using Link or Air Link.
• Confirm the headset is recognized.
• Start SteamVR.
• Use -vrmode openvr for SubmersedVR.
• Launch Subnautica from SteamVR.
• Check headset and controller functionality.

How to Launch Subnautica VR on Oculus Quest 2

Once Subnautica, BepInEx, SubmersedVR, and SteamVR are installed, launching the game in the correct order can help prevent the Quest 2 from opening Subnautica in standard flatscreen mode. SubmersedVR specifically requires the SteamVR/OpenVR runtime, so the Oculus Runtime should not be used for this mod.

Start by putting on your Quest 2 and connecting it to the PC through Quest Link or Air Link. After confirming that the headset is recognized, open SteamVR manually and wait until the Quest 2 appears as an active headset.

Next, open Steam and locate Subnautica in your library. If you are using the Steam version, open the game’s properties and add -vrmode openvr to the launch options. This forces Subnautica to use OpenVR, which is the runtime required by SubmersedVR.

You can then launch Subnautica from the SteamVR environment. Avoid opening the SteamVR dashboard while the game is still loading, because older SubmersedVR documentation identifies this as a potential cause of the game becoming stuck or needing to be restarted.

Once the game appears inside the headset, give it a moment to initialize the VR interface. SubmersedVR modifies elements such as the PDA and HUD for VR and provides SteamVR-based motion-controller support, including default bindings for Oculus Touch controllers.

If your controllers do not respond correctly, open SteamVR controller bindings and verify that SubmersedVR’s actions are mapped to the Quest 2 Touch controllers. SteamVR allows applications to associate game actions with the physical inputs on supported VR controllers.

If Subnautica starts on your monitor but not inside the headset, first verify that SteamVR was running before launch and that -vrmode openvr was entered correctly. Also check that no incompatible VR mods are installed alongside SubmersedVR.

How to Use Oculus Quest 2 Controllers in Subnautica VR

Using Oculus Quest 2 controllers in Subnautica VR depends on the version of SubmersedVR installed and its SteamVR input configuration. Unlike a native Quest game, Subnautica’s VR controls are provided through the PC-based mod, so the Touch controllers must be recognized by SteamVR and assigned to the actions supported by the mod.

After launching Subnautica through SteamVR, check that both Quest 2 Touch controllers appear correctly in the SteamVR environment. SubmersedVR provides SteamVR-based motion-controller functionality and includes default Oculus Touch controller bindings in its releases.

If the controls are not responding properly, open the SteamVR controller binding interface while Subnautica is running. Select the game’s controller bindings and check whether the SubmersedVR community or default binding is active. SteamVR Input allows VR applications to associate game actions with physical controller buttons, triggers, grips, and thumbsticks.

Keep these basic controls in mind:

• Thumbsticks: Used for movement and directional control, depending on the active binding.
• Triggers: Can perform interaction or selection actions.
• Grip buttons: May be assigned to grabbing or contextual functions.
• Face buttons: Can provide inventory, PDA, menu, or other game actions.
• Head movement: Allows you to naturally look around the underwater environment.

Because SubmersedVR is still under development, controller behavior can change between releases. The project’s documentation also notes that its SteamVR implementation is intended to provide more complete motion-control functionality than Subnautica’s older VR support.

If you experience missing buttons, reversed movement, or controls that do nothing, avoid assuming the Quest 2 hardware is defective. First check the SteamVR binding, confirm that the correct SubmersedVR version is installed, and make sure conflicting older VR mods have been removed.

For the most reliable troubleshooting, test one control at a time after entering the game. This makes it easier to identify whether the problem involves SteamVR, the controller binding, or the SubmersedVR installation itself.

Conclusion

Playing Subnautica in VR on Oculus Quest 2 is possible by connecting the headset to a capable Windows gaming PC and using SteamVR together with the appropriate VR software. The key steps are installing Subnautica, setting up BepInEx and SubmersedVR, connecting the Quest 2 through Link or Air Link, and launching the game through the SteamVR/OpenVR runtime.

Because SubmersedVR is still a work in progress, some controls, compatibility features, or installation steps may change as the project develops. Taking the time to follow the installation instructions carefully and checking SteamVR controller bindings can prevent many common problems.

Once everything is configured correctly, you can explore Subnautica’s underwater world with the added immersion of a Quest 2 headset, making familiar environments feel considerably more engaging and interactive.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Play Subnautica in VR on Oculus Quest 2

Can you play Subnautica in VR on Oculus Quest 2?

Yes. You can play the PC version of Subnautica through an Oculus Quest 2, but the headset does not run the PC game independently. You need a compatible Windows gaming PC, a PC-VR connection such as Quest Link or Air Link, SteamVR, and compatible VR software.

Does Subnautica work directly on Quest 2 without a PC?

No. The standard PC version of Subnautica requires the computer to run the game. The Quest 2 functions as the VR headset and receives the PC-generated VR experience through the connection.

What VR mod can be used for Subnautica?

SubmersedVR is a community-developed VR project designed to improve Subnautica’s VR experience, including motion-controller functionality. Its documentation describes the project as a work in progress, so compatibility and features can change between releases.

Do I need SteamVR?

For SubmersedVR’s current implementation, yes. The project uses the SteamVR/OpenVR runtime, and its instructions specifically state that the Oculus Runtime is not supported.

Can I use Quest 2 Air Link?

Yes. Air Link can provide a wireless connection between the Quest 2 and a compatible PC. However, wireless performance depends on your network, so a wired Link connection may be preferable if you experience latency or connection problems.

Do Quest 2 controllers work with Subnautica VR?

SubmersedVR provides SteamVR-based motion-controller support and includes Oculus Touch controller bindings. However, controller behavior can vary between releases, so SteamVR’s controller-binding settings may need to be checked if buttons or movement do not work correctly.

Why does Subnautica launch in flat-screen mode?

Check that SteamVR is running, the Quest 2 is properly connected, and Subnautica is configured with the required -vrmode openvr launch option. Also verify that incompatible VR mods have not been installed alongside SubmersedVR.