DirectX 12 (DX12) Launch Issues

Updated
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If you encounter issues such as:

  • DirectX 12 not supported
  • GPU compatibility errors
  • Crashes on launch
  • The game launching with integrated graphics instead of your dedicated GPU

Please follow the steps below based on your system configuration.

Windows 11 – Force the Game to Use Your Dedicated GPU

Step 1 – Open Windows Settings

Open the Start Menu and select Settings.

[Insert Image 1 Here – Windows Settings > System]

step1.jpg

Step 2 – Open Graphics Settings

Navigate to:

System → Display → Graphics

Step 3 – Add Subnautica 2

Under Custom settings for applications:

  1. Click Add desktop app
  2. Browse to your Subnautica 2 installation folder
  3. Select:
    Subnautica2.exe
step 2.jpg

Step 4 – Select the High Performance GPU

Once the game appears in the Graphics list:

  1. Open the dropdown/options for the game
  2. Under GPU preference, select:
    High Performance

Example:
High Performance (NVIDIA GeForce RTX XXXX / AMD Radeon XXXX)

step3.png

Step 5 – Restart the Game

Completely close and restart Subnautica 2.

Steam Users – Finding the Game Installation Folder

  1. Open your Steam Library
  2. Right-click Subnautica 2
  3. Select:
    • Manage
    • Browse local files

This will open the installation folder where you can find:
Subnautica2.exe

Important Requirements for Windows 10 Users

To launch Subnautica 2 successfully on Windows 10, players must complete BOTH of the following:

  • Update Windows 10 to Version 22H2 (Build 19045)
  • Update GPU drivers to the latest available version

Important: Updating only Windows OR only the GPU driver may not resolve the issue and older GPU drivers may be missing required DirectX 12 files needed to launch the game.

You can check your Windows version by:

  1. Press Windows Key + R
  2. Type:
    winver
  3. Press Enter

If your version is below Windows 10 Version 22H2 (Build 19045), please update Windows before launching the game.

Additional Recommendations

Verify Integrity of Game Files (Steam)

  1. Open your Steam Library
  2. Right-click Subnautica 2
  3. Select Properties
  4. Navigate to Installed Files
  5. Click Verify integrity of game files

Steam will automatically replace any missing or corrupted files.

Update Graphics Drivers

Please make sure your GPU drivers are fully updated:

  • NVIDIA: GeForce Experience
  • AMD: AMD Adrenalin Software

Please also ensure your system meets the minimum hardware requirements

Still Need Help?

If the issue continues after updating Windows and following the steps above, please contact our support team and include:

  • Your Windows version/build number
  • PC specifications
  • Crash logs or screenshots (if available)

Support: https://support.subnautica.com

 

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