If you're launching Subnautica 2 on your Steam Deck and see an error similar to the one below, it is usually caused by the Visual C++ Redistributable not being installed correctly for the Proton version currently in use.
The following component(s) are required to run this program: Microsoft Visual C++ 2015–2022 Redistributable (x64)
Example:
Why does this happen?
This issue can occur if:
- You manually changed the game's compatibility tool to Proton 10 instead of using the default Proton version.
- The Visual C++ Redistributable was not reinstalled correctly after a game update or Proton version change.
How to fix it
1. Revert to the default Proton version
- Open Steam.
- Go to Subnautica 2 > Properties > Compatibility.
- Disable "Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool."
The game should now use the default Proton version (typically Proton Experimental). Proton 11 and Proton Hotfix are also supported.
2. Install the Visual C++ Redistributable
- Switch your Steam Deck to Desktop Mode.
- Open the Discover store and install Protontricks.
- Launch Protontricks (Start Menu → Utilities → Protontricks).
- Select Subnautica 2.
- Choose Select the default wineprefix.
- Select Install a Windows DLL or component.
- Scroll down and select vcrun2022.
- Install both the x86 and x64 versions.
- Once installation is complete, launch the game again.
Additional Notes
- Using Proton 10 may prevent SteamOS from automatically installing or updating the required Visual C++ Redistributable.
- Installing vcrun2022 manually restores the required components and should resolve the issue.
- If the game appears to hang on the first launch after switching Proton versions, try launching it a second time. In most cases, it should start normally.