While the game is normally paid, there are occasional legitimate ways to play for free:
: The game has previously been included in services like Xbox Game Pass . The February 2023 Update While the game is normally paid, there are
Please be aware of the following regarding "free" downloads for this game: While the game is normally paid
: Developers from Unknown Worlds have explicitly stated that the game is not free and that unofficial "free download" sites often distribute pirated copies that may contain viruses, keyloggers, or other malware . While the game is normally paid, there are
The specific build from February 7, 2023, primarily included: Subnautica update for 7 February 2023 - SteamDB
: Steam occasionally hosts "Free Weekends." For example, a free-to-play period occurred from April 2–6, 2026 , allowing users to play the full game temporarily.