Every fact on this page applies to update 1.23.83358, the one version tested. Other versions may behave differently.
No emulator needed: Subnautica runs natively on the Apple chip. How nxnative compares with emulators
Running through nxnative
How Subnautica runs
Subnautica plays on the Mac at 30 fps, as on the Switch, with music. A 15-minute test covered the title, the main menu, a new Survival game and the opening in the lifepod, including picking up and using the fire extinguisher. Leaving the lifepod was not reached. It has not been tried on iPhone or iPad.
How it runs
Subnautica runs on the same Unity engine as Subnautica: Below Zero, and nxnative applies the same memory trims, made for the smaller address space an iPhone app has. In the lifepod, about 3 GB of memory was in use on the Mac and stayed flat. How much room the world outside the lifepod takes has not been measured.
On a first start, the Mac prepares the game's graphics for about 45 seconds before play.
Soon after start, or when the Mac's sound output changes, the sound can stop for about a fifth of a second; nxnative restarts it and play continues.
Bring update 1.23.83358
Only update 1.23.83358 has been tested. Put it in the same folder as the base game before you Pack.
Controls
The Packed app starts in the 3D touch layout, as you look around in first person with the right stick.
Good to know
- Only the lifepod opening was played. Swimming and the world outside have not been checked.
Known issues
- Sound can drop out for a moment soon after start or when the Mac's sound output changes, then comes back within about a second.
- It has not yet been played on iPhone or iPad.
Packing command
Run this in your nxnative folder on the Build Mac. Replace the game folder and the keys path with your own. Add --platform mac-app to get a Mac app instead of an iPhone and iPad app.
python3 scripts/build_ipa_from_nsp.py ~/Games/subnautica -k ~/keys/prod.keysFAQ
Does Subnautica work with nxnative?
Yes. Subnautica is tested with nxnative on update 1.23.83358.
Which iPhone, iPad or Mac do I need to play Subnautica?
An iPhone 15 Pro or newer (A17 Pro chip or later) or an iPad with an M1 chip or later, on iOS or iPadOS 26 or later, or a Mac with Apple silicon. iPads with the A17 Pro chip (iPad mini) have the iPhone 15 Pro's chip but are untested by nxnative. Packing needs a Mac with macOS 26.6 or later and Xcode 27.1.
Is Subnautica included?
No. Neither this site nor nxnative includes any game. You Pack Subnautica from your own copy of the game, with keys dumped from your own Switch.
Does online play work in Subnautica?
Online play in Subnautica is not confirmed to work, so do not count on it.
