Subnautica 2 Performance Mod

NEW OPTIMIZATION UPDATE IN ALL CONFIG FILES!!!

(Remember to read Installation instructions)

Description

My PC specs are a GTX 970, 16 GB RAM, and an i7-4770. Without this mod, I was only getting around 20–25 FPS (After shader compilation). Using the Balanced Performance preset, I managed to reach around 40–50 FPS while exploring the world, and around 30 FPS near my base. With the Performance preset, I was able to maintain around 50–60 FPS almost all the time. Check the screenshots above for comparisons. (The lighting looks different compared to the vanilla game because it normally uses Lumen, which is disabled in all presets due to its heavy performance impact)

The mod was also tested on my brother’s PC (FX 8300, 16 GB RAM, and a GTX 1050 Ti), where performance improved from around 13–18 FPS to 35–45 FPS using the Performance preset.

Installation instructions

Pick the preset you want, then go to: AppData\Local\Subnautica2\Saved\Config\Windows

and paste the file there.

If you are in Xbox, go here instead:  %localappdata%\Subnautica2\Saved\Config\WinGDK

If it isn’t working, delete the preexisting GameUserSettings.ini file before adding the new Engine.ini.

Existing settings may prevent the new ones from being applied correctly.

Make sure the Engine.ini file is set to Read Only, otherwise the game may overwrite the settings.

(and also, remeber to re-check your in-game graphics tab, since you deleted your GameUserSettings.ini, your settings will be reseted to default.)

Linux / Steam Proton

On Linux using Steam + Proton, place the file here:

/mnt//SteamLibrary/steamapps/compatdata/1962700/pfx/drive_c/users/steamuser/AppData/Local/Subnautica2/Saved/Config/Windows

Main features

This mod includes four custom engine.ini performance presets for Subnautica 2. The “Ultra Performance” preset removes almost all visual effects for the maximum possible FPS increase, significantly reducing graphical quality in exchange for the highest performance gains. 

The “Performance” preset fully disables shadows and some others visual effects to provide the highest possible FPS boost without hurting too much the grapichs. 

The “Balanced Performance” preset keeps most visuals intact while disabling expensive shadow features such as Dynamic Global Illumination for better performance without heavily changing the game's appearance. 

There is also a “Potato PC” preset, which removes basically all visual effects from the game. It is not recommended, but if you really want to play, this may be your last option.

(All presets disable Lumen, so interior lights may be less effective at illuminating your base. Just put some extra lights, and it should be fine.)

Requirements

Subnautica 2, and a PC. (it also works on non steam versions)