# How To Change the Submarine on Your Barotrauma Server (/docs/barotrauma/change-submarine)



The submarine is the heart of your Barotrauma server. You can switch to any built-in sub or add custom ones downloaded from the Steam Workshop.

Built-in Submarines [#built-in-submarines]

Barotrauma ships with several submarines at different sizes:

| Submarine | Size        | Best for                             |
| --------- | ----------- | ------------------------------------ |
| Humpback  | Small       | Beginners, small crews (2–4 players) |
| Dugong    | Medium      | Mid-size crews (4–6 players)         |
| Typhon    | Large       | Experienced crews (6–10 players)     |
| Typhon 2  | Extra Large | Large crews (8–16 players)           |
| Kastrull  | Medium      | Outpost-style exploration            |
| Berilia   | Large       | Alternative late-game option         |

Changing the Submarine [#changing-the-submarine]

Method 1: Via serversettings.xml [#method-1-via-serversettingsxml]

1. Stop your server
2. In the [XGamingServer Panel](https://panel.xgamingserver.com), click **Files** and open `serversettings.xml`
3. Find the `Submarine` setting and change it:

```xml
Submarine="Dugong"
```

The value is the exact filename without the `.sub` extension — **case-sensitive**.

4. Save the file and start your server

Method 2: Via the Lobby [#method-2-via-the-lobby]

An admin can change the submarine in the lobby before starting a round using the sub selection UI — no restart needed.

> 📝 **Note:** This requires `SubSelectionMode` to not be locked. Check `serversettings.xml` if the option is grayed out.

***

Adding a Custom Submarine [#adding-a-custom-submarine]

Standalone .sub File [#standalone-sub-file]

If you have a custom submarine as a `.sub` file (e.g. from the in-game Submarine Editor or downloaded directly):

1. Stop your server
2. In **Files**, navigate to the `Submarines` folder
3. Upload the `.sub` file
4. In `serversettings.xml`, set the submarine name:

```xml
Submarine="MyCustomSub"
```

The name must match the filename exactly (without `.sub`), including capitalization.

5. Save and start your server

Workshop Submarine Mod [#workshop-submarine-mod]

If the submarine is packaged as a Steam Workshop mod (has a `filelist.xml`), follow the [Install Mods](/docs/barotrauma/install-mods) guide instead of copying the raw `.sub` file.

***

Campaign: Changing Submarine Mid-Campaign [#campaign-changing-submarine-mid-campaign]

In Campaign mode, the submarine persists between rounds with all its upgrades. You can purchase a new submarine at certain outposts during the run — look for the **Submarine Merchant** NPC.

> ⚠️ **Warning:** Switching submarines in campaign transfers the crew but not items stored on the old sub. Make sure to move important equipment before buying a new one.

***

> 💡 **Tip:** Not sure which sub to start with? The **Humpback** is the most beginner-friendly. The **Dugong** is the best all-rounder for most groups.

> 💡 **Tip:** Need help? Join our [Discord](https://discord.xgamingserver.com) for support.

Related Guides [#related-guides]

* [Configure Your Server](/docs/barotrauma/configure-your-server)
* [Install Mods](/docs/barotrauma/install-mods)
* [Campaign Mode](/docs/barotrauma/campaign-mode)