# How to Join a Subnautica 2 Dedicated Server (/docs/subnautica-2/join-server)



import { Callout } from "fumadocs-ui/components/callout";
import { Steps, Step } from "fumadocs-ui/components/steps";

This is for **players joining** a hosted Subnautica 2 server. If you're the server owner, see [Dedicated Server Setup](/docs/subnautica-2/dedicated-server-setup) instead.

What you need [#what-you-need]

* **Retail Subnautica 2** installed on your own PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, or Xbox Game Pass on PC all work)
* **Beacon Launcher** (free, open-source, [github.com/HumanGenome/Beacon/releases](https://github.com/HumanGenome/Beacon/releases))
* The server's **IP address and port** (the server owner shares this from their hosting panel)

<Callout type="info">
  The Beacon Launcher is a thin wrapper that injects [UE4SS](https://github.com/UE4SS-RE/RE-UE4SS) into your Subnautica 2 process so it can connect to a Beacon-powered dedicated server. It does not modify game files or your Steam install — it's removed cleanly when you uninstall it.
</Callout>

Steps [#steps]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Install retail Subnautica 2 [#install-retail-subnautica-2]

    Make sure Subnautica 2 is installed and runs normally first. Launch it once from Steam/Epic/Game Pass to make sure everything works.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Download the Beacon Launcher [#download-the-beacon-launcher]

    Go to [github.com/HumanGenome/Beacon/releases](https://github.com/HumanGenome/Beacon/releases) and download the latest `Beacon-Launcher-Windows-x64-v<version>.zip`. Extract to a permanent location (e.g., `C:\BeaconLauncher\`).
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Run BeaconLauncher.exe [#run-beaconlauncherexe]

    Run `BeaconLauncher.exe` from the extracted folder. On first launch, it'll ask you to point at your installed Subnautica 2 (Steam users: the launcher usually auto-detects the install).
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Enter the server's IP and port [#enter-the-servers-ip-and-port]

    In the launcher, click **Connect** (or **Add Server** if you want to save it). Enter the **IP:port** that the server owner shared — for example:

    ```
    192.0.2.10:27015
    ```

    Make sure you use the **GameplayPort** (default 27015), not the query/RCON/HTTP ports.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Click Connect [#click-connect]

    The launcher will:

    1. Start Subnautica 2
    2. Inject UE4SS + Beacon's client plugin
    3. Connect to the dedicated server using stock UE5 networking

    You'll spawn into the dedicated server's world instead of the stock 4-player lobby.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Common issues [#common-issues]

* **"Connection refused" / can't connect:** The server might be offline, the IP/port might be wrong, or there might be a firewall blocking outbound traffic on the GameplayPort. Ask the server owner to confirm the server is running and the port is correct.
* **"Server full":** The server's `MaxPlayers` cap is reached. Beacon supports up to 8; the server owner sets the exact value.
* **Game launches but stays in single-player:** The Beacon client plugin didn't inject. Try running the launcher as Administrator, or reinstall the Beacon Launcher.
* **"Wrong version":** Your Beacon Launcher version doesn't match the server's BeaconServer version. Update to the latest release.

See the full [troubleshooting guide](/docs/subnautica-2/troubleshooting) for more.

What the launcher does not change [#what-the-launcher-does-not-change]

* Your Subnautica 2 install (it's not modded permanently)
* Your save files (dedicated server worlds are stored on the server, not locally)
* Your achievements (dedicated server play may or may not award stock achievements — depends on UWE's eventual server-mode handling)
* Your Steam/Epic ownership (the launcher just runs your already-owned game)

Related [#related]

* [Dedicated Server Setup (owner side) →](/docs/subnautica-2/dedicated-server-setup)
* [Troubleshooting →](/docs/subnautica-2/troubleshooting)
* [Beacon Launcher on GitHub →](https://github.com/HumanGenome/Beacon)