# Updating Nitrox on Your Subnautica Server (/docs/subnautica/update-nitrox)



import { Step, Steps } from 'fumadocs-ui/components/steps';

The single most common reason a Nitrox server stops accepting connections is a **version mismatch** between the server and the client. This guide walks through updating your server cleanly and getting every player on the same version.

> ⚠️ **Critical:** Server and all players must run **identical** Nitrox versions. `1.8.1.0` and `1.8.0.0` are not compatible. There is no fallback or compatibility layer.

Check Your Current Versions [#check-your-current-versions]

**Server version:** Open the **Console** tab in the [panel](https://panel.xgamingserver.com). The Nitrox version is printed in the startup banner. You can also check it on the **Startup** tab if your installation exposes it as a variable.

**Client version:** Open the Nitrox launcher on your PC. The version is shown in the bottom-left.

If those two numbers don't match exactly, that is your problem.

Updating the Server [#updating-the-server]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Stop the server [#stop-the-server]

    In the panel, click `Stop`. Wait for the server status to turn red.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Change the Nitrox version [#change-the-nitrox-version]

    Open the **Startup** tab. Look for the Nitrox version variable (the exact name depends on your panel egg -- usually `NITROX_VERSION` or similar). Set it to the version you want, e.g. `1.8.1.0`.

    If your panel doesn't expose a version variable, the server pulls the latest stable Nitrox release on each startup. In that case, just reinstall (next step) to grab the latest.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Reinstall to apply [#reinstall-to-apply]

    Go to the dashboard and click `Reinstall Server`. This re-pulls the Nitrox server binaries at the version you set.

    > 📝 **Note:** Reinstall **does not** delete your save under `.config/Nitrox/saves/`. Your world is preserved. It does re-fetch server files.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Start and verify [#start-and-verify]

    Click `Start` and watch the **Console** tab. Confirm the banner reports the version you expected before letting players reconnect.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Updating the Clients [#updating-the-clients]

Every player must update their Nitrox launcher to match the server.

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Download the matching version [#download-the-matching-version]

    Send everyone to the [official Nitrox downloads page](https://nitrox.rux.gg/download). The site shows the latest version. If you need an older version to match an older server, check the [GitHub releases](https://github.com/SubnauticaNitrox/Nitrox/releases).
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Replace the existing Nitrox folder [#replace-the-existing-nitrox-folder]

    Players should fully delete their current Nitrox folder before extracting the new one. Mixing files from two versions causes silent failures.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Run the launcher [#run-the-launcher]

    On first launch, Nitrox re-detects the Subnautica install. Once detected, players join through the multiplayer menu as normal -- see [Connect to Your Server](/docs/subnautica/connect-to-your-server).
  </Step>
</Steps>

Latest Version [#latest-version]

As of January 2026, the latest stable Nitrox release is **Alpha 1.8.1.0**, supporting Steam, Epic Games, Windows Store, and Linux clients. Mac is not supported.

For full release notes see the [Nitrox changelog](https://nitrox.rux.gg/pages/changelog).

Common Update Issues [#common-update-issues]

**"Players say their version doesn't match even after updating."**
They almost certainly extracted the new Nitrox over an old folder. Have them delete the entire Nitrox folder, then extract the new download to a fresh location.

**"Server console still shows the old version after reinstall."**
The Startup variable didn't take. Double-check the version field on **Startup**, save, then `Reinstall Server` again.

**"My save won't load after updating."**
Major version jumps (e.g. 1.7 → 1.8) can break old saves because the save format changed with Subnautica 2.0. Restore from a [backup](/docs/subnautica/backup-restore) or accept a fresh start.

Related [#related]

* [Troubleshooting](/docs/subnautica/troubleshooting) -- the full diagnostic flow
* [Backup & Restore](/docs/subnautica/backup-restore) -- protect your world before updating

If the update doesn't go smoothly, hop in our [Discord](https://discord.xgamingserver.com) and we'll sort it out.