This guide covers how to set up your Subnautica Nitrox multiplayer server on Legion Hosting, configure server settings, and connect players. Nitrox is an open-source multiplayer mod for Subnautica that enables cooperative play on planet 4546B. For admin commands, permissions, game mode settings, and troubleshooting, see Subnautica Nitrox Admin and Commands Guide.
What is Nitrox? Nitrox is an open-source multiplayer mod for Subnautica. It allows players to explore the alien ocean of planet 4546B together, sharing the survival, building, and exploration experience cooperatively. The mod requires version 1.7.0.0 or newer.
Steam account required for installation. Subnautica Nitrox requires a legitimate Steam account that owns Subnautica for the server to install the game files. You will need to provide your Steam username, password, and Steam Guard code during setup. These credentials are only used during the installation process.
1. First Start
- Log in to GPanel and select your Subnautica (Nitrox) server.
- Go to the Startup tab and configure the variables (see the table in Section 2).
- Ensure your STEAM_USERNAME, STEAM_PASSWORD, and STEAM_GUARDCODE are set correctly for the installation.
- Set SUBNAUTICA_ADMIN_PASSWORD to a secure admin password (default is
PleaseChangeMe). - Return to the Console tab and click Start.
- Wait for the console to display
Server started. The first launch may take longer as it initializes the world.
Steam Guard code. During installation, a Steam Guard code is sent to your email or Steam mobile app. Enter it in the
STEAM_GUARDCODE variable, then reinstall the server. If the code expires, a new one will be sent -- update and reinstall again.
2. GPanel Startup Variables
The following variables are available in the GPanel Startup tab.
| Variable | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
STEAM_USERNAME |
(empty) | Your Steam account username (used for installation only). |
STEAM_PASSWORD |
(empty) | Your Steam account password (used for installation only). |
STEAM_GUARDCODE |
(empty) | Steam Guard authentication code (max 6 characters). |
NITROX_VERSION |
latest |
Nitrox mod version to install (e.g., latest or a specific version like 1.7.0.0). |
SUBNAUTICA_PASSWORD |
(empty) | Password to join the server. Leave empty for no password. |
SUBNAUTICA_ADMIN_PASSWORD |
PleaseChangeMe |
Admin password for server administration commands. |
SERVER_MODE |
SURVIVAL |
Game mode: SURVIVAL, FREEDOM, HARDCORE, or CREATIVE. |
SAVE_NAME |
world |
Name of the save file. |
SAVE_INTERVAL |
120000 |
Auto-save interval in milliseconds (120000 = 2 minutes). |
SAVE_DISABLE |
False |
Disable auto-save. True to disable, False to enable. |
3. Server Configuration (server.cfg)
The main server configuration file is:
server.cfgOpen this file using the Files tab in GPanel or connect via SFTP. The file uses a properties format (Key=Value).
Startup variables override server.cfg. Many settings in
server.cfg are automatically overwritten by GPanel startup variables on each server start. Use the Startup tab for primary settings.
Key Settings
| Setting | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
ServerPort |
(auto) | Server port. Managed by GPanel -- do not change. |
MaxConnections |
100 |
Maximum number of simultaneous player connections. |
SaveInterval |
120000 |
Auto-save interval in milliseconds. |
DisableAutoSave |
False |
Disable auto-save functionality. |
SaveName |
world |
Name of the save file. |
ServerPassword |
(empty) | Password to join the server. |
AdminPassword |
PleaseChangeMe |
Admin access password. |
GameMode |
SURVIVAL |
Game mode (SURVIVAL, FREEDOM, HARDCORE, CREATIVE). |
DefaultPlayerPerm |
PLAYER |
Default permission level for new players (NONE, PLAYER, MODERATOR, ADMIN, CONSOLE). |
SerializerMode |
JSON |
Save format (JSON or PROTOBUF). |
CreateFullEntityCache |
False |
Cache all entities on startup. Slower loading but better in-game performance. |
4. Game Modes
| Mode | Description |
|---|---|
SURVIVAL |
Full survival experience with hunger, thirst, health, and oxygen management. |
FREEDOM |
No hunger or thirst, but health and oxygen still apply. |
HARDCORE |
Same as Survival, but death is permanent. |
CREATIVE |
No survival mechanics. Free building and exploration. |
5. How Players Connect
Players need the Nitrox mod installed on their copy of Subnautica to connect.
- Download and install the Nitrox mod from the Nitrox GitHub releases.
- Run the Nitrox Launcher and point it to your Subnautica installation.
- Click Multiplayer from the launcher.
- Enter the server IP and port from GPanel's Network tab.
- Enter the server password if one is set.
- Click Connect to join the game.
Ports are randomly assigned unless you have a private IP. Check the Network tab in GPanel for your server's actual IP and port. See How to Find Your Server IP and Port for details.
Version matching. The Nitrox version installed on the client must match the server version. If players cannot connect, ensure both sides are running the same Nitrox release.
Related Articles
- Subnautica Nitrox Admin and Commands Guide
- How to Find Your Server IP and Port
- How to Upload Files via SFTP
Need Help?
If you run into issues with your Subnautica Nitrox server, open a support ticket and include your server IP, a description of the problem, and any relevant error messages from the GPanel console.
