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A missing save after switching branches may be in the other save set
Unknown Worlds says saves are separated by branch. When you move from Default to Experimental, the old Default save is not shown there; returning to Default makes its original saves visible again, while Experimental-created saves remain with Experimental. That is different from proof that a save has been deleted—but still make a manual copy before changing versions.
| Platform | What the support article says | Practical implication |
|---|---|---|
| Steam | Only one build is installed at a time; opting into Experimental replaces the current installation and switching back replaces it again. | Plan for a branch switch and download; do not assume both builds run side by side. |
| Xbox | Experimental installs as a separate app alongside the stable version; each app shows its own saves. | Launch the intended app and don't treat the other app's save list as your backup. |
| Both | Saves are separate per build, and in-game import/export does not move them between branches. | Copy the save files manually before switching; use the official support steps for the current platform. |
References: Official Subnautica 2 save behavior when switching branches
Use this order before opting in or switching back
Experimental is a work-in-progress preview branch; the current preview contents and timing can change. The developer recommends a backup before branch/version changes. Treat a working copy as a safety measure, not as an officially supported cross-branch import mechanism.
- Decide whether you are moving to Experimental to preview a currently announced test, or returning to Default for the main Early Access build.
- Use the current official support instructions for your platform to locate the save files, then make a separate manual copy outside the active game-save folder.
- Confirm the copy exists and record which branch/build it came from. Do not assume the game's import/export option will migrate it; the support article says it will not carry saves across branches.
- Switch branches through the platform's official flow. On Steam expect one build at a time; on Xbox distinguish the stable and Experimental apps.
- If a save appears missing, first launch the branch/app that originally created it and check the official save-safety article before creating, deleting or overwriting files.
References: Official Subnautica 2 save-backup recommendation · Official Subnautica 2 Experimental branch overview · Official Subnautica 2 save behavior when switching branches
Do not mistake visibility for deletion or compatibility
The official guidance describes separate save locations and visibility by branch; it does not promise that a save created on Experimental will load on Default, that a manual file copy will be compatible with every future update, or that support can restore a damaged world. Preserve the original copy and follow current developer instructions if the save itself reports an error.
References: Official Subnautica 2 save behavior when switching branches · Official Subnautica 2 save-backup recommendation
Where this checklist stops
This is a prevention aid, not a restore procedure. It does not prescribe an unverified save-file path, promise cross-branch compatibility, or replace platform-specific instructions from Unknown Worlds. If the save shows an error after switching, stop changing files and use the current official support route with your platform, branch and build.
References: Official Subnautica 2 save-backup recommendation · Official Subnautica 2 Experimental branch overview
Before you play
- I identified which branch/build created the save I want to protect.
- I made and checked a separate manual copy before switching.
- I know Default and Experimental lists are separate and import/export does not bridge them.
- I selected the correct Steam branch or Xbox app for the save I expect to see.
Frequently asked questions
Did switching to Experimental delete my Default save?
Not necessarily. Unknown Worlds says each branch shows its own saves; return to the branch that created the save and make a manual backup before any further version changes.
Can I import an Experimental save into Default?
The official support article says the in-game import/export system does not carry saves across branches. Keep a manual backup, but do not assume it is a supported conversion.
Can Steam and Xbox keep both branches installed?
The cited support article says Steam has one build installed at a time, while Xbox installs Experimental as a separate app alongside stable.
Sources & revision notes
Editorial revision: November 5, 2026; not a gameplay test date. The reference notes identify source limits and version differences.
- Official Subnautica 2 save behavior when switching branches (Official)
Unknown Worlds support article updated August 11, 2026. It says Default and Experimental saves are kept separately, manual backups are recommended, and in-game import/export does not move saves between branches; PC and Xbox are covered.
- Official Subnautica 2 save-backup recommendation (Official)
Unknown Worlds support article updated August 12, 2026. It recommends backing up before changing branches or versions because Experimental is work in progress, and warns that import/export will not carry saves between versions.
- Official Subnautica 2 Experimental branch overview (Official)
Unknown Worlds support article updated August 12, 2026. Experimental may preview major updates or smaller fixes; timing is not fixed, so check current announcements for what is actually available.
November 5, 2026: added an Early Access branch-specific safety guide from Unknown Worlds' platform comparison and backup warnings. The checker only records reader confirmations; no game files were opened or copied.
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