Written by Chen Xi, PC & Console Requirements Specialist at Game Launch Hub
Solarpunk System Requirements: PC Specs, PS5, Xbox, Switch 2 & Steam Deck Performance Guide
Solarpunk is a cozy first-person survival crafting sandbox from German two-person studio Cyberwave and publisher rokaplay, set across a bright archipelago of floating sky islands where you build, farm, automate, and explore by airship. Performance-wise, this is a lightweight Unreal Engine title that runs comfortably on modest hardware, though the Nintendo Switch 2 version has been the subject of widespread technical criticism. It launched on 8 June 2026 simultaneously across PC via Steam, the Epic Games Store, and GOG, as well as PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2. It is also available day one on Xbox Game Pass and supports Xbox Play Anywhere.
System Requirements
Minimum (Windows)
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit) |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-8400 @ 2.80GHz or AMD Ryzen 5 2600 |
| Memory (RAM) | 6 GB |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 (6 GB) or AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT (6 GB) |
| VRAM | 6 GB |
| DirectX | DirectX 12 compatible |
| Storage | 5 GB available space |
| Network | Broadband internet connection required |
| Additional Notes | Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system. Online co-op for up to 4 players. |
Source: Steam Support system requirements for Solarpunk, Epic Games Store listing, and GamersGate. Last verified: 24 September 2026.
What this means in practice: The minimum tier targets 1080p at 30 to 60 fps on low-to-medium settings. The Core i5-8400 is a 2017 processor and the GTX 1660 is a 2019 mid-range card with 6 GB of VRAM. This is hardware from roughly six to nine years ago, and it represents a modest but real GPU requirement. The 6 GB VRAM floor is the detail that matters most: a 4 GB card will not meet this specification. The 6 GB system RAM requirement is unusually low by 2026 standards, which is a direct reflection of the game’s lightweight scope and small install footprint. The 5 GB install size is one of the smallest of any 2026 release. If you have a gaming PC from the last six to seven years with a 6 GB GPU and 6 GB of RAM, you will clear this bar comfortably. The broadband internet requirement is listed even for single-player, likely because of the online co-op system and cloud features.
Recommended (Windows)
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| OS | Windows 11 (64-bit) |
| Processor | Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 |
| Memory (RAM) | 8 GB |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 7600 XT or better |
| VRAM | 8 GB to 12 GB depending on the card |
| DirectX | DirectX 12 compatible |
| Storage | 5 GB available space |
| Network | Broadband internet connection required |
| Additional Notes | Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system. |
Source: Steam Support system requirements for Solarpunk, Epic Games Store listing, and Green Man Gaming. Last verified: 24 September 2026.
What this means in practice: The recommended tier targets 1080p at 60 fps on high settings, and the hardware request is a modest step up from the minimum. The RTX 3060 is a 2021 mid-range card and the RX 7600 XT is a 2024 card. The jump from 6 GB to 8 GB of RAM is the most meaningful change between tiers, and it reflects the game’s memory footprint growing as more buildings, automated systems, and sky islands are loaded simultaneously. The 8 GB to 12 GB VRAM on the recommended GPUs is more than a cozy survival game needs at 1080p, and you will not be VRAM-limited at this resolution. If you have a gaming PC from the last three to four years with an RTX 3060 or better and 8 GB of RAM, you will meet this tier comfortably.
A Note on VRAM and System RAM
The 6 GB VRAM minimum is the hard GPU threshold: a 4 GB card will not meet this specification. This is notable because the game’s cozy art style and floating island environments might suggest lower demands. The 6 GB system RAM minimum is unusually low and reflects the game’s compact scope. The 8 GB RAM recommendation is the more meaningful upgrade path if you want consistent frame rates when your base grows large and multiple automated systems are running. Do not upgrade your GPU beyond an RTX 3060 for this game unless you are targeting resolutions above 1080p. The game runs smoothly on mid-range hardware, as multiple reviewers have confirmed.
PlayStation 5
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Firmware | Latest PS5 system software |
| Storage | Not specified on the PlayStation Store listing; PC version requires 5 GB |
| Performance | Stable 60 fps, described by GamePro as running “in stabilen 60 fps” |
| Additional Notes | Single player and online co-op (up to 4 players). PS Plus required for online play. No crossplay between platforms. DualSense vibration supported. |
Source: GamePro’s PS5 test, ThumbCulture’s PS5 review, and the PlayStation Store listing. Last verified: 24 September 2026.
What this means in practice: The PS5 version runs at a stable 60 fps, as confirmed by GamePro’s testing. The reviewer noted that “die PS5-Version läuft in stabilen 60 fps und sieht optisch wirklich schön aus” (the PS5 version runs at a stable 60 fps and looks really beautiful). ThumbCulture’s review described the game as “charming” and noted that “Solarpunk isn’t pushing the limits of the PS5, but it sure is charming.” The main progression can be completed in around 20 hours, according to ThumbCulture. The game supports single player and online co-op for up to 4 players, though PS Plus is required for online play and there is no crossplay between platforms. If you own a PS5, this version performs impeccably without any technical concerns.
Xbox Series X|S
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Firmware | Latest Xbox system software |
| Storage | Not specified on the Xbox Store listing; PC version requires 5 GB |
| Performance | 60 fps+, described by XPN Network as running “smoothly at 60fps+” with “bright, clean, and inviting” visuals |
| Additional Notes | Optimised for Xbox Series XS. Xbox Play Anywhere. Day one on Xbox Game Pass. Xbox Cloud Gaming compatible. Online co-op (2-4 players). |
Source: XPN Network’s Xbox review, Xbox Wire, and the Xbox Store listing. Last verified: 24 September 2026.
What this means in practice: The Xbox Series X|S version runs at 60 fps+, according to XPN Network’s review, which described the visuals as “bright, clean, and inviting” and noted that the game “isn’t pushing the hardware, but it doesn’t need to.” The Xbox Play Anywhere support is a genuine value point: a digital purchase grants access on both console and Windows PC. The game is available day one on Xbox Game Pass, making it a low-risk option for subscribers, and Xbox Cloud Gaming compatibility means you can stream it without installing. The Xbox Series S version is also available and runs at the same 60 fps target. If you own an Xbox Series X or Series S, this version runs without any performance concerns.
Nintendo Switch 2
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Firmware | Latest Nintendo Switch 2 system software |
| Storage | 610 MB (digital download, per Nintendo eShop) |
| Performance | Severe performance issues reported. Niche Gamer noted “performance issues are abound in the Switch 2 version.” Nintendo-Town described the graphics as receiving “un downgrade assez fort” (a fairly strong downgrade). |
| Additional Notes | TV, Tabletop, and Handheld modes supported. Switch 2 is only compatible with microSD Express cards for expansion. No crossplay with other platforms. |
Source: Niche Gamer’s Switch 2 review, Nintendo-Town’s Switch 2 test, Nintendo Official Site product page, and Testing Buddies. Last verified: 24 September 2026.
What this means in practice: The Switch 2 version is the weakest platform for this game by a significant margin, and you should know this before buying. Niche Gamer’s review, which was played on Switch 2, stated plainly that “performance issues are abound in the Switch 2 version of Solarpunk.” Nintendo-Town’s French-language test was even more critical: “les graphismes subissent un downgrade assez fort sur Nintendo Switch 2. Si le jeu sur PC manque de personnalité avec ses graphismes très neutres, la version sur notre console hybride est peu flatteuse” (the graphics undergo a fairly strong downgrade on Nintendo Switch 2. If the PC game lacks personality with its very neutral graphics, the version on our hybrid console is not flattering). The reviewer scored the game 5.6/10 on Switch 2, compared to more favourable scores elsewhere. The 610 MB install size is the smallest of any platform and reflects the significant asset compression required to run on the hardware. If you own a Switch 2 and want to play Solarpunk, the game is playable but the visual and performance compromises are substantial. The PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC versions are all significantly better.
Steam Deck
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | Playable (Valve’s middle compatibility tier) |
| Performance | 50-60 fps on Steam Deck OLED, per DeckTube testing. Some features require touchscreen or a community controller config. Non-Steam Deck controller icons are shown. Text input requires manual keyboard invocation. |
| Additional Notes | The game’s default configuration performs well on Steam Deck. Battery lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, or 4 hours if capped at 30 fps. |
Source: DeckTube’s Steam Next Fest impressions, GamerLifestyle’s Steam Deck review, tuxDB’s Steam Deck listing, and Notebookcheck. Last verified: 24 September 2026.
What this means in practice: Solarpunk carries a Playable rating on Steam Deck, which is Valve’s middle compatibility tier rather than the full Verified badge. DeckTube’s Steam Next Fest testing found that the game “runs beautifully on the Steam Deck OLED, hitting 50-60 FPS and looking stunning on the OLED screen.” GamerLifestyle’s review confirmed that “op medium settings draait het soepel, de besturing voelt goed met de controller, en het type game past perfect bij handheld spelen” (on medium settings it runs smoothly, the controls feel good with the controller, and the type of game is perfect for handheld play). The main caveats are that some features require touchscreen input or a community controller config, non-Steam Deck controller icons are shown, and text input requires manual keyboard invocation. Battery life is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes at full performance, extending to 4 hours if you cap the frame rate at 30 fps. The 5 GB install size means it takes up almost no storage space. If you own a Steam Deck and enjoy cozy survival games, this is a comfortable portable experience.
macOS and Linux: Not Available
Solarpunk is a Windows-only release on PC. The Steam store page and The Games Wiki’s platform data confirm that there are no Mac or Linux versions planned. The developer has stated that “there is no Mac version planned as of right now. The dev team is basically 2 people and their focus is on PC. If the game sells super well, that might change. But developing for Mac is a difficult task for an indie.” Steam Deck users play through Proton, and the Playable rating confirms that this compatibility layer works. Desktop Linux users can attempt to run the game through Proton, though this is not officially supported by Cyberwave.
Crossplay and Multiplayer
Solarpunk supports online co-op for up to 4 players, with each player having their own inventory and the option to share progression or build separately. However, there is no crossplay between platforms. GamePro’s review confirms that “es gibt kein Crossplay. Einladungen können nur an die Freundesliste der jeweiligen Plattform verschickt werden” (there is no crossplay. Invitations can only be sent to the friends list of the respective platform). This means PC players can only play with other PC players, PS5 players with other PS5 players, and so on. Xbox Play Anywhere allows cross-progression between Xbox consoles and Windows PC, but not crossplay with other platforms.
Price and Editions
Solarpunk is priced at $22.99 / €22.99 on PC and consoles, with no launch discount. The game is available on Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass at no additional cost for subscribers, which makes the Xbox and PC versions a low-risk option for those with a subscription. There is a single standard edition with no Deluxe or Collector’s Edition announced.
Reception and Review Scores
Solarpunk has received mixed to positive reviews across platforms. The game holds a 77 percent positive rating on Steam from around 460 user reviews at launch, rising to 82 percent positive from 3,065 reviews as of mid-June 2026. PC Games gave it 7 out of 10, praising the building system and automation features while criticising “long airship journeys, monotonous resource gathering and limited NPC interaction.” The game reached a peak of over 10,000 concurrent players on Steam within a day of launch. The main progression takes roughly 20 hours to complete, with additional time for building and exploring.
Final Verdict: Can Your Setup Run Solarpunk?
Solarpunk is an accessible cozy survival game on PC. The minimum spec asks for a Core i5-8400, 6 GB of RAM, and a GTX 1660 with 6 GB of VRAM, which is hardware from 2017-2019. The 6 GB VRAM floor is the hard threshold: a 4 GB card will not meet it. The 5 GB install size is tiny, and the 6 GB RAM minimum is unusually low for a 2026 release. If you have a gaming PC from the last six to seven years with a 6 GB GPU and 6 GB of RAM, you can run this game at 1080p and 60 fps without difficulty. The recommended tier asks for an RTX 3060 and 8 GB of RAM, which is achievable on most mid-range gaming PCs from the last three to four years.
The 6 GB VRAM requirement is the most important upgrade consideration. If you own a 4 GB card, you cannot run this game regardless of its raw compute power. The 8 GB RAM recommendation is the second most meaningful upgrade path, particularly for larger bases with many automated systems.
On console, the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions both run at a stable 60 fps with no reported technical issues. The Xbox version supports Play Anywhere and is available day one on Game Pass. The Nintendo Switch 2 version is the weakest platform, with widespread performance issues, significant graphical downgrades, and a review score of 5.6/10 from Nintendo-Town. On Steam Deck, the game is Playable and runs at 50-60 fps on medium settings, though some features require touchscreen or community controller configurations. There is no macOS or Linux version. The game supports online co-op for up to 4 players, but there is no crossplay between platforms.