Welcome to the Beginner’s Guide designed for new players who may be facing challenges or are gearing up to thrive in Subnautica. You might also find the Exploration Tips section useful.

Contents

  • 1 Introduction to various online resources for beginners
  • 2 Prior to beginning your adventure in Subnautica
    • 2.1 Virtual Environment
    • 2.2 Direction
    • 2.3 Prevent irritation
    • 2.4 Creating
      • 2.4.1 Complete Reimbursement
      • 2.4.2 Storage Solutions
      • 2.4.3 Design Plans
      • 3.1 Fundamentals
      • 3.2 Acquiring Essential Supplies
      • 3.3 The Lifepod
      • 3.4 Your Broadcast Station
      • 3.5 Scanning Device
      • 3.6 Recovery of Metals and Oxygen Cylinders
      • 3.7 Fish Species (such as Peepers) and Culinary Uses
      • 3.8 Titanium and Your Survival Blade
      • 3.9 Samples of Coral and Water
      • 3.10 Managing Radiation

      Introduction to various online resources for beginners.

      You can discover helpful resources in the guide database for Subnautica available on Steam.

      Prior to diving into Subnautica,

      Virtual universe [ ]

      The whole of Subnautica is set within a region known as The Crater, which spans roughly 3 kilometers in length and width, reaching a depth of 1,700 meters. This area is encircled by the Crater Edge, a perilous and largely barren biome.

      The world of Subnautica is static instead of being generated procedurally. As a result, all landscapes, buildings, ecosystems, Data Boxes, and locations where leviathans appear remain the same across different game saves.

      There are differences among saved games. One of the most significant variations is the exact position of Lifepod 5, which consistently appears in the Safe Shallows, but its specific location can change. Additionally, the items found in outcrops are entirely random.

      Orientation [ ]

      1. The distance you can see above the water is approximately two kilometers. However, some significant objects above the surface will not become visible until you approach them much closer. When you go underwater, visibility is significantly restricted, even in daylight. This is primarily due to the restricted render distance beneath the surface, which severely hampers your ability to navigate.
      2. Subnautica deliberately omits a map from its in-game interface, enhancing player immersion by encouraging exploration and personal discovery.
      3. The game employs a waypoint and compass system in lieu of a traditional map, displaying your current depth along with an icon for Lifepod 5 and the distance to it. Players can craft and position extra beacons to establish new waypoints. Through the PDA, users can activate, deactivate, and personalize these waypoints, allowing for differentiation by altering their colors from the standard blue to shades like orange, red, light blue, or yellow.
      4. Rather than placing beacons, the player might opt to establish artificial landmarks, such as an Exterior Growbed filled with bioluminescent Creepvine.
      5. Navigating through underwater cave systems and the interiors of wrecks presents a unique challenge due to the complexities of the third dimension. To assist with this, you can create the Pathfinder Tool.
      6. When you look at the small moon, which can only be seen from sunset until sunrise, you are consistently looking directly north.
      7. The sun ascends in the northeast, slightly north of that direction, and descends in the southwest, slightly south of that point.
      8. The Aurora’s elongated axis is oriented in a manner akin to that of the sun, with its impaired bow directed towards the northeastern sunrise and its stern positioned towards the southwestern sunset.

      Steer clear of irritation.

      1. It is the blend of
        • a sense of disorientation (where was that place once more?)
        • a deficiency of direction (which task to begin and complete next?)
        • insufficient organization (determine the next steps and focus solely on those without allowing distractions)
        • Various elements of the game, such as the ability to construct numerous unnecessary items, the tendency to become sidetracked, the risk of getting lost, and the possibility of being consumed, contribute to a sense of frustration!
      2. Engage in the game with intention and strategize effectively.
        • Are you interested in going on a scavenging trip? If so, be sure to clear out your inventory first!
        • Are you interested in establishing a new seabase? If so, make sure to gather a full inventory of essential resources, including seeds for food, to avoid unnecessary trips back and forth.
      3. Beacons can be quite beneficial, but avoid scattering them everywhere in an attempt to create an alternative map! Your visibility range will still be limited, and you’ll end up with numerous (unhelpful) virtual markers cluttering your surroundings. Instead, set a beacon only when you discover a location you plan to revisit soon, such as when you’re scavenging and your inventory is nearly full. Once you’re finished, take down the beacon to use it in a different location!
      4. Limited visibility can significantly hinder your ability to navigate, making a map less useful than you might expect! To enhance your gaming experience, avoid consulting external maps, and consider that sound might carry better than light when you’re underwater.
      5. If eliminating predators isn’t an option, perhaps you could find ways to evade or divert their attention?
      6. Select the game mode that you believe suits you the most!
      7. If you’re finding it difficult to manage your PDA and it’s causing frustration, you can enable the Pause on PDA feature in the Accessibility settings.

      Creating [ ]

      Crafting is divided into two distinct categories:

      • You can take out your Habitat Builder and create structures using the resources available in your inventory wherever you are.
      • There are various kinds of stationary equipment that can be constructed using the habitat builder, although the majority of them need to be placed within a “seabase.” These items require specific raw materials found in the inventory to create a wider range of objects.

      Complete Refund [ ]

      The habitat builder allows you to reclaim all resources upon deconstruction, so you don’t need to stress about constructing the “incorrect” items. In survival mode, you will receive a full refund of resources when you dismantle. Simply equip your habitat builder and press and hold the Q key (on PC) or the down-DPad (on PS4 or Xbox) while aiming at the structure.

      Storage [ ]

      Storage Unit 03

      1. Your inventory consists of a 6×8 grid. Initially, this provides ample space, as none of the items you can craft demand a large quantity of materials!
      2. Subnautica isn’t a grind: There’s no necessity to accumulate vast quantities of resources, which would demand multiple storage units that you would have to access repeatedly. Additionally, you won’t find yourself aimlessly traversing between different areas over and over.
      3. Engage in the game gradually: collect only the essentials, return to the Pod, and create the necessary items! Enjoy the stunning plant and animal life along your journey.

      Plans [ ]

      At the beginning of the game, you possess a number of Blueprints. Additional Blueprints can be discovered throughout Subnautica by scanning various fragments and collecting data boxes.

      Suggestions [ ]

      • All batteries and Power Cells within the game can be recharged! Unlike actual batteries that are made from lead and acid, Subnautica utilizes copper and acid mushrooms for their construction. This choice is made to maintain game balance.

      Introduction to the Getting Started Manual [ ]

      In Subnautica, you take on the role of a technologically advanced survivor. The adventure starts with you escaping in Lifepod 5.

      In “Survival mode,” it’s essential to consistently consume food and water, although you have an infinite number of lives. If you happen to die, your current inventory will be lost immediately, and you will reappear in the last location you visited prior to your demise, retaining the inventory you possessed at that moment.

      It’s essential to understand that the save mechanism in this game operates quite differently from what you might expect in other titles. Saving is primarily intended for when you need to take a break from the game. It does not shield you from the consequences of your character’s death. There is no option to restore your progress, and you are limited to a single save slot for each character. If your character dies, you will revert to the last point you were at a player habitat, such as a lifepod, seabase, or Cyclops. Any vehicles and their contents that were destroyed will be irretrievably lost.

      At the beginning of the game, your Health is at 81%, your Food is at 51%, and your H is at 90%.2Every Lifepod is equipped with a locker that holds two nutrient blocks, two bottles of filtered water, and two flares. However, you need to put out a fire that has ignited inside your Lifepod before you can open this locker. Putting out the fire with the Fire Extinguisher serves as a brief introduction to fundamental game mechanics, including food and hydration.2If the player chooses to bypass the introduction, they will begin the game with the fire already put out.

      At the start of the game, you find yourself without any equipment, but you do possess a PDA. The game prompts you to press Tab to open it. However, since the PDA is malfunctioning, it only holds the designs for a limited number of basic tools.

      Collect food, water, and raw materials. Check your PDA to determine the quantities required. Most resources can be obtained by picking them up with the left mouse button, but certain items need to be harvested using a Survival Knife or Thermoblade with the right mouse button.

      You have the ability to create gear that enhances your swimming velocity and performance.2Effectiveness and Capability

      The initial blueprints for the Fabricator will assist you during the early stages of the game, but to progress further, you will require more advanced tools and gear.

      Certain tools operate on batteries that gradually deplete their charge. By pressing R while using a battery-operated device, you can replace it with any fully charged batteries from your inventory. Used batteries can be recharged using a Battery Charger, which needs to be constructed within a Seabase.

      The universe of Subnautica is segmented into various biomes. Lifepod 5 makes its descent into an area referred to as the Safe Shallows.

      Every aggressive creature has the potential to take your life, yet very few can do so in an instant. This provides you with an opportunity to flee before they can deliver the final blow.

      Fundamentals [ ]

      Once you enter the water, it’s essential to keep an eye out for several key resources that will allow you to obtain important items and supplies. You will be encouraged to break apart a limestone formation close to your life-pod right away. Below are two concise lists for your attention: Essential Tools:

      Randomized Priority List

      • Scanning Tool
      • Standard Oxygen Cylinder
      • Cuisine, particularly prepared Peepers.
      • Survival Blade
      • Purified or sanitized water obtained from bleach or bladderfish (water is likely the most critical resource in Survival mode).
      • Fixing Instrument
      • Fins

      Essential Supplies: List of Priorities in No Particular Order

      Ways to obtain essential supplies [ ]

      • Titanium – Recovery of Metal or Limestone Formations
        • In the Kelp Forest, you may come across metal scraps, as stalkers often enjoy “playing” with them.
        • Consider attempting to catch Bladderfish; they move at a slower pace compared to most fish and can serve as a source of water.
        • Creepvine Seed Cluster – Luminous yellow seeds located on Creepvines within the Kelp Forest.
          • Be cautious of Stalkers, as they naturally appear in these regions. Providing them with peepers or metal scraps will calm them down for a short period.
          • Copper Ore can be obtained by mining Limestone Outcrops or by harvesting Barnacles.
          • Acid Mushrooms are violet-hued fungi that typically grow in clusters on the seabed.
            • While gathering seeds with a knife, keep in mind that the Acid Mushroom will release a small quantity of acid, which can cause harm.
            • Salt deposits are characterized by white formations that resemble quartz, yet they exhibit a more angular crystalline structure.
            • Coral Tube Sample – Employ a knife to slice through the coral tubes located in the Safe Shallows.

            The Lifepod [ ]

            Lifepod 5 acts as the player’s respawn point upon death until they access a habitat or the Cyclops. In the early stages of the game, this lifepod will provide a safe haven.

            A key element of the lifepod is the Fabricator, which is essential for crafting items. As you scan fragments or collect specific materials, you will unlock new crafting recipes. Utilizing the Fabricator will gradually deplete the Energy stored in the three self-recharging Power Cells located on the bulkhead. Additionally, the lifepod is equipped with a Medical Kit Fabricator, which produces a new First Aid Kit every half game day (equivalent to 10 minutes in real-time) and will emit a beep to signal its completion. Fabrication will only resume once the First Aid Kit is removed from the device.

            The space located behind the ladder is crucial since it holds essential supplies such as food and water. If the storage is at capacity, items can be placed on the seabed beneath the lifepod. However, keep in mind that Stalkers have a tendency to interact with metallic objects.

            Your Station [ ]

            Your lifepod is fitted with a compact radio that enables you to pick up signals from other lifepods or ships. Tuning into these signals is often beneficial, as they may guide you to unexplored locations, new materials, and advance the narrative. However, ensure you are ready before you embark. The radio will require repairs before it becomes operational.

            Scanner Instrument [ ]

            The Scanner is arguably the most crucial tool in the game. It is utilized for conducting self-scans and scanning fragments, as many essential tools depend on fragments.

            Metal Recovery and Oxygen Cylinders [ ]

            Fragments of metal debris are strewn across the seabed. Keep an eye on your oxygen levels while searching for metal scraps, aiming to collect at least three pieces for your initial tank, and possibly a survival knife. Once you’ve gathered the metal, head to the fabricator to transform it into titanium. This tank will provide an additional 30 seconds of oxygen, bringing your total to 75 seconds. Note that it will occupy four slots in your inventory.

            Once you acquire 2 Creepvine Seed Clusters, along with 2 Quartz and Titanium, you can proceed to create the Fins and the Standard Oxygen Tank.

            Peepers (or alternative edible fish) & Cuisine [ ]

            In terms of sustenance, the Peeper stands out as a healthy option, providing +32 food points. Its distinctive large yellow eye makes it easily recognizable, and it can also serve as a decoy to deter predators. While Garry fish can be caught with greater ease, they offer significantly less nutrition, contributing only +18 food points. Below is a list of all the consumable fish found in the Safe Shallows:

            One drawback of the Peeper is its speed, which makes it challenging to catch. Nevertheless, once you create your initial set of fins, you should find it easier to catch a few. A single Creepvine Seed Cluster contains sufficient resources to craft them.

            If you’re unable to locate or catch a Peeper, feel free to catch any smaller fish nearby. Most fish in the Safe Shallows are safe to eat, with the exception of the Gasopod, Rabbit Ray, and Crashfish.

            Bladderfish serve as an excellent food option for novices, thanks to their sluggish movement. Even more significantly, they can be utilized to create Filtered Water.

            When you catch fish, you bring them to the fabricator to explore crafting options and to cook or cure them. Consuming a regular Peeper will result in a loss of -15 water. Cooked fish will spoil after a while. If you don’t consume them right away, curing fish offers the benefit of preservation, but it requires salt and will still lead to dehydration.

            Titanium and Your Survival Blade

            As you search for metal salvage, keep an eye out for Limestone Outcrops. If you’re fortunate, you might discover Titanium in the initial few outcrops you examine. Exploring confined spaces, such as the interiors of large tubes or caves, could enhance your chances of locating Titanium. Additionally, these nodes also yield copper, which is essential for crafting batteries for your equipment.

            Once you acquire titanium and a Creepvine Seed Cluster (which yields 2 silicone rubber), you can create a Survival Knife.

            Coral Specimens and Water [ ]

            Now that you possess a survival knife, it’s time to collect some Coral Tube Samples. Search for a Giant Coral Tube, large enough to swim through, and use your knife to strike it. Once you have the samples, combine them with a Salt Deposit to create Bleach. This will allow you to produce Disinfected Water, which will increase your hydration by +30.

            If you’re unable to attend and find yourself in a pinch, consider catching some Bladderfish. They can be utilized to create filtered water. While it may not be as effective as our original strategy, it still provides a decent boost of +20 to your hydration.

            Managing Radiation [ ]

            When the Aurora detonates, dangerous radiation will permeate the waters around it, reaching nearly one kilometer from the ship. This radiation will hinder your ability to explore the nearby areas, but you can overcome this obstacle by creating a Radiation Suit. To craft the suit, you will need two Fiber Mesh, which can be made from four Creepvine Samples. These samples can be obtained by striking creepvines with a survival knife, along with two pieces of Lead. Lead can be extracted from Sandstone Outcrops. Once you have crafted the Radiation Suit, you will also receive a radiation helmet and radiation gloves. To ensure complete protection from radiation, you must wear all three items. While the radiation can be mitigated, it is up to the player to discover the solution.

            Hazardous Beings [ ]

            As you delve deeper into Subnautica, you’ll start to come across various creatures that are hostile to intruders in their domain. One of the most frequently encountered threats is the Stalker, which you can find in the Kelp Forest. As you venture further into the depths, the dangers will increase, and it’s advisable to steer clear of the Aurora, as it is typically protected by a Reaper Leviathan.

            You’ve accomplished it! [ ]

            Congratulations on reaching this point! You’re now equipped to navigate your initial days and nights in the unfamiliar realm of Subnautica. Keep this Wiki handy for guidance or information if you find yourself in need, but above all, dive into the exploration and have fun with the game! 🙂

            What should be the next step? [ ]

            With your immediate necessities addressed, it’s time to begin your exploration. However, your exploration capabilities are constrained by the amount of equipment you have found and constructed. The biomes around Lifepod 5 become progressively deeper and more perilous. Although it’s not essential to uncover every piece of technology or every point of interest, doing so will certainly aid your journey. Here are a few recommendations for your next steps, presented in a random order:

            • Locate and analyze pieces of the Seaglide to construct your own, enhancing your speed and expanding your exploration capabilities.
            • Find the additional Lifepods to gather extra supplies and potentially acquire a complete Radiation Suit. The Radio on the Lifepod will transmit messages indicating their locations, provided you have fixed it.
            • Locate the pieces of the Multipurpose Room within the Degasi Seabases by following the hints provided by Lifepod 19.
            • Create a Habitat Builder to construct a Seabase, which will allow you to store your items, cultivate food, and access a wider range of tools than what the Lifepod offers. In the meantime, you can utilize Waterproof Lockers for temporary storage if necessary.
            • Search through wrecks for fragments and resources; you’ll discover much of the advanced gear and technology you seek in these areas.
            • Construct a Mobile Vehicle Bay and a Seamoth to facilitate your exploration of deeper waters and distant biomes away from the Lifepod. Ensure you have discovered the necessary blueprints in the relevant wrecks beforehand.
            • Ultimately, construct a Cyclops to serve as your mobile headquarters, but first, ensure you have discovered all the necessary advanced blueprints in the relevant biomes.
            • Investigate extraterrestrial facilities to advance the narrative.
            • Investigate the remains of the Aurora (a Radiation Suit is necessary). CAUTION: The area is inhabited by highly dangerous creatures, so exercise caution!
            • While exploring the Aurora, you’ll come across all the components needed to assemble the Prawn Suit. This suit can be utilized for delving into deeper biomes or for extracting large resource deposits.
            • Hold on for the Sunbeam to come to your aid.

            You have the freedom to enjoy the game at your own speed; however, the game will guide you toward specific story milestones that you must accomplish to advance and ultimately leave the planet. These milestones can be tackled at your convenience, but they often lead you to new areas and necessitate the discovery of particular items, such as a vehicle capable of reaching deeper locations or various keys for access. Feel free to consult this wiki for assistance, but be cautious of spoilers, as the element of surprise is a crucial aspect of the experience. If you find yourself uncertain about your next steps, remember to Dive Deeper.

            Wishing you the best of luck, and be cautious of the Leviathans!

            Citations [ ]