SUBNAUTICA / EXPLORATION

Beacon Navigation

Beacons provide reusable visual landmarks when terrain looks similar.

QUICK REFERENCEFirst SubnauticaReviewed 2026-10-28Reference / noindex

OVERVIEW

Understanding Beacon Navigation

Beacons provide reusable visual landmarks when terrain looks similar.

This is an original reference for the first Subnautica. Your current depth rating, oxygen, available tools and navigation route determine when an objective is practical. Follow actual in-game PDA and Fabricator information for any values that vary by version.

PRACTICAL APPROACH

How to use this information

Mark cave exits, deep-zone entrances and important wrecks with clear labels.

COMMON MISTAKES

What to avoid

A marker placed randomly will not help distinguish several nearby tunnels.

CONTINUE ON VOLPEDIA

Related topics and walkthroughs

EQUIPMENTBeacon

A deployable navigation marker that appears on the HUD after placement.

TIPSUse Landmarks Not Blind Coordinates

Terrain shapes, beacon markers and wreck landmarks support safer navigation.

EXPLORATIONCave Navigation

Tight, dark caves create orientation and oxygen risks.

GUIDESBiomes And Safe Navigation

Navigate Subnautica from the shallows to the deep caves

TIPSCarry a Beacon on First Visits

A useful resource spot may be difficult to find again.

VEHICLESSeaglide

A handheld underwater propulsion device useful for early navigation and escaping slow threats.

EXPLORATIONBase Hull Integrity

Habitat parts and depth affect the stress placed on seabase structures.

Back to Survival Systems

Independent Volpedia editorial encyclopedia about the first Subnautica, reviewed 2026-10-28. Unaffiliated with Unknown Worlds Entertainment. Category illustrations are original diagrams, not in-game maps, screenshots or exact creature portraits. No fabricated damage statistics, spawn probabilities or detailed map coordinates. References are documented privately and not shown as outbound research buttons.