SUBNAUTICA / EXPLORATION

Depth Rating

Vehicles are rated for certain water depths and can be upgraded with appropriate modules.

QUICK REFERENCEFirst SubnauticaReviewed 2026-10-28Reference / noindex
Original Volpedia schematic category illustration
OVERVIEW

Understanding Depth Rating

Vehicles are rated for certain water depths and can be upgraded with appropriate modules.

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

Check upgrade depth before descending toward caves or alien facilities.

COMMON MISTAKES

What to avoid

Crossing a depth rating can damage or destroy a vehicle.

CONTINUE ON VOLPEDIA

Related topics and walkthroughs

VEHICLESSeamoth Depth Module

A vehicle upgrade family that increases the Seamoth's survivable operating depth.

EXPLORATIONBase Hull Integrity

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

GUIDESBest First Tools And Upgrades

Choose upgrades that unlock the next depth safely

PROGRESSIONLava Zone Preparation

Prepare advanced depth upgrades, thermal precautions and power for the volcanic layers.

EQUIPMENTRebreather

An equipment piece that helps reduce oxygen penalties at greater depths.

VEHICLESSeamoth

A small one-person submersible suited to fast travel and many middle-depth scouting trips.

PROGRESSIONSeamoth Upgrade Route

Progress from the first vehicle to depth upgrades, repairs and Moonpool support.

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.