Understanding Best First Tools And Upgrades
Choose upgrades that unlock the next depth safely
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.
How to use this information
Scanner, Seaglide, Repair Tool and oxygen improvements support nearly every starting plan.
What to avoid
Buying into advanced projects before the basic exploration loop is stable delays progress.
Step-by-step guide
Prioritize the Scanner
Prioritize the Scanner is a concrete milestone in this survival route, not a command to rush to the next depth. Start with Scanner. A handheld tool used to catalog organisms and collect blueprint data from fragments. Make this early; scan fragments systematically instead of hoarding random technology parts. The most common failure here is specific: Many blueprints require multiple fragments and cannot be unlocked by a single glance. Before leaving your staging point, review the equipment in your PDA, verify the depth of the objective and note which corridor you will take back. If you have not unlocked the required technology, scan fragments in known terrain and do a separate supply trip rather than risking all resources at once. The next connection is Seaglide: A handheld underwater propulsion device useful for early navigation and escaping slow threats. Scan its fragments early and keep battery management in mind on long trips. Those two topics form a useful checkpoint: finish the present task, repair any worn equipment, refill oxygen or cells, and update Beacons before you continue. Remember the related limitation: Fast movement does not extend the air in your oxygen tank. On this original-Subnautica route, a sensible plan is more valuable than a fixed set of unverified coordinates. Use this chapter as a decision path for your own save rather than assuming all fragments and resources have been found already.
Secure mobility and air
Secure mobility and air is a concrete milestone in this survival route, not a command to rush to the next depth. Start with Seaglide. A handheld underwater propulsion device useful for early navigation and escaping slow threats. Scan its fragments early and keep battery management in mind on long trips. The most common failure here is specific: Fast movement does not extend the air in your oxygen tank. Before leaving your staging point, review the equipment in your PDA, verify the depth of the objective and note which corridor you will take back. If you have not unlocked the required technology, scan fragments in known terrain and do a separate supply trip rather than risking all resources at once. The next connection is Laser Cutter: A tool that opens sealed doors in some wrecks, permitting access to additional fragments and supplies. Build after scanning its fragments and use in wrecks with a clear oxygen route. Those two topics form a useful checkpoint: finish the present task, repair any worn equipment, refill oxygen or cells, and update Beacons before you continue. Remember the related limitation: Cutting a door does not stop oxygen loss or make the adjacent room safe. On this original-Subnautica route, a sensible plan is more valuable than a fixed set of unverified coordinates. Use this chapter as a decision path for your own save rather than assuming all fragments and resources have been found already.
Build repair and cutting tools
Build repair and cutting tools is a concrete milestone in this survival route, not a command to rush to the next depth. Start with Laser Cutter. A tool that opens sealed doors in some wrecks, permitting access to additional fragments and supplies. Build after scanning its fragments and use in wrecks with a clear oxygen route. The most common failure here is specific: Cutting a door does not stop oxygen loss or make the adjacent room safe. Before leaving your staging point, review the equipment in your PDA, verify the depth of the objective and note which corridor you will take back. If you have not unlocked the required technology, scan fragments in known terrain and do a separate supply trip rather than risking all resources at once. The next connection is Moonpool: A docking module for Seamoth or Prawn Suit and an important upgrade hub. Plan depth clearance, a base power supply and vehicle approach before construction. Those two topics form a useful checkpoint: finish the present task, repair any worn equipment, refill oxygen or cells, and update Beacons before you continue. Remember the related limitation: A tight location can make docking awkward or impossible. On this original-Subnautica route, a sensible plan is more valuable than a fixed set of unverified coordinates. Use this chapter as a decision path for your own save rather than assuming all fragments and resources have been found already.
Develop Moonpool and Modification Station
Develop Moonpool and Modification Station is a concrete milestone in this survival route, not a command to rush to the next depth. Start with Moonpool. A docking module for Seamoth or Prawn Suit and an important upgrade hub. Plan depth clearance, a base power supply and vehicle approach before construction. The most common failure here is specific: A tight location can make docking awkward or impossible. Before leaving your staging point, review the equipment in your PDA, verify the depth of the objective and note which corridor you will take back. If you have not unlocked the required technology, scan fragments in known terrain and do a separate supply trip rather than risking all resources at once. The next connection is Seamoth Depth Module: A vehicle upgrade family that increases the Seamoth's survivable operating depth. Check the installed tier against the next biome before descending. Those two topics form a useful checkpoint: finish the present task, repair any worn equipment, refill oxygen or cells, and update Beacons before you continue. Remember the related limitation: A depth warning is not a suggestion to push farther for a few extra seconds. On this original-Subnautica route, a sensible plan is more valuable than a fixed set of unverified coordinates. Use this chapter as a decision path for your own save rather than assuming all fragments and resources have been found already.
Upgrade deep vehicles for late progression
Upgrade deep vehicles for late progression is a concrete milestone in this survival route, not a command to rush to the next depth. Start with Seamoth Depth Module. A vehicle upgrade family that increases the Seamoth's survivable operating depth. Check the installed tier against the next biome before descending. The most common failure here is specific: A depth warning is not a suggestion to push farther for a few extra seconds. Before leaving your staging point, review the equipment in your PDA, verify the depth of the objective and note which corridor you will take back. If you have not unlocked the required technology, scan fragments in known terrain and do a separate supply trip rather than risking all resources at once. The next connection is Scanner: A handheld tool used to catalog organisms and collect blueprint data from fragments. Make this early; scan fragments systematically instead of hoarding random technology parts. Those two topics form a useful checkpoint: finish the present task, repair any worn equipment, refill oxygen or cells, and update Beacons before you continue. Remember the related limitation: Many blueprints require multiple fragments and cannot be unlocked by a single glance. On this original-Subnautica route, a sensible plan is more valuable than a fixed set of unverified coordinates. Use this chapter as a decision path for your own save rather than assuming all fragments and resources have been found already.