Balita
I’ve spent days playing Subnautica 2, here’s how I built my base
J
Jason Rodriguez
As mentioned in our base-building guide, you have to amass a lot of resources if you wish to have your own abode. But what do you do next? Well, the answer is simple: You let your creativity run wild. All the while, you should scan more fixtures and find ideal locations to come up with amazing Subnautica 2 base layouts.
Place as many power generating devices in a limited space
There were two things that I had to consider before I constructed a base in Subnautica 2: Where would be the ideal location and how do I power up the facilities? I had the answer to both questions as soon as I saw a wide-open area with a fast-moving current.
For the first time in the Subnautica series, players are able to construct a Hydroelectric Turbine, which generates power by way of underwater currents. I placed a dozen of these devices in a single current before collectively attaching them to transmitters. Needless to say, the power never ran out for my machinery and fixtures.
You can do something similar once you’ve unlocked the Hydroelectric Turbine in case you stumble upon other underwater currents. The Thermal Plant is also a viable option, though it has to be placed near thermal vents; the hotter the spot, the more energy it produces. Lastly, take note that you only have to be mindful of resources if you’re playing in Survival Mode. If you choose Creative Mode, you’ll have unlimited crafting materials and power for your base.
A quaint base in the Shallows
I built my first base in Subnautica 2 in the Shallows, specifically in the large area with pink coral reefs and the underwater current. Admittedly, I had a very simple layout at the start, with just a couple of rooms and a Moonpool for my Tadpole submersible. I spent most of my time collecting nearby resources like Titanium, Copper, and Silver, as well as exploring the world to complete mission objectives.
Later, though, I decided to expand my base further. I added more rooms, stacking them up so I could build ladders and create multi-storey wings. I also placed mirrors and lights along corridors to give off that “advanced research institution” vibe.
Then, after I discovered the Growbed, I planted all sorts of alien flora, including Acid Raions, Cherimoya Rotsacs, Macaron Sponges, and Mimic Pylons. These plants are integral for survival, since they have materials that can be used to craft food and biofuel.
A base in the shadow of an alien tower
Having a base in the Karakorum region, which has the Alien Ruins marker if you’re following signal objectives, ought to be one of your long-term goals. Karakorum itself is approximately 1,000 meters east of the Lifepod, and you probably don’t want to travel back and forth all the time.
In my case, I built my home away from home just below the Observatory, the alien tower that dominates the landscape as you approach the biome. The man-made Research Station, which has long been abandoned by colonists, is also situated on a ridge below. There are plenty of resources too, such as Titanium, Copper, Atacamite, Celestine, and Creature Enamel.
This particular location made me feel as though I’m reclaiming the lands—or waters, rather—that were once controlled by intrepid pioneers. Although their whereabouts remain unknown, and it’s clear that many have already died without being “reprinted," this little outpost I’ve built is my way of ensuring that their efforts were not in vain. It helps that the nearby structures made by the enigmatic Axum, like the aforementioned Observatory as well as the Rosetta Stone tower and giant turbine, further add to the air of mystery that surrounds the place.
A base in a heated hellscape
The Zezuran Desert is halfway between the Shallows and Karakorum. This area isn’t for the faint of heart due to extremely high temperatures, multiple hostile creatures, and a very hungry Collector Leviathan that’s roaming around.
Is it a good idea to build a base here in Subnautica 2? Initially, I only had a small outpost here, which consisted of a room with a couple of lockers. It was a place where I stored materials that I would eventually haul back to either the Shallows or Karakorum.
Then an idea came to mind: What if I made use of the thermal vents? These superheated spots are found on sinewy coral structures, but each one had enough space for five, maybe six Thermal Plants. And that’s what I did: I had multiple interconnected segments to power up the whole area. Slowly but surely, I expanded the facilities to make a full-fledged base, which made it easier to collect resources like Gold, Lithium, and Sulfur.
Alien room decorations
It goes without saying that you should keep your eyes peeled for items left behind by alien beings, such as the Tailings and the Axum. The former have furniture that look and feel organic, as though made from corals and shells. The latter have designs that are equally ancient and high-tech at the same time.
Once you’ve found these blueprints, go ahead and use them to decorate your own xenos-inspired rooms. They certainly have a more unique look to them compared to those manufactured by Alterra.
Sleeping while gazing at the World Tree
One of my goals when I started playing Subnautica 2 was to build a base that would break the surface of the water. As I improved upon my headquarters in the Shallows, I realized that the rooms that I stacked were close to the water’s surface. From there, I added more corridors and ladders, eventually creating a circuitous route at the top.
For the interior, I made a half-round room where I placed a bed, a locker, a Reaper Leviathan statue, and a “Just Keep Swimming” poster with a cat, since we all know that cats are awesome regardless of the planet. The room itself has an immaculate view of the World Tree. Thankfully, my character has yet to succumb to the Masefield condition, even though I’ve been staring at the thing for hours.
Viewing decks for Collector Leviathans
Most players will construct a base in calm waters where there are very few predators. But what if you want to live on the edge? Well, you can do just that by creating a viewing deck near Collector Leviathans.
As the term implies, Leviathans are extremely large creatures that roam the depths of the planet. One variant that you can encounter in early access is the Collector Leviathan, a giant squid that’s able to grab you with its tentacles. If you can’t wiggle away from its grasp, you’ll be consumed whole.
Collector Leviathans are found in three locations: The trench near the Tadpole Pens, the expanse just before the Observatory in Karakorum, and the Metal Farms near the alien turbine. If you’re bold and daring, you can head to these areas. As soon as the Leviathan boss theme music plays, quickly build a corridor, a hatch, and a room to have a safe spot. From there, just place several mirrors to create a 360-viewing deck.
There’s certainly plenty of fun to be had in Subnautica 2. Get creative with your ideas and build large bases that are sure to surprise your friends when they join your world.
Those who would like to discover more underwater mysteries should pick up Subnautica 2, which is available now as an early access title on Epic Games Store. If you’re just starting your adventure, be sure to read our beginner’s guide and early access activities.