As a lifelong gamer and video creator passionate about immersive fantasy worlds, I know an epic base when I see one. After over 300 hours submerged in underwater survival hit Subnautica, I’ve established decked-out bases in every alien biome across planet 4546B. I’m here to share exclusive tips to help fellow survivors construct their own underwater HQ paradise!
Choosing Your Base Site – What to Consider
Many newcomers ask – where should I build my first base? While Subnautica‘s expansive map offers picturesque backdrops around every corner, some locations are vastly superior to others in terms of functionality. When scouting that perfect base spot, ensure the biome meets these essential criteria:
Access to Vital Resources: You need a steady supply of raw materials like quartz, metal salvage and stone outcrops for base expansion. Metals like copper, silver and gold should be abundant too.
Space to Build Wide: Check for open spaces free of dense coral and sea spires that limit base size potential. You’ll want room to spread out!
Depth Range for Vehicles: Can your Seamoth or Prawn Suit safely access this area? Watch those depth limits!
Limited Predator Presence: Nothing derails base construction faster than bitey wildlife! Avoid Leviathan patrol routes.
Reliable Power Source: Every base needs energy, whether solar, thermal or bioreactor. Ensure local options are viable long-term!
While beginners may rush to build their first base in the Safe Shallows, more advanced builders should consider the prime locations below…
Prime Base Candidate Biomes
Before picking your base location, familiarize yourself with each candidate biome and compare their unique pros and cons using this handy table:
| Biome | Depth Range | Key Resources | Power Options | Wildlife Threat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safe Shallows | 0-200m | Quartz, Scrap Metal | Solar | Minimal |
| Kelp Forest | 0-300m | Quartz, Titanium | Solar/Thermal | Medium |
| Grassy Plateaus | 50-200m | Metal Salvage, Quartz | Solar/Thermal | Low/Medium |
| Grand Reef | 200-500m | Quartz, Metals | Solar/Thermal | Medium/High |
| Jellyshroom Cave | 300-500m | Magenite, Uraninite | Geothermal | Minimal |
| Bulb Zone | 200-450m | Gel Sack, Lithium | Geothermal | Medium |
| Lost River | 500-1200m | Nickel, Uranium | Geothermal | High |
| Underwater Islands | 50-200m | Quartz, Scrap Metal | Solar | Low |
| Blood Kelp Zone | 200-450m | Diamond, Magnetite | Solar/Thermal | High |
Now let‘s do a deep dive on prime biomes along with base tips for truly making them your own…
Safe Shallows Seabases
For those new to Subnautica, establishing your first small seabase in the Safe Shallows is smart given the lack of aggressive wildlife. With easy access to Kelp Forest and Grass Plateau resources, it makes an ideal home for early-game exploration.
Just don’t expect to build any sprawling seabases here long-term; the Safe Shallows simply lacks the space and resources to facilitate serious base expansion. However, here are some starter Safe Shallows base tips:
- Construct against large exterior cave walls to take advantage of maximum indoor/outdoor space
- Build Foundations 5-6 stories high to accommodate Large Rooms
- Leave an Open Ceiling for seamless Seamoth docking access
- Position Solar Panels on the seafloor above for optimal light
Once you outgrow the Safe Shallows, move your operation to one of the prime biomes below for advanced bases…
Kelp Forest Bases
Vast Kelp Forests spanning gorgeous golden kelp provide superb spaces for mid-game seabases, given their freedom from aggressive wildlife. With direct access to the Grassy Plateaus surface biome, Kelp Forest is convenient for gathering ample Quartz, Metal Salvage and other starter materials.
Contending with local Stalkers can be frustrating but is easily remedied by storing all external materials in Storage Lockers. For maximizing your Kelp Forest base, I recommend these starter tips:
- Find clearing spaces between thick kelp stalks for room to build
- Harvest local Creepvine to fuel BioReactors en masse
- Plant indoor Growbeds for food sustainability
- Install perimeter Floodlights to deter pesky Stalkers
- Customize with a glass Ceiling Array for unobstructed sunlight
When ready to expand further, the Lost River awaits…
Lost River Bases
Establishing a late-game base along the subterranean waterways of the Lost River allows unmatched access to rare end-game resources…at the cost of extreme depths and deadly Ghost Leviathan guardians. Yet for the ambitious seabase architect, few biomes boast the sheer majestic grandeur of the Lost River.
Vast skeletons litter an alien river network lined with green brine, roaring waterfalls and ominous lava cracks. Ghostly trees dot the sparkling caverns churning with thermal energy—the perfect backdrop for your seabase masterpiece! Construct along the mechanical Ancient structures and not only do you get built-in Alien Containment tanks, but also power outlets for an instant thermal reactor!
For surviving the trip down and building in the Lost River caverns, I recommend:
- Bring a Prawn Suit equipped with Grappling Arm and Drill Arm
- Craft Depth Modules 1-3 for your vehicles
- Choose remote cavern spaces avoided by Ghost Leviathans
- Use the mechanical Ancient walls as exterior hull reinforcements
- Build Alien Containment tanks to safely research local lifeforms
- Customize with green cultivators to complement the environment
What better inspiration for creativity than building amongst alien ruins themselves? Now let’s explore more exotic base options in the Bulb Zone…
Bulb Zone Bases
Journey deeper among Subnautica’s vivid alien flora and you’ll discover the perpetually nighttime Bulb Zone, where colossal bioluminescent “Bulbo Trees” tower over the seabed. GlowingAnchor Pods bathe the environment in azure light alongside fiery Thermal Spires—prime scenery for constructing a dazzling seabase!
Nestled between the Crack Mounds connecting to the Lost River and the northern Blood Kelp Zone, Bulb Zone offers outstanding access to late-game regions. Just watch for pesky Ampeels and their nasty electric shocks! For maximizing bases here, I recommend:
- Choose base sites guarded by Crags to obstruct Ampeels
- Harvest Bulbo Tree Samples to fuel Bioreactor power
- Plant outdoor Growbeds with Bulbo Saplings for illumination
- Build Multipurpose Rooms amid Anchor Pod clusters
- Install Large Glass Compartments for panoramic views
Additionally, the abundance of rubies and lithium make Bulb Zone ideal for late-game upgrades like vehicle jump jets and ultra capacity air tanks. Just mind the depths when making material runs!
Underwater Islands Paradise
Few biomes rival the Underwater Islands for sheer above-water beauty. These idyllic island chains offer raised alternate platforms for base building surrounded by vibrant coral shelves and gleaming plateaus. Having these oceanic oases all to yourself to develop feels like paradise!
With minimal predator threats beyond occasional curious Stalkers, Underwater Islands is ideal for builders craving open-air tropical aesthetics. Set up a coastal bungalow across bridges, clear shallow corals for waterfront property or claim an entire island to yourself—this biome is perfect for creative, self-sustaining seabases.
My top tips for constructing your island getaway oasis:
- Build bridge networks between islands to travel fast above water
- Fill island interiors with Louisville trees and outdoor Growbeds
- Install glass Multipurpose Rooms, Observatories and Compartments to enjoy gorgeous views
- Position Solar Panels above water on islands for optimal sunlight
- Decorate withfloodlights, lanterns and potted Chinese potatoes for a resort feel
Don‘t have the cushy surface-level real estate you crave? Then build it yourself!
Constructing Custom Lands
Once familiar with base building mechanics, I highly recommend builders terraform their own custom land masses! By strategically stacking Flat Foundations, Large Cuboid Rooms and angled Half Walls, you can meticulously create elevated land to serve as giant surface platforms for base construction.
Benefits of building your own custom land pockets include:
- Total creative control over shape and geography
- Ability to build entirely above water as if on land
- Provides return port when gathering resources far from base
- Raised height keeps many hostile wildlife out of reach
This advanced technique allows realizing practically any imaginative base idea. Construct a deep sea reef observatory mounted atop a sheer spire, tropical atoll getaway built across pillars, hilltop monastery looming over an alien valley.
The possibilities are limited only by your creativity!
Final Tips for Base Building Bliss
Once you‘ve established a well-supplied base in your biome of choice, it’s time for upgrading and customizing to create your perfect living sanctuary. While Station Architects prioritize utility over comfort, what survivor would trade style for substance? Apply these decorative touches to turn even the most Spartan seabase into an underwater dream home:
- Adorn walls with paintings, photos and potted plants (Chinese Potatoes provide oxygen!)
- Fill rooms with flora like Ball Plants, Lanterns and Spotted Plantpots
- Install WALL-mounted Lockers near Crafting stations to easily organize material components
- Position Floodlights and Ceiling Lights to show off majestic environments
- Customize PRAWN Suit colors using Vehicle Upgrade Consoles to match base interiors
- Use Interior Modules to add cozy beds, chairs, coffee tables and rugs with warmth bonuses
- Build decorative Aquariums with carefree tropical fish to boost morale
And if restrictive compartment room limits ever impede your wild base visions, simply install the wonderful No Base Building Limits mod by PrimeSonic—it’s a base builder’s dream! This incredible mod lets you build exponentially bigger and better bases free of performance issues. Check it out!
So dream big, builders! May you find the perfect site to construct your fantasy base in Subnautica’s alien depths. This guide only touches the surfaces of possibilities. Now get to building your underwater world!
