Gathering mid-to-late game resources in Subnautica is a crucial milestone for expanding your survival capabilities on planet 4546B. Among these valuable materials, Nickel Ore plays a central role in crafting essential depth upgrades for your submersibles and vehicles. Finding these shiny metallic chunks requires diving deep into dangerous underground biomes, demanding proper preparation and the right equipment.
Primary Locations for Finding Nickel Ore
Nickel Ore is primarily located in the Lost River, a vast subterranean biome filled with green acidic rivers and ancient skeletal remains. You can spot individual pieces scattered along the floor of the cavern passages or sitting beneath the brine pools. For players seeking real-time updates and survival guides, checking daily gaming news offers fresh insights into open-world exploration games.
Another reliable location to search is the Inactive Lava Zone, which lies directly beneath the Lost River network. However, the higher temperatures and dangerous local fauna make harvesting Nickel in this zone far more risky. Most players prefer clearing out the Lost River corridors first before venturing any deeper into the planet core.
Essential Gear for Deep Sea Extraction
Before embarking on a Nickel harvesting run, equipping your Prawn Suit with the Drill Arm is highly recommended. While small individual chunks can be picked up by hand, large Nickel deposits can only be harvested using the drill attachment. Using a Prawn Suit also protects your character from the environmental hazards lurking in deep caves.
Additionally, upgrading your Cyclops or Seamoth with maximum depth modules ensures safe transit to these lower depths. Packing extra power cells, food, and water is vital since expeditions into the Lost River can take a significant amount of time. Having a Sonar Upgrade installed also helps navigate the pitch-black tunnels without running into aggressive predators.
Navigating the Lost River Safely
Entering the Lost River can be accomplished through several cave entrances, including the Deep Grand Reef and the Blood Kelp Trench. The Blood Kelp entrance provides one of the most straightforward paths directly into the central chamber where Nickel deposits are frequent. Marking your path with beacons helps prevent getting disoriented in the winding subterranean corridors.
Keep a close eye on the Ghost Leviathan that patrols the Center Chamber within the Lost River biome. Moving quietly in your vehicle or utilizing silent running modes minimizes the chance of drawing unwanted attention. Once you secure the necessary Nickel Ore, return to your base fabricator to immediately upgrade your depth limits.
