Choosing a Base Location
The right location makes all the difference. Consider these factors:
- Depth: Shallow bases (under 50m) are easiest for early game access.
- Proximity to resources: Being near limestone, sandstone, and shale outcrops saves travel time.
- Creature safety: Avoid leviathan migration paths and hostile creature nests.
- Terrain: Flat ground makes construction much easier.
- Power potential: Near thermal vents or in sunny shallow areas for power generation.
Recommended Early Base Locations
| Location | Depth | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safe Shallows | 0-50m | Safe, plenty of resources | Can be far from deeper biomes |
| Grassy Plateaus | 50-150m | Good resources, central location | Some hostile creatures |
| Kelp Forest edge | 30-80m | Rich in creepvine, scenic | Stalkers may bother you |
Base Components Guide
Structural Components
| Component | Function | Key Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Multipurpose Room | Main living space, 4-wall construction | Titanium x6 |
| I Compartment | Corridor connector | Titanium x2 |
| L Compartment | Corner piece | Titanium x2 |
| T Compartment | T-junction | Titanium x3 |
| X Compartment | Cross junction | Titanium x3 |
| Vertical Connector | Connects different depths | Titanium x2 |
| Hatch | Entry/exit point | Titanium x2, Quartz x1 |
| Window | Viewing port | Glass x1 |
Functional Rooms
| Room | Function | Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Fabricator | Craft tools, equipment, food | Titanium x2, Gold x1, Table Coral Sample x1 |
| Scanner Room | Locate resources in range | Titanium x5, Copper x2, Gold x1 |
| Observation Room | Panoramic viewing dome | Titanium x3, Glass x2 |
| Alien Containment | Breed and study creatures | Titanium x5, Glass x2 |
Power Systems
Power is the lifeblood of your base. Without it, no oxygen, no fabricator, no lights.
Power Generation Options
| Generator | Output | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solar Panel | +75/s (day only) | Simple, maintenance-free | Only works during day, shallow depths |
| Thermal Plant | +250/s | High output, works 24/7 | Must be near thermal vents |
| Bioreactor | +500/s | Very high output | Requires organic fuel |
| Nuclear Reactor | +2500/s | Highest output, long-lasting | Late game, requires uranium |
💡 Pro Tip
Place solar panels on top of your base compartments for maximum sun exposure. Use power transmitters to bridge gaps between generators and your base if needed.
Power Storage
Power cells store excess energy for nighttime or peak usage:
- Battery: Basic storage. Craft multiple for redundancy.
- Power Cell: Higher capacity. Used in vehicles too.
- Ion Battery/Cell: Endgame storage. Much higher capacity.
Defensive Systems
Your base can be attacked by hostile creatures. Protect it:
- Base Reinforcement: Add reinforcement panels to increase hull integrity.
- Perimeter Defense: Shockwave system that drives away predators.
- Strategic Placement: Build away from leviathan paths and aggressive creature territories.
Hull Integrity
Every base starts with 10.0 hull integrity. Build deeper or larger bases require more reinforcement:
| Factor | Effect on Integrity |
|---|---|
| Depth (every 100m) | -2.0 integrity |
| Each compartment | -1.0 integrity |
| Reinforcement panel | +7.0 integrity |
| Window | -1.0 integrity (aesthetic but costly) |
⚠️ Warning
If hull integrity drops below 0, your base will flood. Always keep a safety margin — never build at exactly 0 integrity.
Efficient Base Layouts
Starter Base (Early Game)
A compact, efficient starting setup:
- Multipurpose Room
- Fabricator inside
- 2x Solar Panels on top
- Hatch for entry
- 2-4 Lockers for storage
Mid-Game Expansion
As you unlock more blueprints:
- Add a second Multipurpose Room
- Build a Scanner Room for resource tracking
- Add Water Filtration Machine
- Install Indoor Growbeds for food
- Build a Moonpool for vehicle docking
Late-Game Mega Base
For the ambitious architect:
- Multiple interconnected compartments
- Observation rooms for views
- Alien Containment for creature breeding
- Bioreactor or Nuclear Reactor for power
- Multiple Moonpools for vehicle fleet
- Decorative elements and customization
Advanced Tips
- Color coding: Use different colored lockers to organize resources by type.
- Multiple bases: Build small outposts near distant biomes for safe refueling.
- Scanner Room range: Upgrade scanner room range to find resources farther away.
- Bioreactor fuel: Oculus fish provide the longest-lasting bioreactor fuel.
- Moonpool priority: Build a Moonpool as soon as possible — vehicle recharging and repairs are essential.