Where to Find Lithium in Subnautica 2: Best Mining Locations

What Lithium Is Used For

Lithium is a critical mid-game resource in Subnautica 2. It is required for base reinforcements, the Prawn Suit, plasteel ingots, and several depth modules. You will need dozens of Lithium over a playthrough, so knowing where to farm it efficiently saves hours of searching. This guide covers the best biomes and methods.

Best Biomes for Lithium

1. Mountain Island Caves

The mountain island above water has cave systems with loose Lithium ore on the walls and floor. This is one of the safest early sources because you can mine it without diving deep. Bring a flashlight and watch for Cave Crawlers on the surface.

2. Lost River

The lost river is the premier Lithium farming zone. Large Lithium deposits line the walls and floor, and you can mine them with the Prawn Suit drill arm for bulk quantities. The ghostly water and bone fields make navigation easy once you learn the layout.

3. Deep Sparse Reef

The sparse reef at mid-depths has scattered Lithium ore nodes on the seabed. It is less dense than the lost river but safer and accessible with a Seamoth.

4. Dunes Sea Floor

The dunes contain Lithium deposits but are patrolled by Reaper Leviathans. Only go here with a fast vehicle and an escape plan.

Depth and Tool Requirements

Efficient Farming Method

For bulk Lithium, take a Prawn Suit with a drill arm and storage modules into the lost river. Drill the large pinkish-white deposits along the walls. Each deposit yields several Lithium, and the deposits respawn over time. Fill both storage modules in a single trip for 48 Lithium, enough for multiple upgrades and base projects.

Safety Tips

• The lost river has Ghost Leviathans; stay alert and keep your repair tool handy.
• On the mountain island, watch for Cave Crawlers that swarm in groups.
• In the dunes, never stop moving; Reaper Leviathans home in on stationary targets.
• Always check your oxygen before entering caves; Lithium nodes are often deep inside.

Alternative Sources

If you cannot reach the lost river yet, scan large resource deposits with the scanner; some yield Lithium when broken down. You can also find Lithium inside sea truck cargo crates and time capsules left by other players. Early-game, the mountain island caves are your best bet for a reliable supply without deep diving.