Where to Find Nickel Ore and Sulfur in Subnautica 2

Two Essential but Tricky Resources

Nickel Ore and Cave Sulfur are both essential in Subnautica 2 but are collected in very different ways. Nickel is a deep-resource needed for advanced vehicle modules, while Cave Sulfur comes from explosive Crashfish plants in the shallows. This guide covers both resources, where to find them, and how to collect them safely.

Where to Find Nickel Ore

Nickel Ore is found primarily in the lost river biome at depths of 400-900 m. The briny, ghostly waters of the lost river have Nickel deposits on the walls and floor, often near Lithium and other resources. You can collect loose Nickel by hand at the shallower end of the lost river, but the bulk deposits deeper in require the Prawn Suit drill arm.

Best Nickel Spots:

• Lost River corridor walls: loose Nickel ore nodes, hand-pickable.
• Deep lost river caverns: large deposits requiring the drill arm.
• Lava zone edges: occasional Nickel near the transition from the lost river.

Where to Find Cave Sulfur

Cave Sulfur comes from Crashfish, which live inside sulfur plants in shallow caves. When you approach a sulfur plant, the Crashfish bursts out and explodes after a short delay. If you survive, you can harvest the sulfur from the empty plant. Crashfish are found in the safe shallows caves, kelp forest caves, and grassy plateaus caves at depths of 0-150 m.

Collection Method Comparison

Tips for Mining Nickel

• Bring a Seamoth or Prawn Suit rated for 500+ m to reach the lost river.
• Watch for Ghost Leviathan juveniles that patrol the lost river corridors.
• Nickel ore is brownish and easy to miss; scan nodes to confirm before mining.
• Use the Prawn Suit drill arm on large deposits for 4-6 Nickel per node.

Tips for Collecting Cave Sulfur Safely

Crashfish explosions deal heavy damage and can kill an unarmored player. To collect sulfur safely:

• Approach the sulfur plant, trigger the Crashfish, then swim away immediately.
• Wait for the explosion at a safe distance (the Crashfish chases you briefly).
• Return to the now-empty plant and harvest the Cave Sulfur.
• Wear a reinforced dive suit to reduce explosion damage if you get hit.
• Alternatively, use the propulsion cannon to grab the Crashfish and throw it away before it explodes.

What Each Resource Is Used For

Nickel Ore is used for the Cyclops depth module MK3, the Prawn Suit depth module, and several high-tier vehicle upgrades. Cave Sulfur is used early in the game for the repair tool and the welder, making it one of the first resources you need to collect. Always carry a repair tool, which means you will need Cave Sulfur within the first hour of play.