Video walkthrough
Watch the route, then follow the written steps
Video chapters
Video references
Watch or inspect the route before you dive
Click YouTube cards to load the player. Open frame cards to compare local screenshot notes. Use the evidence to confirm landmarks, movement, and encounter pacing, then follow the written checklist below.
Base building tips reference
Watch for: Starter base placement, power and storage order, expansion clearance, and workflow-first building.
Resource access frame review
Watch for: Start with Base building tips guide / Starter base workflow at 01:45. Compare the screenshot cue, route note, and player action before following the guide in-game.
Expansion space frame review
Watch for: Start with Base building tips guide / Starter base workflow at 09:36. Compare the screenshot cue, route note, and player action before following the guide in-game.
Video watch notes
What to pause, compare, and write down
Do not watch the video like entertainment only. Use these notes as a second-screen checklist: pause on landmarks, confirm the player action, then return to the written route.
Watchlist
Pause on Starter site and identify the landmark, depth band, or objective state before following the next step.
Use Resource access to confirm what changed; if the video only shows a close-up, rebuild the route from the previous landmark.
Treat Expansion space as the exit rule: finish the objective, return, and update storage or crafting before adding side goals.
Starter site
Pick a starter site by route value before scenic value.
Action: Place the first base where repeat routes become shorter.
Resource access
Nearby resources decide whether the base will save time every session.
Action: Build power, storage, and fabricator workflow before decoration.
Expansion space
Expansion space matters only after the base workflow is stable.
Action: Leave expansion clearance and vehicle approach space.
Video route timeline
Turn the video into playable checkpoints
Use this section like a second-screen route sheet. Open each checkpoint, compare the frame, do the action, then stop if your route no longer matches the video evidence. It keeps the guide useful even when Early Access shifts small placements or creature behavior.
00:52Checkpoint 1: Place the first base where repeat routes become shorter.Pick a starter site by route value before scenic value.Expand
Starter site
Pick a starter site by route value before scenic value.
Player action
Place the first base where repeat routes become shorter.
If this fails
Reset to the last confirmed landmark or objective state, then repeat only the route-critical step.
01:45Checkpoint 2: Build power, storage, and fabricator workflow before decoration.Nearby resources decide whether the base will save time every session.Expand
Resource access
Nearby resources decide whether the base will save time every session.
Player action
Build power, storage, and fabricator workflow before decoration.
Proof before moving on
Nearby resources decide whether the base will save time every session.
Watch this timestampIf this fails
Use the video frame as evidence, but record entry, proof, and exit as separate notes.
09:36Checkpoint 3: Leave expansion clearance and vehicle approach space.Expansion space matters only after the base workflow is stable.Expand
Expansion space
Expansion space matters only after the base workflow is stable.
Player action
Leave expansion clearance and vehicle approach space.
Proof before moving on
Expansion space matters only after the base workflow is stable.
Watch this timestampIf this fails
Return, craft, sort storage, or retest the route before turning this page into a longer objective chain.
00:52Checkpoint 4: Add rooms only when the current base workflow is cramped.Pick a starter site by route value before scenic value.Expand
Starter site
Pick a starter site by route value before scenic value.
Player action
Add rooms only when the current base workflow is cramped.
If this fails
Reset to the last confirmed landmark or objective state, then repeat only the route-critical step.
Gameplay evidence
Screenshots to match before you keep swimming
Use these frames as visual checkpoints. If the terrain, lighting, or landmark does not match, slow down and re-check the route instead of forcing the next step.
Starter site
Pick a starter site by route value before scenic value.
Resource access
Nearby resources decide whether the base will save time every session.
Expansion space
Expansion space matters only after the base workflow is stable.
Route decision lab
Decide if this route is worth running now
This section turns the video into a practical in-game decision. Use it before leaving base, after the first landmark, and again before entering a deeper or darker area.
Route purpose
Build the first base as a route hub: power, storage, fabricator, scanner support, and vehicle approach first; decoration and large rooms come after the base is saving route time every session.
Visual checkpoint
Pick a starter site by route value before scenic value.
Map anchor
Base Building Tips Workflow Anchor in First base shelf. Use it for use this before expanding a base so the build improves routes instead of becoming clutter.
Abort rule
Building a scenic base that slows every material route.
Field manual translation
Build the first base as a route hub: power, storage, fabricator, scanner support, and vehicle approach first; decoration and large rooms come after the base is saving route time every session. Use this progression route manual as a second-screen checklist: identify the entry condition, confirm the objective with a visual proof point, then stop when the return rule is met. This keeps the article practical for Early Access patches without pretending every coordinate or state is final.
Primary job
Starter base - Place the first base where repeat routes become shorter.
Best entry habit
Habitat Builder - Build power, storage, and fabricator workflow before decoration.
Stop condition
Building a scenic base that slows every material route. - Leave expansion clearance and vehicle approach space.
Patch-safe reading
Exact item positions can shift during Early Access. The useful part of this page is the route logic: what to prepare, what visual cue to confirm, what objective to finish, and when to turn back.
Updated
2026-06-12 / field-tested / Early Access
What this guide covers
Requirements
- Habitat Builder
- Power source
- Storage plan
Use this if
You want a route you can follow from video evidence without needing exact official coordinates. The screenshots and steps are written to help you recognize areas, landmarks, and decisions while playing.
Early Access can move details. Treat this as a video-based walkthrough and verify landmarks in your own build.
Step-by-step walkthrough
Follow the video route without guessing
Place the first base where repeat routes become shorter.
Use this step as a route checkpoint, not as a promise that every object spawns in one exact coordinate. Match the landmark, compare the screenshot, then continue only if the return path is still clear.
If your game build looks different, stay with the same decision: keep oxygen safe, scan or collect the current blocker, and return before pushing into the next unknown area.
Pick a starter site by route value before scenic value.
Build power, storage, and fabricator workflow before decoration.
Use this step as a route checkpoint, not as a promise that every object spawns in one exact coordinate. Match the landmark, compare the screenshot, then continue only if the return path is still clear.
If your game build looks different, stay with the same decision: keep oxygen safe, scan or collect the current blocker, and return before pushing into the next unknown area.
Nearby resources decide whether the base will save time every session.
Leave expansion clearance and vehicle approach space.
Use this step as a route checkpoint, not as a promise that every object spawns in one exact coordinate. Match the landmark, compare the screenshot, then continue only if the return path is still clear.
If your game build looks different, stay with the same decision: keep oxygen safe, scan or collect the current blocker, and return before pushing into the next unknown area.
Expansion space matters only after the base workflow is stable.
Add rooms only when the current base workflow is cramped.
Use this step as a route checkpoint, not as a promise that every object spawns in one exact coordinate. Match the landmark, compare the screenshot, then continue only if the return path is still clear.
If your game build looks different, stay with the same decision: keep oxygen safe, scan or collect the current blocker, and return before pushing into the next unknown area.
Pick a starter site by route value before scenic value.
After-action plan
What to do after the guide works
Bank the result
Add rooms only when the current base workflow is cramped.
Clean the inventory
Move route-critical materials into labeled storage so the next dive starts with empty space and a clear job.
Pick the next guide
A practical best-base-locations guide focused on starter safety, resource radius, power, storage, vehicle access, and upgrade pacing.
Next route queue
Use these as the next blockers to solve after this route. Each queue card keeps the same evidence style: source video, gameplay frames, and a written checklist.
Best immediate follow-upBest Base Locations Guide
A practical best-base-locations guide focused on starter safety, resource radius, power, storage, vehicle access, and upgrade pacing.
Use if the route branchesHow to Unlock the Habitat Builder Early
A beginner-safe route for unlocking the Habitat Builder early and converting the first scan route into a useful starter base.
Save for the next diveStorage Optimization Guide
A practical storage guide for labeled lockers, route-based reserves, vehicle cargo, and avoiding clutter after farming runs.
Detailed notes
base workflow route plan
Base Building Tips Guide is useful when the route is treated as a focused job instead of a full-map sweep. Start by naming the blocker, checking the loadout, and matching the first landmark before copying the video. The player goal is not to memorize every second of movement; it is to understand why the route begins there, what proves progress, and when the route should stop.
Route type: base workflow
Proof to confirm: working power, storage, and crafting loop
Primary blocker: Habitat Builder
Best follow-up: Add rooms only when the current base workflow is cramped.
How to use this in-game
Turn this note into one action before leaving base: decide the objective, keep only the materials or tools that support it, then stop the route once the scan, pickup, or landmark is confirmed. This keeps the guide useful even when Early Access patches move small details.
How to use the video evidence
Watch for the entry frame, the proof frame, and the exit frame. The entry frame tells you whether you are in the right terrain band. The proof frame tells you whether the scan, pickup, blueprint, puzzle state, or build decision actually happened. The exit frame protects the run from turning into a panic search after the objective is already solved.
Entry frame: match terrain before diving deeper
Proof frame: confirm working power, storage, and crafting loop
Exit frame: return before adding side goals
How to use this in-game
Turn this note into one action before leaving base: decide the objective, keep only the materials or tools that support it, then stop the route once the scan, pickup, or landmark is confirmed. This keeps the guide useful even when Early Access patches move small details.
Stop rule
Stop expanding when the base solves the current route problem; build the next module only after a new workflow need appears. If the route fails, change one variable before trying again: bring the missing tool, empty inventory, approach from a clearer landmark, or wait until oxygen, vehicle depth, or defensive options match the route. That makes the next attempt safer and gives the page useful field notes instead of repeated guesswork.
How to use this in-game
Turn this note into one action before leaving base: decide the objective, keep only the materials or tools that support it, then stop the route once the scan, pickup, or landmark is confirmed. This keeps the guide useful even when Early Access patches move small details.
Video route notes
Base Building Tips Guide should be followed as a progression route, not as a memory test. Start by watching the first route movement and naming the entry condition before copying the path in-game. Place the first base where repeat routes become shorter. Then pause again when the video reaches the first visible proof point, because that is where the guide changes from general advice into an action you can repeat. Build power, storage, and fabricator workflow before decoration. If the route starts to feel different in your build, keep the same player goal: turn the video into a safe repeatable session plan.
Entry check: Habitat Builder
Route action: Place the first base where repeat routes become shorter.
Proof to look for: objective proof
Version note: Early Access / field-tested
How to use this in-game
Turn this note into one action before leaving base: decide the objective, keep only the materials or tools that support it, then stop the route once the scan, pickup, or landmark is confirmed. This keeps the guide useful even when Early Access patches move small details.
Screenshot checkpoints
Use screenshots as checkpoints instead of decoration. The first image should answer where the route begins, the second should show what confirms progress, and the third should explain what to do after the scan, pickup, puzzle state, or threat read is visible. Leave expansion clearance and vehicle approach space. This is especially important in Early Access because exact positions can drift while landmarks, depth bands, room states, and player decisions stay useful. A good screenshot lets you say, "I am at the right kind of place," before you risk oxygen, storage space, or vehicle safety.
Entry frame: match the landmark before moving deeper
Proof frame: confirm objective proof
Exit frame: know the return direction before adding side goals
Loadout frame: check Power source
How to use this in-game
Turn this note into one action before leaving base: decide the objective, keep only the materials or tools that support it, then stop the route once the scan, pickup, or landmark is confirmed. This keeps the guide useful even when Early Access patches move small details.
Stop rule and next dive
The most useful part of this page is the stop rule. Building a scenic base that slows every material route. Expanding rooms before power and storage are stable. When the objective is confirmed, return and convert it into progress: craft the upgrade, sort the material, save the route note, or mark the blocker as solved. If the route fails, do not repeat the same swim blindly. Change one variable at a time: enter from a clearer landmark, reduce inventory clutter, bring the missing tool, or wait until oxygen and vehicle support match the route. That turns a failed progression route into better field knowledge instead of another overextended dive.
How to use this in-game
Turn this note into one action before leaving base: decide the objective, keep only the materials or tools that support it, then stop the route once the scan, pickup, or landmark is confirmed. This keeps the guide useful even when Early Access patches move small details.
Common mistakes
Building a scenic base that slows every material route.
Expanding rooms before power and storage are stable.
Ignoring vehicle approach and scanner placement.
FAQ
Is this guide for the current Subnautica 2 build?
This page is written for Early Access and includes a visible update date. Treat exact values as tracking notes until the current build is field-tested.
Does this page use official screenshots?
Pages combine attributed official Steam / Unknown Worlds media, local gameplay frame captures, and source-video evidence cards. New player-submitted captures should keep the route, timestamp, and build context attached.
Community notes
Add a field report
Player reports enter a moderation queue. Approved notes can load from Supabase; pending drafts stay visible in this browser for follow-up.
Near starter shallows
Approx. 70-120m from pod
Confirm oxygen before leaving the first landmark. The route is much safer when you mark the return path before collecting side materials.
Guide-wide
N/A
Creature patrol ranges and fragment placement can shift between builds, so treat exact distances as field estimates until multiple players confirm them.