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.
Crystal and early material route context
Watch for: Visible cave route, crystal-style pickup recognition, shallow material discipline, and safe exit timing.
Crystal check frame review
Watch for: Start with Early material cave route / Quartz location guide at 02:07. Compare the screenshot cue, route note, and player action before following the guide in-game.
Route start frame review
Watch for: Start with Early material cave route / Quartz location guide at 00:50. 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 Cave entry and identify the landmark, depth band, or objective state before following the next step.
Use Crystal check to confirm what changed; if the video only shows a close-up, rebuild the route from the previous landmark.
Treat Route start as the exit rule: finish the objective, return, and update storage or crafting before adding side goals.
Cave entry
Use the cave or route-band entry as the repeatable cue before looking for crystal pickups.
Action: Check which craft needs Quartz and how many pieces are required.
Crystal check
Confirm the visible pickup style before turning the route into a general mineral sweep.
Action: Enter from a landmark that can be recognized on the return trip.
Route start
The route start matters because Quartz is only useful when players can return safely.
Action: Confirm the crystal shape before collecting general minerals nearby.
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.
01:41Checkpoint 1: Check which craft needs Quartz and how many pieces are required.Use the cave or route-band entry as the repeatable cue before looking for crystal pickups.Expand
Cave entry
Use the cave or route-band entry as the repeatable cue before looking for crystal pickups.
Player action
Check which craft needs Quartz and how many pieces are required.
Proof before moving on
Use the cave or route-band entry as the repeatable cue before looking for crystal pickups.
Watch this timestampIf this fails
Reset to the last confirmed landmark or objective state, then repeat only the route-critical step.
02:07Checkpoint 2: Enter from a landmark that can be recognized on the return trip.Confirm the visible pickup style before turning the route into a general mineral sweep.Expand
Crystal check
Confirm the visible pickup style before turning the route into a general mineral sweep.
Player action
Enter from a landmark that can be recognized on the return trip.
Proof before moving on
Confirm the visible pickup style before turning the route into a general mineral sweep.
Watch this timestampIf this fails
Use the video frame as evidence, but record entry, proof, and exit as separate notes.
00:50Checkpoint 3: Confirm the crystal shape before collecting general minerals nearby.The route start matters because Quartz is only useful when players can return safely.Expand
Route start
The route start matters because Quartz is only useful when players can return safely.
Player action
Confirm the crystal shape before collecting general minerals nearby.
Proof before moving on
The route start matters because Quartz is only useful when players can return safely.
Watch this timestampIf this fails
Return, craft, sort storage, or retest the route before turning this page into a longer objective chain.
01:41Checkpoint 4: Collect the target count and leave on the same route line.Use the cave or route-band entry as the repeatable cue before looking for crystal pickups.Expand
Cave entry
Use the cave or route-band entry as the repeatable cue before looking for crystal pickups.
Player action
Collect the target count and leave on the same route line.
Proof before moving on
Use the cave or route-band entry as the repeatable cue before looking for crystal pickups.
Watch this timestampIf this fails
Reset to the last confirmed landmark or objective state, then repeat only the route-critical step.
02:07Checkpoint 5: Note the route band if the pickup location proves repeatable.Confirm the visible pickup style before turning the route into a general mineral sweep.Expand
Crystal check
Confirm the visible pickup style before turning the route into a general mineral sweep.
Player action
Note the route band if the pickup location proves repeatable.
Proof before moving on
Confirm the visible pickup style before turning the route into a general mineral sweep.
Watch this timestampIf this fails
Use the video frame as evidence, but record entry, proof, and exit as separate notes.
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.
Cave entry
Use the cave or route-band entry as the repeatable cue before looking for crystal pickups.
Crystal check
Confirm the visible pickup style before turning the route into a general mineral sweep.
Route start
The route start matters because Quartz is only useful when players can return safely.
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
Find Quartz by using a visible route band, confirming the crystal shape, collecting the recipe amount, and returning before visibility or oxygen pressure turns the farm into guesswork.
Visual checkpoint
Use the cave or route-band entry as the repeatable cue before looking for crystal pickups.
Map anchor
Quartz Crystal Route Band in Shallow crystal cave band. Use it for use this when a recipe needs quartz and you want a visible route instead of a random cave sweep.
Abort rule
Diving deeper just because the first visible Quartz was easy.
Field manual translation
Find Quartz by using a visible route band, confirming the crystal shape, collecting the recipe amount, and returning before visibility or oxygen pressure turns the farm into guesswork. Use this resource 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
Quartz - Check which craft needs Quartz and how many pieces are required.
Best entry habit
Recipe target - Enter from a landmark that can be recognized on the return trip.
Stop condition
Diving deeper just because the first visible Quartz was easy. - Confirm the crystal shape before collecting general minerals nearby.
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 / tracking / Early Access
What this guide covers
Requirements
- Recipe target
- Clear route band
- Open inventory
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
Check which craft needs Quartz and how many pieces are required.
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.
Use the cave or route-band entry as the repeatable cue before looking for crystal pickups.
Enter from a landmark that can be recognized on the return trip.
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.
Confirm the visible pickup style before turning the route into a general mineral sweep.
Confirm the crystal shape before collecting general minerals nearby.
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.
The route start matters because Quartz is only useful when players can return safely.
Collect the target count and leave on the same route line.
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.
Use the cave or route-band entry as the repeatable cue before looking for crystal pickups.
Note the route band if the pickup location proves repeatable.
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.
Confirm the visible pickup style before turning the route into a general mineral sweep.
After-action plan
What to do after the guide works
Bank the result
Note the route band if the pickup location proves repeatable.
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
Which resources to prioritize first, which to store, and which to avoid hoarding until a recipe proves they matter.
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-upResource Priority List
Which resources to prioritize first, which to store, and which to avoid hoarding until a recipe proves they matter.
Use if the route branchesCopper Location Guide
A focused Copper route for early recipes, starter wiring, storage discipline, and safe return planning in Subnautica 2 Early Access.
Save for the next diveSalt Location Guide
A Salt route page for food, water, route planning, and short repeatable gathers without turning survival prep into a long detour.
Detailed notes
Quartz routes need visual proof
A good Quartz guide should show the crystal, the terrain around it, and the direction back. The pickup alone is not enough if players cannot repeat the approach.
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.
When to leave
Leave after the recipe count is solved. Quartz is useful, but extra crystals become clutter if they are not attached to a base or tool plan.
Recipe count
Crystal proof
Return direction
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
Quartz Location Guide should be followed as a resource route, not as a memory test. Start by watching the first route movement and naming the entry condition before copying the path in-game. Check which craft needs Quartz and how many pieces are required. 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. Enter from a landmark that can be recognized on the return trip. If the route starts to feel different in your build, keep the same player goal: repeat the route without relying on a perfect coordinate.
Entry check: Recipe target
Route action: Check which craft needs Quartz and how many pieces are required.
Proof to look for: material or fragment proof
Version note: Early Access / tracking
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. Confirm the crystal shape before collecting general minerals nearby. 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 material or fragment proof
Exit frame: know the return direction before adding side goals
Loadout frame: check Clear route band
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. Diving deeper just because the first visible Quartz was easy. Collecting random crystals without linking them to a craft. 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 resource route into better field knowledge instead of another full-inventory wander.
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
Diving deeper just because the first visible Quartz was easy.
Collecting random crystals without linking them to a craft.
Forgetting the return line while searching for a second deposit.
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.