One of the most fascinating aspects of Subnautica is its vast, handcrafted open world set on the ocean planet 4546B. Unlike traditional open-world maps, Subnautica doesn’t give players a full map upfront. Instead, exploration is driven by curiosity, danger, and discovery. Understanding the key regions of the Subnautica map can greatly improve survival, progression, and overall enjoyment—especially for new players.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most important regions on planet 4546B, explaining what makes each area unique and why they matter in your underwater journey.
The Safe Shallows – Your Starting Point
The Safe Shallows is where every Subnautica adventure begins. This shallow, coral-filled biome surrounds the crash site of the Aurora and serves as a beginner-friendly area.
Key features include:
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Abundant early-game resources like titanium, copper, and quartz
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Minimal hostile creatures
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Ideal sunlight exposure for solar-powered bases
Most players build their first base near or within the Safe Shallows due to its safety and accessibility.
Kelp Forest – Early Exploration Zone
Bordering the Safe Shallows, the Kelp Forest is easily recognizable by its tall, swaying kelp vines. While still relatively safe, this area introduces mild threats and new crafting materials.
Why it’s important:
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Source of Creepvine seeds and samples
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Home to fragments for essential tools
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Early exposure to aggressive fauna
This region encourages players to move beyond the comfort zone while still remaining manageable.
Grassy Plateaus – Mid-Game Resource Hub
The Grassy Plateaus is a wide-open biome characterized by red grass and sandy terrain. It plays a crucial role in mid-game progression.
Highlights include:
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Abundant sandstone outcrops
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Entrances to deeper biomes
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Fragments for vehicles like the Seamoth
Many players choose to build secondary bases here due to its central location and access to deeper zones.
Jellyshroom Caves – Hidden Underground Biome
Located beneath the Grassy Plateaus, the Jellyshroom Caves are a glowing, alien underground biome filled with bioluminescent flora.
Why players explore it:
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Rare resources such as magnetite
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Story-related data and blueprints
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Unique atmosphere and visual design
Although visually stunning, the confined space and aggressive creatures make it a more dangerous area.
Mushroom Forest – Technology Discovery Zone
The Mushroom Forest is a peaceful but mysterious biome dominated by giant mushroom-like trees. It’s one of the best places to find advanced technology fragments.
Key benefits:
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Cyclops fragments
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Open terrain for vehicle navigation
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Relatively low threat level
This biome rewards exploration and is often overlooked by rushed players.
Blood Kelp Zone – Gateway to the Deep
The Blood Kelp Zone marks a major shift in tone and difficulty. Dark, eerie, and dangerous, it serves as a transition into the deeper parts of the map.
Why it matters:
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Entrance to late-game biomes
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Access to rare materials
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Strong narrative significance
Players should only enter this region once properly equipped.
Lost River – The World Beneath the World
The Lost River is one of the most iconic regions in Subnautica. This massive underground biome connects several deep zones and plays a key role in the game’s story.
Notable features:
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Green brine rivers
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Fossilized skeletons
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Late-game resources and facilities
Exploring the Lost River requires careful preparation and upgraded vehicles.
Lava Zones – Endgame Regions
The Inactive Lava Zone and Lava Lakes represent the deepest and most dangerous areas on planet 4546B. These biomes are essential for completing the game.
What to expect:
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Extreme heat and pressure
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Hostile leviathans
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Critical story progression
Only well-equipped players should attempt to explore these regions.
Understanding the Subnautica Map
While the Subnautica map has fixed biomes, their exact orientation can feel different for every player due to exploration order. Learning biome borders, landmarks, and depth progression is key to mastering survival on 4546B.
Final Thoughts
The map of Subnautica is more than just a setting—it’s a living, interconnected world designed to reward exploration and curiosity. From the peaceful Safe Shallows to the terrifying depths of the Lava Zones, each region offers unique challenges and unforgettable experiences.
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