Subnautica is a game that throws you into the deep end—literally. As you navigate the mysterious underwater world of Planet 4546B, you’ll come across various resources that are vital for your survival and progression. Among these, diamonds stand out as one of the most essential materials. They’re not just pretty to look at; diamonds are crucial for crafting high-end tools, vehicles, and upgrades.
Whether you’re new to Subnautica Diamond or a seasoned player looking to optimize your resource gathering, this guide will help you understand everything about diamonds—from where to find them, how to mine them efficiently, and what you can craft once you’ve got your hands on these precious gems.
What Are Diamonds Used for in Subnautica?
Before we dive into where to find diamonds, let’s talk about why you need them in the first place. In Subnautica, diamonds aren’t just decorative; they play a key role in crafting some of the game’s most important equipment.
Crafting Essential Tools
- Laser Cutter: One of the first reasons you’ll need diamonds is to craft the Laser Cutter. This tool is essential for exploring wrecks and sealed doors scattered throughout the game. Without it, you’ll miss out on valuable blueprints and resources hidden behind locked compartments.
- Reinforced Dive Suit: If you plan to dive into deeper and more dangerous biomes, the Reinforced Dive Suit will be your best friend. Diamonds are a key component in crafting this suit, which offers better protection against environmental hazards and aggressive fauna.
- Modification Station Upgrades: Diamonds are also used in upgrading your tools and vehicles via the Modification Station. Whether it’s enhancing your Survival Knife to a Thermoblade or improving your Seamoth‘s depth module, diamonds are a must-have.
Building and Base Upgrades
- Reinforced Hulls: If you’re setting up a base in a high-pressure environment, like the Deep Grand Reef or Lava Zones, you’ll need diamonds to reinforce your base structures. This helps prevent hull breaches and keeps your underwater home safe.
- Prawn Suit Upgrades: The Prawn Suit is a late-game exosuit that can be equipped with powerful upgrades. Many of these upgrades, including the Drill Arm, require diamonds.
Knowing what you can do with diamonds gives you a clear motivation to start hunting them down. So, let’s move on to where you can find these shiny gems.
Where to Find Diamonds in Subnautica
Diamonds are scattered across various biomes in Subnautica, but some locations are more fruitful than others. Here are the best places to find diamonds and tips on how to gather them efficiently.
The Grand Reef
The Grand Reef is one of the most reliable places to find diamonds early in the game. It’s located southwest of your starting position and is characterized by its glowing blue flora and floating anchor pods.
- What to Look For: In the Grand Reef, diamonds are typically found inside Shale Outcrops. These small, dark rocks can be broken open to yield valuable resources like lithium, gold, and, of course, diamonds.
- Dangers: Be cautious—the Grand Reef is home to Crabsquids and Warper enemies that can pose a threat. Make sure you have a Seamoth equipped with a Perimeter Defense System or a Stasis Rifle to keep them at bay.
The Mountain Island and Mountains Biome
Another excellent location for diamonds is the Mountain Island and the surrounding Mountains Biome. This area is to the northeast of your starting life pod and features towering underwater cliffs and alien structures.
- What to Look For: Diamonds can be found in Shale Outcrops along the rocky cliffs and on the ocean floor.
- Dangers: This biome is patrolled by the terrifying Reaper Leviathan. If you hear its iconic roar, it’s time to be on high alert. Travel with caution and always have an escape route planned.
The Sparse Reef
The Sparse Reef is a relatively safe biome compared to others, making it a good choice for mid-game diamond hunting. It’s located southwest of the starting area and features a mix of open areas and coral formations.
- What to Look For: Look for Shale Outcrops near the base of large coral structures and in crevices.
- Dangers: While not as dangerous as other biomes, keep an eye out for Ampeels and aggressive fauna.
The Blood Kelp Zone
If you’re feeling brave, the Blood Kelp Zone offers an abundant supply of diamonds. This eerie biome is filled with tall, blood-red kelp and glowing flora, creating a spooky but resource-rich environment.
- What to Look For: Shale Outcrops are scattered along the seabed and cliff walls.
- Dangers: The Blood Kelp Zone is home to Crabsquids and Warper enemies, so tread carefully.
Tips for Efficient Diamond Mining
Knowing where to find diamonds is just part of the equation. To make your resource gathering more efficient, follow these tips and tricks.
Use the Right Tools
- Scanner Room: Building a Scanner Room with a Range Upgrade can help you locate Shale Outcrops more easily. The Scanner Room can be customized to highlight specific resources, saving you time.
- Prawn Suit with Drill Arm: Once you unlock the Prawn Suit and equip it with a Drill Arm, you can mine large resource deposits. While diamonds are usually found in outcrops, the Prawn Suit makes exploring deeper, more dangerous biomes easier.
Travel Prepared
- Seamoth Upgrades: Equip your Seamoth with depth modules and perimeter defense systems to safely navigate dangerous biomes.
- Oxygen Management: Bring extra High-Capacity O2 Tanks or an Ultra High Capacity Tank to extend your diving time. A Rebreather is also essential for deeper dives.
- Beacons: Use Beacons to mark diamond-rich locations for easy return trips.
Resource Management
- Prioritize Early Game Diamonds: Focus on gathering enough diamonds early in the game to craft the Laser Cutter and Reinforced Dive Suit. These tools will open up more exploration opportunities.
- Stockpile for Late Game: As you progress, you’ll need diamonds for upgrading your vehicles and building more advanced equipment. Keep a stockpile in your base to avoid repeated trips.
Dealing with the Dangers While Diamond Hunting
While Subnautica’s underwater world is beautiful, it’s also filled with hazards. Knowing how to handle the threats in diamond-rich biomes is key to successful resource gathering.
Leviathans and Aggressive Fauna
- Reaper Leviathans: Found in the Mountains Biome, these massive creatures are fast, aggressive, and deadly. If you hear their roar, retreat immediately or use your Seamoth’s Perimeter Defense System to stun them temporarily.
- Crabsquids: These bioluminescent predators emit EMP blasts that can disable your vehicles. Use a Stasis Rifle to freeze them while you make your escape.
- Warper Enemies: Warpers can teleport you out of your vehicle and attack directly. They’re especially dangerous in the Blood Kelp Zone. Keep your distance and move quickly.
Environmental Hazards
- Depth Pressure: Going too deep without proper equipment can cause your vehicle to crush under pressure. Always upgrade your Seamoth or Prawn Suit with appropriate depth modules.
- Oxygen Depletion: Running out of oxygen is a constant threat. Always keep an eye on your O2 levels and know the quickest route back to your vehicle or a safe air source.
Crafting with Diamonds: What to Build First
Once you’ve collected a good supply of diamonds, it’s time to put them to good use. Here’s a breakdown of the most important items to craft first.
Laser Cutter
The Laser Cutter should be your first priority when you get diamonds. It’s essential for exploring wrecks and unlocking valuable blueprints.
- Materials Needed: 2 Diamonds, 1 Battery, 1 Titanium, and 1 Cave Sulfur.
Reinforced Dive Suit
The Reinforced Dive Suit is perfect for venturing into more hazardous areas and deeper biomes.
- Materials Needed: 2 Diamonds, 2 Synthetic Fibers, and 2 Titanium.
Modification Station Upgrades
Use your diamonds to upgrade your tools and vehicles at the Modification Station.
- Thermoblade: An upgraded Survival Knife that cooks fish upon contact.
- Seamoth Depth Modules: Increase the depth limit of your Seamoth for deeper exploration.
Advanced Diamond Hunting: Going Deeper
As you progress in Subnautica, you’ll need to venture into more dangerous and deeper biomes to gather resources, including diamonds.
The Lost River
The Lost River is a mid-to-late game biome filled with alien structures and valuable resources.
- What to Look For: Shale Outcrops containing diamonds are scattered throughout the biome.
- Dangers: The Lost River is home to Ghost Leviathans, Warper enemies, and toxic brine pools.
The Inactive Lava Zone
The Inactive Lava Zone is one of the deepest and most dangerous areas in Subnautica, but it’s rich in resources, including diamonds.
- What to Look For: Shale Outcrops and large resource deposits.
- Dangers: This biome is home to Sea Dragon Leviathans and extreme heat. You’ll need the Prawn Suit with a Thermal Reactor Module to survive.
Conclusion: Mastering Diamond Hunting in Subnautica
Diamonds in Subnautica are more than just shiny collectibles—they’re crucial for crafting essential tools, upgrading your equipment, and surviving in the game’s most challenging environments. By knowing where to find diamonds, how to gather them efficiently, and what to craft first, you’ll be well on your way to mastering Subnautica’s underwater world.
