Securing gold in Subnautica 2 requires a trip into the perilous lava zones, so don’t head out without careful planning. To successfully harvest this vital crafting material, you will need the correct equipment, a robust supply of oxygen, and a specific genetic adaptation to withstand the extreme temperatures.
Here is how to locate gold in Subnautica 2.
[Editor’s Note: Before embarking on your expedition, open your character menu and activate all landmark signals. This will make identifying the locations detailed in this guide significantly easier.]Where to find gold in Subnautica 2
Gold is exclusive to the lava regions, meaning you must acquire the heat tolerance adaptation to survive the environment. To unlock this, prioritize clearing new signals by interacting with blackboxes. Eventually, you will receive a signal from the Wander Blackbox, accompanied by an objective to build a sonic resonator and treat the large, pink “Angel Comb” flower. Once you interact with the Angel Comb, you will gain the heat tolerance adaptation—this is the third upgrade you’ll unlock, following pressure tolerance and digestion.
From your Lifepod, navigate east-southeast. After traveling roughly 250 meters, you should encounter the lava zone (look for telltale fiery sparks). Alternatively, you can head toward Chap’s Blackbox first, then veer north-northeast from that position.
When you spot lava corals similar to those in the image below, you are in the right place. Gold deposits are typically found scattered across the seabed, attached to rocky cliff faces, or embedded in the large red coral structures that spout fire.
Graphic: Marloes Valentina Stella/Polygon | Source images: Unknown Worlds Entertainment/Krafton via PolygonYou’ll use gold to construct thermal plants and advanced wiring kits, which are essential for creating power cores and high-tier submarines. Additionally, you can combine three pieces of gold in a processor to craft a single gold ingot.
The best gold farming location in Subnautica 2
Not all lava corals are created equal. One specific, spider-like coral is exceptionally rich in gold ore. If you continue traveling east from your Lifepod, you will find this cluster; it is positioned directly above the Cicada Wreck.
Graphic: Marloes Valentina Stella/Polygon | Source images: Unknown Worlds Entertainment/Krafton via PolygonCome prepared with plenty of water and a high-capacity air tank. Carrying a few distraction flares to deter aggressive predators is also highly recommended. Just as with other minerals, you will need the sonic resonator to harvest large gold deposits (which yield five units each), though smaller fragments can be collected by hand. This single location can net you at least 40 pieces of gold. While you’re there, keep an eye out for sulfur as well.
If you are new to the world of Subnautica 2, we have a variety of resources to help you master the deep. Our Subnautica 2 beginner’s guide provides a solid foundation, while our base-building tutorials will help you plan and expand your underwater habitats. Always remember to manage your hunger and thirst—and keep an eye out for salt if you want to improve your food supplies!
For those looking to optimize their resource gathering, check out our guides on how to acquire the sonic resonator and our deep-dive tutorials on tracking down essential materials like lead, copper, quartz, and sulfur.
Source: Polygon
