Subnautica Below Zero Map Guide – All Biomes & Locations
Welcome to Planet 4546B’s frostbitten sister site—Subnautica: Below Zero. It’s colder, it’s harsher, and the map? More fragmented than ever. If you’re diving into this polar survival experience, having a clear understanding of the map layout , biomes, and locations is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.
This guide breaks down everything: how big the map is, where you start, how to find diamonds, the most efficient base locations, advanced survival strategies, and how to craft for faster exploration.
Table of contents
How Big Is Subnautica: Below Zero's Map?
Compared to the original Subnautica, Below Zero offers a more vertical and segmented experience. The map covers approximately 8 square kilometers of explorable space, but thanks to layers of depth and ice shelf terrain, it feels much denser.
| Map Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Surface Area | ~8 km² |
| Deepest Point | ~1000 meters (Crystal Caves) |
| Starting Biome | Twisty Bridges |
| Temperature Hazard Zones | Yes – thermal zones and freeze events |
The map is divided into regions rather than a single massive open sea. Ice walls, drop-offs, and tunnels connect key areas.
Subnautica Below Zero Starting Point
You begin your expedition at Delta Island , near the Twisty Bridges biome. From there, your movement will naturally branch outward to:
Thermal Spires (south)
Arctic Kelp Caves (west)
Glacial Basin (north)
Each biome has distinct threats, temperature drops, and key resources.
Full List of Biomes in Below Zero
Here are the core biomes you’ll need to explore, each with their own fauna, flora, and material types:
| Biome | Notable Features |
| Twisty Bridges | Your starting point; shallow waters, Ribbon Plants |
| Thermal Spires | Heat zones, good for base building |
| Arctic Kelp Forest | Oxygen plants, Creepvine resources |
| Deep Twisty Bridges | Deeper variant; Copper, Silver, Sea Monkeys |
| Purple Vents | Thermal activity, ideal for geothermal energy setups |
| Glacial Basin | Land-based; important for story progression |
| Crystal Caves | Extremely deep and dangerous; prawn suit required |
| Fabricator Caverns | Endgame biome, dense crystal formations |
| Lilypad Islands | Floating flora, Alien structures nearby |
| Arctic Spires | Surface snowstorms, Snow Stalkers |
Each biome holds upgrades, story moments, and high-tier materials.
How to Get a Map in Subnautica Below Zero
Unlike traditional games, you don’t get a full GPS-style map. But you can manually map the world using beacons and the scanner room HUD upgrade .
Steps:
Build a Scanner Room .
Craft the HUD chip upgrade .
Use Beacon markers to label important locations.
This method becomes your custom navigation network—especially useful when venturing into labyrinthine cave systems.
Where to Find Diamonds on the Map
Diamonds are crucial for crafting tools like the Laser Cutter and Prawn Suit Drill Arm . You can reliably find them in:
Deep Twisty Bridges (scattered along walls)
Thermal Spires (along heat vents)
Crystal Caves (in crystal spires; watch out for Shadow Leviathans)
Pro Tip: Always bring a high-capacity O² tank and spare batteries before going diamond hunting.
Best Crafting Items for Fast Exploration
If you want to cover ground fast, these are the essential tools and upgrades:
Seaglide : Compact and fast for shallow dives.
SeaTruck + Afterburner Upgrade : Best mobile base. Add modules like Fabricator and Storage for on-the-go crafting.
Rebreather : Essential for oxygen efficiency below 200 meters.
High Capacity O² Tank : A must for prolonged deep dives.
Swim Charge Fins : Recharge your gear as you move.
Cold Suit : Prevents hypothermia during land-based missions.
Stock these early to reduce downtime and prep between missions.
Efficient Biome Strategies – Where to Build and Why
Creating multiple mini-bases across the map isn’t just convenient—it’s strategic. Here are the best regions to set up efficient operations:
Thermal Spires Base
Why : Access to geothermal energy, diamonds, copper.
Tip : Place thermal plants in hot zones for power, then run power transmitters to your base.
Glacial Basin Outpost
Why : Safe land exploration, useful for Snowfox deployment.
Tip : Park your Snowfox nearby and keep a Fabricator handy for quick repairs.
Lilypad Islands Station
Why : Rich in Lithium, Table Coral, and alien tech.
Tip : Bring a Prawn Suit to navigate floating root structures.
Crystal Caves Staging Hub
Why : Endgame resources and proximity to final objectives.
Tip : Use reinforced suit and modules for pressure and defense.
Advanced Survival Tips for Below Zero
Master the cold and the unknown with these high-level survival strategies:
Use Coffee Machines – Hot drinks regenerate body heat and prevent freezing.
Layer Power Options – Mix solar, bioreactor, and thermal sources so you’re never out of energy.
Overprepare, Always – Double your food and water estimates before any deep mission.
Scout in Circles – Always return to a known location when searching. Prevents disorientation.
Save Battery with Light Discipline – Turn off lights and tools when not needed.
Tag Leviathan Zones – Mark dangerous biomes with red beacons so you know when to steer clear.
Harvest Everything – Even junk plants might be ingredients in advanced blueprints.
Build in Vertical Stacks – Compact bases save power and time.
Leave Storage Trails – Drop waterproof lockers at route midpoints with essentials.
Read All PDAs – Many hidden recipes and warnings are locked in data terminals.
Key Locations to Bookmark
| Location | Purpose |
| Delta Station Dock | Main communications hub |
| Outpost Zero | Story-related lab; find PDA logs |
| Marguerit’s Base | Powerful gear and lore |
| Phi Robotics Center | Snowfox blueprint |
| Sanctuary Zero | Alien AI storyline |
Navigation Tips for New Players
Use landmarks like large plants or ice arches to maintain orientation.
Drop beacons after discovering a resource-rich area.
Always carry food, water, and a charged flashlight .
If lost, surface and re-center on Delta Island or Marguerit’s beacon.
FAQ – Subnautica Below Zero Map Questions
How big is Subnautica: Below Zero map?
Roughly 8 square kilometers, but with extreme depth and vertical design that adds layered complexity.
How to get a map in Subnautica Below Zero?
There is no full map. Instead, you craft beacons and use the scanner room HUD upgrade to chart areas manually.
Subnautica Below Zero – where do you start on the map?
You start near Delta Island and the Twisty Bridges biome.
Where to find diamonds in Subnautica Below Zero map?
Diamonds can be found in Deep Twisty Bridges, Crystal Caves, and around Thermal Spires.
Final Word
Subnautica: Below Zero doesn’t handhold. It encourages you to learn through risk, through wonder, and through the slow mastery of terrain. With this guide, you’re better equipped to tackle Leviathan-infested waters, navigate pitch-black tunnels, and map the frozen ocean one beacon at a time.
Keep your scanner charged, your suit warm, and remember: survival favors the curious.