Prioritize shallow access, short returns to common early resources, low predator pressure, room for storage, and a fast line back to known beacons.
Best early default
Base planner / Spoiler-safe location review
Subnautica 2 base locations and outpost checklist
A source-safe way to choose first bases, resource outposts, and forward camps without pretending every coordinate is final. Use this checklist with the atlas map, then retest after each Early Access patch.
Use smaller outposts to shorten repeated Titanium, Quartz, Copper, Silver, and route-check runs without moving the whole main base too early.
Best second base
Stage only what helps the next route: batteries, water, repair supplies, spare food, and a clear abort threshold before dangerous or story-adjacent areas.
Best deeper push
Location scoring
Compare every base spot with the same six checks
Can you return without crossing a repeated danger pocket when oxygen, hydration, or wildlife pressure spikes?
Does the location shorten repeat trips for the materials you are actually using this phase?
Is the power plan obvious before you start decorating or expanding?
Can you add storage, crafting, vehicle access, and later rooms without rebuilding the whole base?
Can every squadmate find it from beacons, landmarks, or the Abyss Atlas route notes?
Can the advice stay useful without naming story-heavy destinations before the player asks for them?
Build order
Before you commit to a main base
Run the spot as a temporary outpost first: beacon it, stock one locker, test a return route under pressure, then decide whether it deserves a full build.
First safe hub
Best early defaultFirst safe hub checklist
- Oxygen-safe return path
- Storage expansion room
- Food and water nearby
- Low wildlife pressure
Resource outpost
Best second baseResource outpost checklist
- One-purpose storage
- Beacon name standard
- Power source confirmed
- Nearby escape route
Forward expedition camp
Best deeper pushForward expedition camp checklist
- Spoiler level labeled
- Return threshold written
- Vehicle access tested
- Emergency oxygen plan
Why this page now
Current signals behind the base-location page
Search demandA July 24 Google News check surfaced dedicated “best base locations” coverage from Rock Paper Shotgun and PC Gamer, while Search Console keeps showing map/atlas impressions for Abyss Atlas.Patch baselineHotfix 4 specifically fixed water currents appearing inside player bases, so old base-location advice should be retested on the current build before being treated as final.Community risk signalUnknown Worlds’ official community stats put oxygen loss, wildlife damage, and dehydration at the top of reprint/death causes, which makes base placement and resupply loops practical retention content.
Next upgrade path
As confirmed map data matures, this page can become a sortable base-location table with safety, power, resources, beauty, and squad notes.
Use with the atlas
For now, pair this checklist with the interactive atlas and item pages so base advice stays practical without overclaiming unverified coordinates.