- Nickel Ore is crucial for advanced vehicle upgrades in Subnautica Below Zero.
- Primary locations include the Deep Lilypads Cave and Crystal Caves.
- A Mineral Detector is highly recommended for efficient searching.
- Sea Monkeys can bring you Nickel Ore if a recipe requiring it is pinned.
- Only seven pieces of Nickel Ore are needed for all essential upgrades.
Nickel Ore Locations in Subnautica Below Zero
Nickel Ore is a vital raw material in Subnautica Below Zero, essential for crafting advanced vehicle upgrades like the Seatruck Depth Module Mark 3 and Prawn Suit Jump Jet Upgrade. While it can be found in several deep biomes, some locations are safer and more accessible than others. Understanding where to look and what dangers to expect is key to efficient farming.
Video Highlights:
- Best location requires only Seatruck Depth Module Mark 1.
- Nickel Ore is found in Crystal Caverns and Deep Lilypads biome.
- Target a specific channel in the Purple Vents biome.
- Look for Nickel Ore on cave walls between 220-300 meters deep.
- Consider using a Mineral Detector for easier spotting.
The primary biomes where players can find Nickel Ore are:
- Crystal Caves (also known as Purple Crystal Caves)
- Fabricator Caverns (also known as Red Crystal Caves)
- Lilypad Islands (specifically the sides of the islands)
- Deep Lilypads Cave
The Crystal Caves and Fabricator Caverns are very deep and often patrolled by Shadow Leviathans, making them high-risk areas, especially for players seeking Nickel Ore for the first time. The Deep Lilypads Cave offers a slightly less perilous, though still challenging, environment.
Prime Farming Spots Compared
| Location | Depth Range (approx.) | Fauna Threat | Visibility | Accessibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deep Lilypads Cave | 200-500 meters | Squidsharks | Moderate | Requires Seatruck Depth Module Mark 1/2 | Good balance of resources and manageable threats. |
| Crystal Caves | 400-800 meters | Shadow Leviathans | Low | Requires advanced depth modules | High concentration, but extremely dangerous. |
| Fabricator Caverns | 500-900 meters | Shadow Leviathans | Very Low | Requires advanced depth modules | Similar to Crystal Caves, very deep and hazardous. |
| Lilypad Islands (shallow) | 0-250 meters | None/minor | High | Accessible early with basic gear | Less abundant, often hidden by foliage, but safest. |
Efficient Nickel Ore Farming Methods
Finding Nickel Ore can be tricky due to its color blending with the environment. Employing specific tools and strategies can significantly improve your yield. The goal is to collect the approximately seven pieces of Nickel Ore needed for all essential upgrades as quickly and safely as possible.
Prepare Your Gear
Equip your Seatruck with at least a Depth Module Mark 1. Consider bringing a Mineral Detector if you have one, as it greatly aids in locating ore. Ensure you have enough oxygen tanks or a Rebreather for extended dives.
Navigate to the Deep Lilypads Cave
Head to the Deep Lilypads Cave biome. A good starting point is often north of your drop pod, looking for a distinct mountain formation. Place a beacon for easy navigation back to your starting point. Aim for a depth of around 220-300 meters.
Search the Cave Walls
Once inside the cave system, specifically in the Deep Lilypads Cave, hug the ocean floor and look for a channel or structural formation. Nickel Ore often spawns on the walls of these channels. Turning off your vehicle's headlights can sometimes make the ore stand out more against the ambient light.
Utilize the Mineral Detector
If you have a Mineral Detector, activate it frequently. While it can sometimes point to inaccessible deposits, it's invaluable for revealing hidden Nickel Ore outcrops. Mineral Detectors can be found in Emergency Supply Caches, caves near Delta Station, and Twisty Bridges tech sites.
Leverage Sea Monkeys
Once you have Al-An in your head, Sea Monkeys become friendly and will bring you resources. To specifically get Nickel Ore, pin a crafting recipe that requires it (e.g., Seatruck Depth Module Mark 3). The Sea Monkeys will then prioritize bringing you components for that pinned recipe, including Nickel Ore. Craft other required items beforehand to increase the chance of them bringing nickel.
When searching in darker areas like the Deep Lilypads Cave, try turning off your vehicle's headlights. The subtle glow of the Nickel Ore can sometimes be more apparent in the ambient light, preventing it from blending too much with the illuminated terrain.
Crafting Uses for Nickel Ore
Nickel Ore is a critical component for several high-tier upgrades, making it an essential resource for deeper exploration and enhanced vehicle capabilities. You'll primarily use it at the Fabricator and Modification Station.
Key Upgrades Requiring Nickel Ore
| Upgrade | Crafting Location | Nickel Ore Required | Other Materials | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seatruck Depth Module Mark 2 | Vehicle Upgrade Console | 1 | Plasteel Ingot (1), Copper Wire (1), Diamond (2) | Increases Seatruck depth to 600m. |
| Seatruck Depth Module Mark 3 | Vehicle Upgrade Console | 2 | Plasteel Ingot (1), Kyanite (2), Advanced Wiring Kit (1) | Increases Seatruck depth to 1000m. |
| Prawn Suit Depth Module Mark 2 | Vehicle Upgrade Console | 2 | Plasteel Ingot (1), Kyanite (2), Advanced Wiring Kit (1) | Increases Prawn Suit depth to 1700m. |
| Prawn Suit Jump Jet Upgrade | Vehicle Upgrade Console | 1 | Plasteel Ingot (1), Lithium (2), Wiring Kit (1) | Significantly improves Prawn Suit's jump height and maneuverability. |
| Power Glide Module | Vehicle Upgrade Console | 1 | Titanium (1), Copper Wire (1), Magnetite (1) | Boosts Seaglide speed. |
| Reinforced Dive Suit | Fabricator | 2 | Titanium (2), Diamond (2), Synthetic Fibers (1) | Increases damage resistance and provides minor cold protection. |
You only need a total of 7 Nickel Ore to craft all the essential depth and mobility upgrades for your Seatruck and Prawn Suit, plus a Reinforced Dive Suit. Focus on collecting just enough to avoid unnecessary risks.
Survival Tips While Farming Nickel Ore
Exploring deep biomes for Nickel Ore comes with inherent risks. Being prepared can mean the difference between a successful mining run and losing valuable equipment.
Essential Survival Preparations:
- Ensure your Seatruck has sufficient power and depth modules.
- Carry extra batteries for your tools (Seaglide, Mineral Detector).
- Bring medical kits and a Rebreather for extended dives.
- Be aware of local fauna, especially Squidsharks in Lilypad areas.
- Save frequently, especially before entering dangerous zones.
Dealing with Hostile Fauna
| Biome | Primary Threat | Behavior | Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deep Lilypads Cave | Squidsharks | Aggressive, will attack vehicles and players. | Use your Seatruck's Perimeter Defense Upgrade, or avoid direct confrontation. Stay inside your vehicle when possible. |
| Crystal Caves | Shadow Leviathans | Extremely aggressive, can destroy vehicles quickly. | Avoid at all costs. Stealth is key if you must enter their territory. |
| Fabricator Caverns | Shadow Leviathans | Same as Crystal Caves. | Prioritize evasion and minimize time spent in their patrol paths. |
If you're using a Seaglide for a quick dive into the Deep Lilypads Cave, keep an eye on your oxygen levels. There are oxygen plants scattered throughout these caves that can provide a quick refill. Plan your route to utilize them.
Advanced Strategies and FAQs
Beyond the basics, there are a few advanced strategies and common questions regarding Nickel Ore farming that can further optimize your efforts.
Scanner Room Benefits
Building a Scanner Room near a Nickel Ore rich area, like the Deep Lilypads Cave, can pinpoint exact locations. Equipping the HUD Chip allows you to see these resources directly on your display, making collection much faster. Powering the Scanner Room can be a challenge; consider using solar panels on nearby floating lilypads or a bioreactor with plantable melons.
Sea Monkey Efficiency
To maximize Sea Monkey deliveries, ensure your inventory is full of items not required for the pinned recipe. This increases the probability that they will bring you the specific resource you need, such as Nickel Ore. This method is particularly effective once you've befriended them through the story.
Q: How much Nickel Ore do I need in Subnautica Below Zero?
You typically need only seven pieces of **Nickel Ore** to craft all essential vehicle depth upgrades (Seatruck Mark 3, Prawn Suit Mark 2) and the Prawn Suit Jump Jet Upgrade, as well as the Reinforced Dive Suit.
Q: Can I find Nickel Ore early in the game?
Yes, you can find **Nickel Ore** in the shallower parts of the Lilypad Islands biome or the upper sections of the Deep Lilypads Cave. However, these areas might require a basic Seatruck depth module.
Q: Is the Mineral Detector necessary for finding Nickel Ore?
While not strictly necessary, the **Mineral Detector** significantly aids in locating **Nickel Ore**, especially in low-visibility environments where the ore blends with the terrain. It makes farming much more efficient.
Q: Are there any passive ways to get Nickel Ore?
Yes, once you progress in the story and befriend the **Sea Monkeys**, they can bring you **Nickel Ore** if you pin a crafting recipe that requires it. This is a great passive farming method.