Lithium in Subnautica is one of the materials for mid and late game. It’s that pink-purple rock you’ll notice stuck to walls or lying around in rough, stony areas, sometimes hiding inside shale outcrops. Early on, you might grab a few pieces without much thought. Later though, you actually start needing it for upgrades, stronger builds, all that deeper exploration stuff, where the game gets a bit less forgiving.
You don’t casually stumble into huge amounts unless you’re in the right biome. And those places usually come with some kind of downside, either it’s deeper than you’d like, or there’s something swimming nearby that clearly doesn’t want you there. I remember going a bit too far looking for lithium and realizing I had maybe 10 seconds of oxygen left.
So, in this guide, we’ll go over where it actually shows up, how to collect it without getting into trouble every five minutes, and what you even need it for — because at some point you’re gonna wonder why everything suddenly requires lithium.
Where to Find Lithium
Lithium can be found in several biomes, but it’s not evenly spread out. The most beginner-friendly spots are near shallow rocky ledges, but you’ll also find it deeper in caves and on cliff walls. Common deposits rest on open rock, while others hide inside shale outcrops.
Some of the richest lithium sources are:
- Mountain Island area
- Jellyshroom Cave
- Grand Reef
- Blood Kelp Zone
- Bone Fields Caves
- Deep Sparse Reef
- Grand Reef
- Lost River
- Bone Fields
- Ghost Forest
- Mushroom Forest
- Sea Treader’s Path
- Sparse Reef
These locations often have high node counts, meaning you can gather several pieces in a single trip.
Seamoth will make traveling to these areas easier and safer.
Best Locations in the Safe Shallows and Beyond
While lithium is rare in the Safe Shallows, you can still find occasional outcrops near its borders. Look for rocky slopes leading into deeper zones. The real payoff comes when you venture to biomes like the Sparse Reef or Dunes edges. These areas often have exposed lithium lying on seafloor ridges.
The Mountains biome is another goldmine, with plenty of surface deposits. Just be cautious. Hostile creatures patrol there, so quick grab-and-go runs work best.
Using the Seamoth to Collect Lithium
The Seamoth is perfect for scouting lithium locations quickly. Its speed lets you cover more ground and escape threats fast. Once you locate deposits, exit to collect them by hand.
How to Mine Lithium Safely
Mining lithium often means entering dangerous territory. Many rich deposits sit in biomes with aggressive predators or environmental hazards. Before you dive in, make sure you have enough oxygen tanks, health kits, and a reliable light source. Always scout the area first.
If you’re collecting from open terrain, approach from above and keep your escape route clear. When mining in caves or deep trenches, stay close to your vehicle for quick retreat. Avoid carrying too much gear that slows you down. A smaller, fast-moving loadout keeps you mobile.
Avoiding Hostile Creatures
Predators often patrol the same zones where lithium is found. Use terrain to your advantage. Hide behind rocks, ledges, or base structures while they pass. If spotted, don’t try to finish mining. Back off and circle around to approach from another angle.
Noise can attract trouble, so limit unnecessary movement when close to threats. Tools like stasis rifles can freeze aggressive creatures long enough to grab your lithium and escape.
Tips for Deep Biome Exploration
In deeper zones, the main danger is pressure and low visibility. Use submersible upgrades to handle depth limits and bring multiple light sources. Mark your path with beacons so you don’t get lost on the way back.
Stay aware of your oxygen levels at all times. In tight cave systems, move slowly and note landmarks for navigation. These extra precautions keep you alive long enough to bring home your lithium haul.
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