Hey fellow divers! Venturing into the depths of Subnautica's Lost River can be both exhilarating and a bit daunting. It's a massive, bioluminescent cavern filled with unique creatures and, more importantly, tons of valuable resources. But navigating this underwater world and knowing where to find what you need can be tricky. That's why I've put together this guide to help you locate all the essential resources in the Lost River, making your deep-sea adventures much smoother.

Navigating the Lost River

Before we dive into the specific resources, let's talk navigation. The Lost River is a vast, interconnected network of caverns. Getting lost is easy, even with a compass. Here are a few tips to help you stay oriented:

• Follow the Thermal Vents: The Lost River is geothermically active. Look for thermal vents and the heat plumes rising from them. These often lead to important areas or act as landmarks.
• Use Your Scanner Room: Setting up a Scanner Room near your entry point can be a game-changer. It allows you to scan for specific resources and creatures, giving you a much better understanding of the surrounding area.
• Mark Your Path: Use beacons to mark key locations, such as entrances, resource hotspots, and your base. This will make it much easier to find your way back.
• Listen Carefully: The Lost River has a unique soundscape. Learn to recognize the different sounds, such as the Ghost Leviathan's roar or the bubbling of thermal vents. These auditory cues can help you navigate and avoid danger.
• Explore with a Vehicle: The Cyclops or the Sea Truck with depth modules are essential for exploring the Lost River. They provide protection from creatures and allow you to carry more resources.

Primary Resource Locations

1. Crystalline Sulfur

Crystalline Sulfur is a crucial resource primarily used to craft reinforced dive suits and certain advanced modules. You will find this in abundance within the Lost River, especially near brine pools and thermal vents. Look for it attached to the walls and floors of the cavern systems. It often appears as glowing, crystalline structures that are easy to spot in the dim environment of the Lost River.

• Location Tips: Always be extra cautious when collecting Crystalline Sulfur near brine pools because these areas can also be frequented by hostile creatures. Make sure your vehicle is nearby for a quick escape if needed. Additionally, scan the surrounding areas thoroughly, as Crystalline Sulfur deposits can sometimes be hidden behind rock formations or obscured by the environment. Keep an eye out for clusters of these crystals, as they tend to appear in groups, allowing you to gather a significant amount of the resource in a single trip. Don't forget to check the ceilings and overhangs too, as some deposits may be attached to these surfaces, easily overlooked if you only scan the ground and walls.

2. Deep Shrooms

Deep Shrooms are bioluminescent fungi and serve as a basic food source when you're in a pinch and can also be used in certain recipes. These are commonly found throughout the Lost River, growing on the cavern floors and walls. Their bright glow makes them relatively easy to spot. They're not only a source of sustenance but also add to the eerie beauty of the Lost River's ecosystem.

• Location Tips: Deep Shrooms often grow in clusters, making them a convenient resource to collect in large quantities. To maximize your harvest, use a vehicle like the Sea Truck with storage modules to quickly gather and store the mushrooms as you explore. Be mindful of the local fauna while harvesting, as some creatures might be attracted to the light emitted by the shrooms or simply patrol the same areas. Keep an eye out for these bioluminescent fungi near thermal vents, as they seem to thrive in those warmer conditions, offering richer patches of harvest. Additionally, remember that Deep Shrooms can be used to craft nutrient blocks, so collecting a surplus can ensure you have a reliable food supply for your deeper dives.

3. Quartz

Quartz is a common resource, yet essential for crafting glass which you'll need for base building, vehicle construction, and various equipment. It's relatively abundant throughout the Lost River, typically found on the ground and walls of the caverns. Look for its distinct, glassy appearance to distinguish it from other rocks.

• Location Tips: While Quartz is fairly common, it's always a good idea to stock up whenever you find it. Use your scanner to identify Quartz deposits from a distance, saving you time and effort in your resource gathering. As you explore, pay attention to areas near thermal vents and brine pools, as these locations often have a higher concentration of Quartz. For efficient collection, use the Sea Truck's storage modules to haul large quantities of Quartz back to your base, ensuring you always have enough glass on hand for your crafting needs. Additionally, remember that Quartz can be found in both small individual pieces and larger clusters, so be thorough in your search to maximize your yield.

4. Lithium

Lithium is a crucial resource, especially for crafting power cells and upgrading your vehicles. It can be found in various locations within the Lost River, often embedded in the walls or lying on the cavern floor. Keep an eye out for its distinctive silvery-white appearance.

• Location Tips: Lithium is often found near thermal vents and in the vicinity of larger creatures, so be cautious while harvesting. Use the scanner room to pinpoint Lithium deposits, saving you time and reducing the risk of encountering dangerous wildlife. A useful tip is to explore the edges of the Lost River's brine pools, as Lithium tends to accumulate in these areas. When collecting Lithium, use the PRAWN Suit with a drill arm to efficiently extract the resource from the environment. To optimize your resource runs, set up a small outpost near a Lithium-rich area with a storage container and a beacon to mark the location, ensuring a consistent supply for your crafting needs.

5. Magnetite

Magnetite is essential for crafting advanced electronics and vehicle upgrades. This resource can be a bit trickier to find, but it's generally located near the Ghost Leviathan's territory and around the Bone Fields. Look for dark, metallic rocks that stand out against the lighter environment.

• Location Tips: Due to the presence of the Ghost Leviathan, collecting Magnetite can be risky. Approach these areas with caution, using the silent running mode on your Cyclops or the perimeter defense system to deter aggressive creatures. Focus your search around the edges of the Bone Fields, as Magnetite deposits often cluster near the skeletal remains. Deploying decoys can also help distract the Ghost Leviathan while you quickly gather Magnetite. Equip your PRAWN Suit with a drill arm to efficiently mine the resource, and always keep a repair tool handy in case of damage from hostile encounters. It's also wise to monitor your vehicle's energy levels, as prolonged use of defensive systems can drain power quickly, leaving you vulnerable.

6. Nickel Ore

Nickel Ore is another essential resource for late-game upgrades and vehicle modifications. It's primarily found in the Lost River, often embedded in the walls of the deeper sections. Keep an eye out for its greenish hue, which can help you distinguish it from other rocks.

• Location Tips: Nickel Ore tends to be located in the more challenging areas of the Lost River, so ensure your vehicle is fully upgraded before venturing out. Use the scanner room to efficiently locate Nickel Ore deposits, which can save you valuable time and reduce the risk of getting lost. When mining Nickel Ore, the PRAWN Suit with a drill arm is invaluable for quickly extracting the resource from the environment. Be cautious of the local wildlife, particularly the aggressive creatures that patrol these deeper areas. Consider setting up a small base or outpost near a rich Nickel Ore deposit with a scanner room and storage containers to streamline your resource gathering process. Remember to bring extra power cells, as deep-sea exploration can quickly drain your vehicle's energy reserves.

7. Kyanite

Kyanite is a critical resource found exclusively in the InActive Lava Zone, accessed via the Lost River. You need Kyanite to progress in the game, as it's essential for upgrading your vehicles to withstand extreme depths. Look for its vibrant blue crystals near lava flows and geothermal vents.

• Location Tips: Kyanite is found exclusively in the Inactive Lava Zone, which requires navigating through the Lost River's deeper sections. The PRAWN Suit with a drill arm and a jump jet upgrade is essential for efficiently mining Kyanite. Thermal vents are key landmarks for finding Kyanite deposits, as the resource tends to cluster around these geothermal hotspots. Due to the extreme heat and hostile creatures in the Inactive Lava Zone, ensure your PRAWN Suit is fully upgraded with thermal protection. Keep a close eye on your suit's energy levels, as the drill arm and jump jets can quickly deplete power. Consider deploying a beacon near rich Kyanite deposits to mark the location for future resource runs. Always be prepared for encounters with Lava Lizards and other aggressive fauna, and carry a repair tool to address any damage to your PRAWN Suit.

Tips for Efficient Resource Gathering

• Utilize the Scanner Room: As mentioned earlier, the Scanner Room is your best friend for finding resources. Upgrade it with range boosters to cover a larger area.
• Bring a Vehicle: The PRAWN Suit with a drill arm and grappling hook is ideal for mining and navigating tight spaces. The Cyclops can transport large amounts of resources and provides a mobile base.
• Establish a Base: Setting up a small base near a resource-rich area can save you time and energy. Include a Scanner Room, storage containers, and a charging station.
• Stay Safe: The Lost River is home to dangerous creatures. Always be aware of your surroundings and carry a weapon or defense system.
• Conserve Energy: Use energy-efficient upgrades for your vehicles and equipment to extend your exploration time.

Conclusion

The Lost River is a treasure trove of resources, essential for progressing in Subnautica. By understanding where to find these resources and how to navigate the area, you'll be well-equipped to thrive in this challenging environment. So gear up, dive deep, and happy exploring, divers! Make sure you always have the right tools and vehicles, and never underestimate the importance of a well-placed beacon. With these tips, you will master the Lost River in no time. Good luck, and may your dives be fruitful!