Alright, let’s talk about Subnautica Magnetite—that rare, shiny little rock that seems to disappear the second you need it. If you’ve spent any time in the Subnautica world, you know that Magnetite is like the golden ticket. It’s used in crafting some of the most powerful tech in the game, which is why it’s worth knowing where to find it and how to use it effectively. Spoiler alert: It’s not something you can just stumble upon like those basic resources—nope, it’s hidden away in deep, dangerous places where most players get eaten by sea monsters. But hey, that’s the fun of it, right?
Anyway, here’s the kicker: by the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly where to find it, what it’s good for, and how to make the most of this precious resource without going crazy in the process. (Trust me, I’ve been there.)
What Exactly is Subnautica Magnetite?
Magnetite isn’t your average resource. It’s a rare, metallic material that’s essential for crafting some high-tech items. Unlike Titanium or Copper, which are easy to come by, Magnetite is harder to find—and let’s face it, half the time when you need it, you’re scrounging around like it’s a Black Friday sale.
The mineral itself looks like a small, shiny rock. You can spot it in caves or attached to certain rock formations, but there’s one problem: it’s not exactly popping up on every corner. If you’re looking to upgrade your equipment, craft advanced tech, or get some seriously high-powered gear, you’ll need Magnetite. It’s that important.
Where to Find Subnautica Magnetite
Now let’s talk about the good stuff—finding it. I’ll be real: it’s not like Titanium, where you can practically walk around with a metal detector and scoop up piles of it. Nope. Magnetite’s a little more elusive, and you’ve gotta put in some serious work (and avoid being eaten by a Leviathan or two) to grab it.
1. The Lost River
If there’s one place where you’re guaranteed to find Magnetite, it’s the Lost River. I’m not saying it’s safe, but hey, that’s part of the adventure. I remember the first time I entered the Lost River, I thought I was going to run out of oxygen before I even found the Magnetite. Classic rookie move, right?
Anyway, the Lost River is deep—like, really deep. You’ll need a Prawn Suit or Cyclops to survive down there, because it’s dark, hostile, and crawling with those creepy ghost leviathans. But once you get there, you’ll find Magnetite along the walls and floors.
Pro tip: Don’t rush through it. The river’s got other valuable resources, and if you explore carefully, you can stockpile some goodies.
2. The Grand Reef
Okay, here’s a place you might not immediately think of: the Grand Reef. It’s deep, but not as deep as the Lost River. Still, I’ve found some decent Magnetite in the caves here. The thing is, you’re not alone. Between the Stalkers and, uh, the Reaper Leviathan (let’s not even talk about how many times I screamed at that thing), you might want to bring a decent weapon or at least some decent hiding spots.
I’ll admit, I was totally unprepared the first time I ventured into the Grand Reef. I got distracted by the bioluminescent creatures, and bam—there went my Seamoth, swallowed whole by a Reaper. Definitely wasn’t part of the plan.
3. The Mountains
The Mountains biome looks like something out of an apocalyptic postcard, all jagged cliffs and deep canyons. Magnetite is scattered through the caves here, so if you’re into spelunking (or just don’t mind a bit of danger), this place is a goldmine. I’ve found a handful of deposits tucked away in rocky outcroppings, but nothing comes easy in the Mountains. The place is packed with hostile fauna and plenty of “I-hope-I-don’t-die” moments.
Also, fun fact: The Mountains area has some of the best views in the game. When you’re not dodging predators, take a minute to soak in the scenery. It’s worth it.
4. The Sparse Reef
Not as treacherous as the others, but still a bit tricky. The Sparse Reef is where I found my first substantial deposit of Magnetite. I remember thinking it was gonna be like my garden—easy to maintain, no stress. Wrong. Between the Stalkers, the wreckage, and the creepy caves, it quickly became my personal nightmare. But hey, Magnetite was there, so I persevered.
If you’re looking for something a bit less intense, this might be a good biome to explore. You don’t need a Prawn Suit, but a good flashlight and some stealth will do wonders.
5. The Blood Kelp Zone
This one’s a bit of a nightmare. The Blood Kelp Zone is like that one horror movie where you know you shouldn’t go into the basement, but you do it anyway. It’s dark, the kelp is all red and freaky, and the fauna… oh, the fauna. I still shudder when I think about it.
However, despite all the terror, you’ll find Magnetite tucked away in the caves here. The key is to stay alert and move fast. Honestly, half the time I found it by accident while trying to escape from a creature I’d ticked off.
What’s Magnetite Used For in Subnautica?
Here’s the deal: Magnetite isn’t just some fancy decoration. It’s the key to crafting some of the best upgrades and gear in the game. If you want to survive the deeper, nastier parts of Subnautica, you need it. So let’s break it down:
1. Advanced Equipment
Magnetite is a must for crafting some seriously high-end equipment. If you’re going to be anything but a walking snack for the Reaper Leviathan, you’ll want the Laser Cutter. It’s necessary for breaking into wrecks and finding rare items. Oh, and the Ion Power Cell? You’ll need Magnetite for that, too. I didn’t realize how important it was until my Cyclops ran out of power in the middle of nowhere, and—yep, you guessed it—I was stranded.
2. Upgrades for Vehicles
You’ll need Magnetite for several vehicle upgrades. The Prawn Suit and Cyclops both require it for things like Depth Modules and Hull Reinforcements. The first time I upgraded my Prawn Suit and took it to new depths, I felt like a superhero. That sense of power was almost worth getting stuck in the lava zone. Almost.
3. Fabricator Recipes
Magnetite isn’t just for vehicles. It’s also essential for crafting other items like the Compass and Neptune Launch Platform. I know the Compass might sound trivial, but trust me, when you’re in the Lost River and your depth gauge is spinning out, you’ll wish you had one. And for the Neptune Launch Platform? Yeah, you’ll need a lot of Magnetite if you want to escape this alien ocean.
Crafting Tips for Subnautica Magnetite
Magnetite isn’t just rare—it’s precious. So how do you make sure you’re using it wisely? Here are a few tips I’ve picked up along the way (mostly through trial, error, and a few too many deaths):
1. Prioritize High-Impact Gear
First off, don’t waste your Magnetite on random upgrades you’ll never use. Go for the big-ticket items like the Laser Cutter, Ion Power Cells, and vehicle upgrades first. You’ll be glad you did when you’re deep in the game and need that extra power or extra durability. The first time I crafted an Ion Power Cell, I almost felt like I’d cheated—that’s how much of a game-changer it is.
2. Don’t Overuse
I mean, it’s tempting, right? But seriously, just because you can craft something doesn’t mean you should. Take it slow, and make sure every piece of Magnetite you use is going to help you survive longer in the game. Trust me, your future self will thank you.
3. Use the Scanner Room
The Scanner Room is a life-saver. If you don’t already have one, get one. It’s super useful for locating rare resources like Magnetite, and it saves you from endlessly roaming through dangerous biomes. The best part? You can upgrade it to track specific resources. So if you’re in a pinch and need Magnetite now, it’s got your back.
Final Thoughts
So yeah, Subnautica Magnetite isn’t easy to come by, but it’s worth the hunt. It’s used in some of the best equipment and upgrades in the game, and once you start using it strategically, you’ll be cruising through the deeper, more dangerous zones like a pro. Just remember: when you’re down there in the depths, a good flashlight, a trusty Cyclops, and a hefty supply of Magnetite could be the difference between life and death. Or, at the very least, between being stuck in the Lost River forever or actually getting out alive.
