Navigating to the Alien Ruins in Subnautica 2 and Next Steps Explained

Reaching the Alien Ruins in Subnautica 2 marks your transition from the tutorial phase to the real adventure. To get there, you’ll need to navigate an open expanse inhabited by the terrifying Collector Leviathan, a massive sea monster, before diving into a new, more challenging environment.

Before embarking on your journey to the Alien Ruins, it’s wise to prepare adequately to streamline your experience. Once you arrive, you’ll be faced with a host of new objectives and materials to collect. Here’s what you need to know.

After exploring the Tadpole Pens, your next task is to cross the gorge and reach the Alien Ruins, located over 600 meters to the east. This mission effectively leads you to the next area, but you can always return if you have the necessary resources for the trip.

Here’s what to do before you set off for the Alien Ruins:

When you’re ready, it’s time to make your way to the Alien Ruins. The objective is straightforward: traverse the open seabed. However, with the destination over 600 meters away and the Collector Leviathan lurking, it’s no small feat.

The best strategy is to stay as close to the seabed as possible in your Tadpole and head straight for the Alien Ruins, or alternatively, stick near the surface. The Leviathan will likely pursue you and may even strike, but keep pushing forward until you reach the gorge’s far side. Once there, use the cliffs for cover to repair your vehicle.

Upon reaching the Alien Ruins, you’ll discover the Research Station. Enter and power it up by inserting a battery into the socket in the bedroom. Then, interact with the NOA in the command room. This will provide you with various locations to explore for progression, and soon you’ll be able to return to NOA for actual quest markers.

Next steps include:

Utilizing the resources you brought and those available around the Alien Ruins Research Station, construct a new base with essential facilities. While you can always return to the starting Lifepod area, it’s a perilous and lengthy journey. I recommend building your base near the Research Station, allowing you to place a Hydroelectric Turbine in one of the natural currents for power.

Don’t forget to scan the Modification Station located near the entrance of the Alien Ruins Research Station and build one in your base. This will unlock various tool and vehicle upgrades.

You can find an upgrade near Ruby’s second black box in the cave beneath the Needler nest, located 270 meters southeast of the Alien Ruins. Building and equipping this upgrade will enable you to dive deeper in your Tadpole, which is essential for accessing most new materials and upgrades in this area.

Additionally, the Bioscanner upgrade for your Scanner can be found in the Cicada wreckage, 500 meters southeast of the Alien Ruins Research Station. This upgrade unlocks a range of new Biomods by scanning various creatures.

The Alien Ruins area is rich with new materials exclusive to its depths.