There are far more dangerous biomes than safe ones in Subnautica, so knowing where you can explore with minimal risk is very important, especially early in the game. This guide covers the five safest biomes in Subnautica, what threats to expect, and why each area is considered safe.
1. Kelp Forest
The Kelp Forest is one of the safest biomes you can reach early in the game. You can find several Kelp Forests scattered around the map. From the coral tube starting point, head slightly northwest to reach one.
You only need basic equipment here, such as a knife and a Seaglide. The only hostile creatures in this biome are Stalkers. While they can attack, they deal low damage and are easy to avoid or fend off. They also drop Stalker Teeth, which are useful later, so it is often better to leave them alive.
This biome contains limestone and sandstone outcrops, a lifepod, and a couple of wrecks. While space can be tight for base building, the Kelp Forest is still a relatively safe and useful biome.
2. Grassy Plateaus
The Grassy Plateaus can be reached by heading slightly southwest from the coral tube starting area. Like the Kelp Forest, multiple Grassy Plateau regions exist across the map.
This biome is deeper, so bringing a Seaglide or Seamoth and a high-capacity O₂ tank is recommended. The main threat here is Sand Sharks. They are less dangerous than Stalkers and have relatively low health.
The Grassy Plateaus contain several wrecks, sandstone and limestone outcrops, and large open areas that make this biome excellent for base building. Overall, it is a calm and visually appealing biome with minimal danger.
3. Sea Treader’s Path
You can reach Sea Treader’s Path by heading west from the starting area until you find a large cave entrance with Sea Treaders walking in and out.
It is recommended to bring a Seamoth with at least a Mk1 or Mk2 depth module, a high-capacity O₂ tank, and optionally sonar. You will briefly pass near the Dunes biome, so move quickly and stay alert.
Once inside, the area is extremely safe. There are no hostile creatures here. Sea Treaders walk slowly along the seafloor and dig up shale outcrops, which can contain lithium, gold, and diamonds. This biome offers an almost infinite supply of these resources.
4. Safe Shallows
The Safe Shallows is the biome where you start the game and where your lifepod is located. No special equipment is required here.
This is one of the safest areas in Subnautica. You can find several small wrecks, limestone outcrops, and sandstone outcrops, especially in caves.
The only minor dangers are Gasopods, which release harmful gas if approached too closely, and Crashfish, which explode when they charge at you from caves. Both are easy to avoid with basic movement or a Seaglide.
The Safe Shallows also has a few open areas suitable for early base building.
5. Sparse Reef
The Sparse Reef is widely considered the safest biome in Subnautica. From the starting area, head southwest to reach it. Bringing a Seamoth with a Mk1 depth module, a Seaglide, and a high-capacity O₂ tank is recommended.
This biome contains no hostile creatures. The only thing that can damage you here are Tiger Plants, which shoot spines from inside caves. Their attacks are slow and easy to dodge.
The Sparse Reef offers plenty of open space, valuable resources, and an extremely low threat level, making it an ideal location for building a long-term base.