How to power your base
Answer first
Start with exterior Solar Panels (output drops at night and depth). Upgrade to Hydroelectric Turbines in natural currents via Power Transmitters, and/or an interior Bioreactor fed with organics. Power offline = no oxygen inside.
Field notes
| Materials | Solar Panel parts, Organics (Bioreactor) |
|---|---|
| Tools | Habitat Builder, Power Transmitters |
| Depth / zone | Shallow solar; currents / heat later |
Steps
- Place Solar Panels on the base exterior as soon as you have the Habitat Builder — watch the upper-left power readout.
- For night/depth resilience, scan Hydroelectric Turbine fragments (early wreck/camp routes reported), place turbines inside visible natural currents, and chain Power Transmitters back to the base exterior.
- Build a Bioreactor indoors for fuel-based backup; overcharge only when you accept faster fuel burn.
- Later heat biomes unlock Thermal Plants (place on heat; transmit power like turbines).
- Add Power Storage / battery terminals so excess generation covers night dips.
- If power stops after a while, verify your build includes the Aug. 19 update (it fixes multi-base Solar and Hydroelectric Turbine timing failures), then inspect sunlight/current, transmitter links, and load instead of assuming the old bug.
Checklist
- Solar online
- Power readout checked
- Transmitter chain complete (if using turbines/thermal)
- Bioreactor fueled (optional backup)
Version differences and limitations
- Exact Hydroelectric Turbine fragment bearings differ by guide — confirm landmarks in your build.
Sources
- TheGamer — Every power source unlock and use
- VGC — How to power your base in Subnautica 2
- Subnautica Wiki — Energy (SN2)
- Unknown Worlds — Subnautica 2 Buddy System Update — Official bug fixes address Hydroelectric Turbines stopping after 120–160 minutes and Solar Panels stopping after 45–60 minutes on multiple bases; verify current build behavior.