Diamond
Diamond is the hardest natural mineral in Subnautica 2, harvested from shale outcrops in deep biomes. It is required for the Laser Cutter, reinforced cutting tools, and several high-tier upgrades that gate late-game exploration.
Quick Info
How to Get & Where to Find
Break Shale Outcrops in deep biomes. Diamond is one of three possible drops from shale (alongside Lithium and Gold), and it has the lowest drop rate, so expect to crack many outcrops before a Diamond appears. A Prawn Suit Drill Arm dramatically speeds up late-game harvesting.
Mountains
150–300m — shale fields along rocky slopes. Highest accessible Diamond yield.
Best yield — predator-heavyUnderwater Islands
100–250m — shale scattered across the floating rock formations.
Mid-game alternativeLost River
300–400m — concentrated shale along the green riverbed.
Late-game sourceUses & Recipes
Diamond is a small but critical resource. The Laser Cutter alone gates access to sealed Aurora doorways and wrecks, while the Drill Arm lets your Prawn Suit mine large resource deposits in the endgame.
Tips & Strategies
Expect a Low Drop Rate
Diamond has the lowest drop chance from shale outcrops. Plan to crack 15–20 outcrops per Diamond; bring extra tank capacity because you'll also haul Lithium and Silver.
Switch to Prawn Suit Late Game
Once you have the Prawn Suit Drill Arm, large Diamond deposits in the Lost River and Mountains replace shale outcrop farming entirely, with dramatically higher yields per trip.
Pin Shale Clusters
Because Diamond is rare per outcrop, pinning dense shale clusters with beacons is the only way to make repeat farm runs efficient without re-scouting each time.
Craft the Laser Cutter First
The Laser Cutter opens sealed Aurora compartments that contain tech fragments and Ion Cube wiring. Prioritize it over other Diamond recipes early in the mid-game.
Related Resources
Map Locations
Shale outcrops that drop Diamond cluster in the Mountains and Lost River. Pin Diamond farming routes on the interactive map for efficient deep-biome expeditions.
View on Interactive Map →Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find Diamond?
Diamond drops from shale outcrops in the Mountains, Underwater Islands, and Lost River biomes. The Mountains are the most accessible early source; the Lost River offers higher density once you can reach it safely.
What is Diamond used for in Subnautica 2?
Diamond is used for the Laser Cutter (which opens sealed Aurora doors), reinforced cutting tools, the Prawn Suit Drill Arm, and several high-tier equipment upgrades. It gates access to late-game tech and resource farming.
How rare is Diamond?
Diamond is considered a rare resource. It shares shale outcrop drops with Lithium and Silver but has the lowest drop rate of the three, so plan on cracking many outcrops or switching to the Prawn Suit Drill Arm in late game.
Can I get Diamond from large deposits?
Yes. Large Diamond deposits exist in deep biomes and can be mined with the Prawn Suit Drill Arm. This is far more efficient than cracking shale outcrops and should become your primary source once you have the drill arm blueprint.
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