Lead
Lead is a dense shielding metal in Subnautica 2, harvested from limestone and sandstone outcrops. It is the primary component of the Radiation Suit, reinforced bulkheads, and battery cells, making it essential for surviving the irradiated waters around the Aurora.
Quick Info
How to Get & Where to Find
Lead drops from both limestone and sandstone outcrops, making it one of the easiest metals to gather in bulk. Because both outcrop types are common in shallow and mid-depth biomes, you can passively stockpile Lead while farming Titanium, Copper, Gold, or Silver.
Uses & Recipes
Lead is the gating material for radiation survival. The Radiation Suit lets you approach the Aurora wreck after its drive core explodes, and reinforced bulkheads add structural integrity to your base against both pressure and leviathan impacts.
Tips & Strategies
Pre-Bank Before Aurora
Once the Aurora explodes, the radiation zone blocks safe travel. Bank 15–20 Lead before triggering that event so you can craft the Radiation Suit immediately and reach the wreck without delay.
Passive Collection Works
Lead drops from two outcrop types, so don't make dedicated Lead runs. Crack limestone and sandstone as you farm other resources and you'll accumulate plenty without targeted effort.
Bank for Batteries
Batteries are used by almost every tool and consumed by the Scanner. Keep a Lead reserve for spare batteries so you're never stuck without power on a deep expedition.
Reinforce Your Hull
Reinforced Bulkheads add hull integrity, which lets you build larger bases in deeper water without reinforcing every compartment. Lead is the cheapest path to base expansion.
Related Resources
Map Locations
Lead is one of the most accessible metals. Limestone and sandstone outcrops across the Safe Shallows, Kelp Forest, and Grassy Plateaus all drop it, so nearly any shallow-farm route on the interactive map will stockpile Lead.
View on Interactive Map →Frequently Asked Questions
What outcrop drops Lead?
Lead drops from both limestone outcrops and sandstone outcrops, making it one of the most accessible metals in the game. You'll passively collect Lead whenever you farm Titanium, Copper, Gold, or Silver.
When do I need Lead the most?
Lead becomes critical after the Aurora explodes, when radiation leaks force you to craft the Radiation Suit to explore near the wreck. Pre-bank 15–20 Lead before that event so you can craft the suit immediately.
Can I find Lead in the Safe Shallows?
Yes, limestone outcrops in the Safe Shallows can drop Lead, though the drop rate is lower than dedicated farm biomes like the Kelp Forest. It's a great way to start your Lead stockpile before you push into deeper water.
Is Lead renewable?
Yes, both limestone and sandstone outcrops respawn over time, so you can revisit the same biomes and continue collecting Lead indefinitely. There is no hard cap on total Lead gathered in a playthrough.
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