Lithium
Lithium is an advanced metal in Subnautica 2, harvested from shale outcrops in deeper biomes. It unlocks vehicle upgrades, plasteel ingots, and reinforced base modules that let you push into high-pressure depths.
Quick Info
How to Get & Where to Find
Break Shale Outcrops on the seafloor of deeper biomes. Shale is recognizable by its dark, ridged surface and tends to spawn alongside silver and diamond. Bring a Seamoth for the depth range and watch for predators that patrol the Mountains.
Uses & Recipes
Lithium is a gateway to mid-game progression. It forms the backbone of plasteel, the strongest structural alloy in the game, and is required for depth upgrades that let your vehicles survive the deep ocean.
Tips & Strategies
Bring a Seamoth
Most Lithium spawns sit below 150m. A Seamoth with at least the MK1 depth upgrade lets you harvest safely and retreat quickly if a boneshark or reaper appears.
Clear Inventory Space
Shale outcrops also drop Silver and Diamond, so leave 8–10 inventory slots free. A single Mountain run can net 4–6 Lithium plus valuable byproducts.
Pin Shale Deposits
Use beacons to mark shale-rich slopes. Shale respawns over time, so a pinned route lets you return for repeat farm runs without re-scouting.
Craft Plasteel First
Plasteel Ingots unlock the most recipes per Lithium. Prioritize them over individual upgrades to maximize the recipes your hard-earned Lithium unlocks.
Related Resources
Map Locations
Shale outcrops cluster in the Mountains and Underwater Islands. Pin Lithium routes on the interactive map to plan efficient deep-biome farming runs.
View on Interactive Map →Frequently Asked Questions
What outcrop drops Lithium?
Lithium drops from shale outcrops found in deeper biomes like the Mountains and Underwater Islands. Shale has a darker, ridged appearance compared to the pale limestone you find in the shallows.
Can Lithium be crafted instead of mined?
No, Lithium is only obtained by breaking shale outcrops. It cannot be synthesized in the fabricator, so you'll need to plan regular deep-biome farm runs to keep your supply topped up.
How deep do I need to dive for Lithium?
Most Lithium deposits sit between 100m and 300m. A Seamoth or Seaglide is strongly recommended, and a MK1 depth module on the Seamoth covers the entire range safely.
Does shale respawn Lithium?
Yes, shale outcrops respawn over time, so you can revisit pinned Mountain routes after a few in-game days. The respawn mechanic means there's no hard cap on total Lithium gathered.
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