Why lithium matters
Lithium is the second-tier battery material in Subnautica 2. You need it for the Seamoth's Power Cell upgrade, the PRAWN Suit's thermal reactor, and the depth module for both. The default spawn rate is 1 node per 80 m² of biome, but the 2026 patch increased Deep Grand Reef density to 1 per 50 m² — making it the new top farming location.
Six biomes where lithium spawns
| Biome | Depth | Density (2026) | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deep Grand Reef | 200–400 m | 1 per 50 m² | Crabsquid, Ampeel |
| Inactive Lava Zone outskirts | 700–900 m | 1 per 60 m² | Lava Lizard, Warper |
| Kelp Forest | 50–300 m | 1 per 100 m² | Stalker |
| Grassy Plateaus | 50–200 m | 1 per 120 m² | Sand Shark |
| Mushroom Forest | 100–300 m | 1 per 110 m² | Stinger |
| Underwater Islands | 100–400 m | 1 per 130 m² | Boneshark |
The fastest 2026 farming route
The fastest route changed in the 2026 patch. The new top route is a one-way trench run through the Deep Grand Reef, starting at the western entrance near the Grand Reef arch. Here's the step-by-step:
- Build a small scanner room at the Grand Reef arch entrance. Mark it as your home beacon.
- Drop straight down to ~350 m. Hug the western wall.
- Follow the trench east. Lithium nodes cluster along the wall every 15–20 m.
- At the eastern terminus, turn north into the small cave (300 m depth). Three guaranteed lithium nodes inside.
- Return to your scanner room via the trench floor. Total round trip: 6–8 minutes.
- Repeat. Each run yields 8–12 lithium.
Bring a Stasis Rifle. The cave at the eastern terminus has a 60% chance of spawning a Crabsquid. The stasis gives you 12 seconds to grab the inner nodes and leave.
Early-game alternative: the Kelp + Grassy loop
If you don't have a Seamoth yet, the Kelp Forest to Grassy Plateaus loop is your only option. Density is lower (1 per 100–120 m²) but the depth is shallower and the fauna is mostly passive. Plan for 30–40 minutes per run, yielding 4–6 lithium.
Mid-game alternative: Lava Zone outskirts
Once you have a PRAWN Suit with the thermal reactor, the Inactive Lava Zone outskirts are the second-best farm. Density is 1 per 60 m², the threat is manageable (Lava Lizards are skittish, Warpers teleport but don't aggro unless you're near a piece they want), and the depth module is required anyway. Plan for 12–15 minutes per run, yielding 10–14 lithium.
What changed in 2026
Two biome shifts matter: the Deep Grand Reef density bump (above) and a new Inactive Lava Zone spawn group at 700–800 m that wasn't in the launch version. The new spawn group adds about 6 guaranteed lithium nodes per visit. Both changes make mid-to-late game farming much faster than it was at launch.
Common mistakes
- Going to the Grassy Plateaus first. The Kelp Forest loop is denser. Grassy Plateaus is your fallback, not your primary.
- Skipping the scanner room. The scanner room's "Resource" tracker will mark lithium nodes within 60 m. Without it you are guessing.
- Ignoring the Stalker. Stalkers in the Kelp Forest will steal loose lithium from your inventory. Bank at your base every 4 lithium.
- Going too deep too early. The Deep Grand Reef trench requires a Seamoth with depth module. Without it, the 350 m descent will crush you.
How much lithium do you need?
For full vehicle progression: 24 lithium (Seamoth Power Cell x4, PRAWN thermal reactor x4, depth modules x2, plus 8 for spares). For base building: 16 additional (lithium-ion power cells). For end-game thermal plant: 8 more. Total: ~48 lithium for a full playthrough.