Hey survivors! If you’ve started building your first underwater base in Subnautica 2, you’ve likely realized that Necrolei Cysts are the “gold dust” of the early-to-mid game. These pulsing, organic nodes are vital for crafting advanced tech like the Laser Cutter and Habitat Builder components. However, they aren’t just sitting out in the open waiting to be picked up. Here is your definitive guide to the best locations to farm them without becoming shark bait.
Table of Contents
What are Necrolei Cysts?
Necrolei Cysts are rare biological growths found primarily on the walls of deep-sea caves and rocky outcroppings. They emit a faint, sickly green glow, making them easier to spot in the dark, but they often grow in dangerous territories.
Subnautica 2: Best Locations to Find Necrolei Cysts
| Location/Biome | Depth Range | Threat Level | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kelp Forest Caves | 50m – 150m | Low | Look inside narrow crevices near the roots. |
| Thermal Vents | 200m – 400m | Medium | Watch out for heat damage; check the basalt pillars. |
| The Red Sea Trenches | 300m+ | High | Bring a Rebreather; found near bioluminescent flora. |
| Cargo Wreckage Beta | 180m | Medium | Check the exterior hull and nearby rocks. |
Step-by-Step Guide to Farming Necrolei Cysts
Step 1: Prepare Your Gear Before heading out, ensure you have a Seaglide for quick escapes and at least a High-Capacity O2 Tank. Since many Cysts are found in caves, you don’t want to run out of air while navigating tight turns.
Step 2: Scour the Kelp Forest Caves The safest place to start is the caves within the Kelp Forest. These are shallow enough that you don’t need advanced pressure compensators. Swim along the cave ceilings; Necrolei Cysts often hang upside down like glowing barnacles.
Step 3: Dive Into the Thermal Vents For a higher yield, head toward the Thermal Vents. The heat makes this area dangerous, but the mineral-rich water causes Necrolei Cysts to grow in clusters. Focus your search on the dark side of the basalt spires, away from the direct heat blasts.
Step 4: Navigate the Red Sea Trenches If you have a Rebreather, the Red Sea is a goldmine. The Cysts here are larger and provide more resources per harvest. However, this is predator territory—keep your ears open for the roar of nearby Leviathans and keep your Seaglide battery topped off.
Ready to upgrade your gear? Check our Subnautica 2 beginner survival guide and explore the best base building tips for Subnautica 2 to maximize your efficiency.
For more information on the development of this underwater epic, check out the Subnautica Wikipedia page.
FAQs
What is the best tool for harvesting Necrolei Cysts?
You don’t need a special tool; you can harvest them by hand. However, having a Propulsion Cannon helps grab them from hard-to-reach cave ceilings.
Do Necrolei Cysts respawn in Subnautica 2?
Yes, they do respawn over time, but it takes several in-game days. It is better to rotate between the Kelp Forest and Thermal Vents for a steady supply.
