Unlock the Power of Hydraulic Fluid: A Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting in Subnautica Below Zero

Navigating the icy depths of 4546B in Subnautica: Below Zero requires more than just a sturdy vehicle. You need power, and that power comes from hydraulic fluid. This vital resource fuels your Seamoth, Prawn Suit, and even your base’s power systems, making it an essential component for survival.

But how do you make hydraulic fluid in this alien world? It’s not as simple as grabbing a bottle from a nearby store. This guide will walk you through the process, from gathering the necessary resources to crafting the fluid itself.

The Essential Ingredients: What You Need

Before you can start crafting, you need to gather the necessary ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

• Salt: This common resource is found in abundance throughout the ocean. You can collect it by hand or use a scanner to locate large deposits.
• Lead: This metallic element is a bit trickier to find. You’ll need to explore the deeper regions of the ocean, specifically the Blood Kelp Zone, to locate lead deposits.
• Resin: This sticky substance is produced by the Bulb Vine, a plant found in shallow waters. You can harvest it by using your knife.
• Lithium: This valuable element is found in the inactive lava zones, which are usually located near thermal vents. Be careful, as these areas can be quite dangerous.

Crafting Stations: Where to Build Your Fluid Factory

To create hydraulic fluid, you’ll need a crafting station. Thankfully, you have two options:

• Fabricator: This versatile machine is available early in the game and can be found in your initial base. You can build additional fabricators using the blueprints found in the PDA.
• Vehicle Modification Station: This specialized station is used for upgrading vehicles and requires a bit more effort to build. It’s a great option if you plan on making a lot of hydraulic fluid.

The Recipe: Combining the Ingredients

Once you’ve gathered your ingredients and have a crafting station ready, you can begin the process of making hydraulic fluid. Here’s the recipe:

• 1 Salt
• 1 Lead
• 1 Resin
• 1 Lithium

Combine these ingredients in your chosen crafting station, and voila! You’ll have a fresh batch of hydraulic fluid ready to power your adventures.

Managing Your Supply: Tips for Efficiency

Making hydraulic fluid can be a continuous process, especially as you start exploring deeper and venturing further into the ocean. Here are some tips to manage your supply effectively:

• Plan Ahead: Before embarking on an extended expedition, ensure you have enough hydraulic fluid to power your vehicles and base.
• Prioritize Resources: When gathering resources, prioritize those needed for hydraulic fluid production. This will prevent you from running out when you need it most.
• Use the Scanner: The scanner is your best friend when it comes to finding rare resources like lead and lithium. Use it to pinpoint locations and save time while exploring.
• Explore New Areas: As you progress through the game, you’ll unlock new biomes with different resources. Don’t be afraid to explore and discover new sources of hydraulic fluid ingredients.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Crafting Techniques

Once you’ve mastered the basics of hydraulic fluid production, you can explore more advanced techniques to maximize efficiency.

• Storage: Use storage containers to keep your hydraulic fluid organized and easily accessible. This will help you avoid wasting time searching for it when you need it.
• Automation: As you progress, you can unlock blueprints for automated systems that can gather resources and craft hydraulic fluid for you. This can save you a lot of time and effort.
• Recycling: You can recycle old vehicles and equipment to recover their hydraulic fluid. This can be a valuable source of the resource, especially in the early game.

The Power Within: How Hydraulic Fluid Fuels Your Journey

Hydraulic fluid is more than just a crafting recipe; it’s the lifeblood of your underwater adventures. It powers the engines that propel your vehicles, allowing you to explore the vast and treacherous depths of 4546B. It fuels the life support systems that keep you alive in the harsh alien environment. Without it, your journey would be impossible.

Beyond the Depths: The Importance of Understanding Resources

Mastering the art of making hydraulic fluid is not just about filling your vehicle’s tank. It’s about understanding the interconnectedness of the world around you. You learn to appreciate the value of resources, the importance of planning, and the power of ingenuity in surviving a hostile environment.

What People Want to Know

Q1: Can I find hydraulic fluid pre-made in the game?

A: While you can find some hydraulic fluid in the game, it’s usually in limited quantities and is best reserved for emergencies. Crafting your own is a more sustainable and reliable solution.

Q2: Is there a specific biome where I can find more hydraulic fluid ingredients?

A: While the ingredients are spread across various biomes, the Blood Kelp Zone is a great place to find lead, and the inactive lava zones are your best bet for lithium.

Q3: Can I use hydraulic fluid for anything besides vehicles?

A: Hydraulic fluid is also used to power base modules like the Power Generator and the Habitat Builder.

Q4: Is there a way to make hydraulic fluid faster?

A: Using the Vehicle Modification Station allows you to craft hydraulic fluid in larger quantities, speeding up the process.

Q5: What happens if I run out of hydraulic fluid?

A: Running out of hydraulic fluid will result in your vehicle losing power and becoming unusable. It’s essential to keep an eye on your supply and ensure you have enough to fuel your adventures.