Primary use
Unlocking base modules, power, storage, and first permanent habitat planning.
Base unlock tool
Habitat Builder Guide
The Habitat Builder unlocks your first base. Reserve its materials before making spare tools, then choose a site with room for the first room, storage and solar power.
Quick answer: Complete two Habitat Builder scans at the Welcome Center entrance and lower cave. Craft it with 2 Titanium, 1 Glass, 1 Basic Battery and 1 Copper Wire at the Fabricator, then build a powered starter room.
Reviewed .
Route and unlock plan
Welcome Center scan route southeast of the Lifepod.
Step 1
Bring a Basic Battery to the Welcome Center
Powering the facility is part of the same early route that leads to Bio Lab and base-building progress.
Step 2
Scan both Habitat Builder tools
Scan both Habitat Builder fragments on the Welcome Center route.
Step 3
Reserve starter materials
Titanium, Glass, Copper Wire, and Basic Battery planning overlap here; do not spend every Copper piece on spare batteries first.
Step 4
Build small and powered
A useful first base is storage, power, Fabricator access, and safe oxygen returns before decoration.
Map and route
Open a marker to follow the nearby route and plan your return trip.
landmark
Welcome Center approach
Swim south-southeast from the Lifepod; bring a Basic Battery before making it a full stop.
Shallow to mid-shallow / GameSpot route walkthrough
blueprint
Habitat Builder scans
PC Gamer lists two Habitat Builder scans at the Welcome Center: one by the entrance crate and one in the cave below.
Shallow facility / PC Gamer Habitat Builder guide
base-spot
Lifepod starter base and current
Build under or beside the Lifepod first; PC Gamer notes a strong current about 60 m east for later turbine power.
Shallow / PC Gamer base-location guide
Player decisions
| Question | Status | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| First blocker | Scan route | The Welcome Center route matters before a recipe list does. |
| Material pressure | Starter chain | Titanium, Glass, Copper Wire, and Basic Battery are linked by the same early base-building decision. |
| Power choice | Practical setup | Solar and hydroelectric planning matter more than a large first layout. |
| Co-op use | Shared base priority | Agree on storage and material reservations before everyone spends the same starter stock. |
Gameplay notes
Route backed
Scan route
Complete both Habitat Builder scans at the Welcome Center before crafting the tool.
Route backed
Recipe family
Starter material pages cross-link the supported Habitat Builder material chain.
Useful links
Questions people ask
Where do I scan the Habitat Builder?
Complete both Habitat Builder scans at the Welcome Center entrance and lower cave, then craft it at the Fabricator with 2 Titanium, 1 Glass, 1 Basic Battery and 1 Copper Wire.
What materials should I reserve for Habitat Builder?
Reserve starter construction and electronics materials such as Titanium, Glass, Copper Wire, and Basic Battery, then follow current craft text for counts.
Should I build a large first base?
No. Build small, powered, and organized first; expand after storage, power, and return routes are stable.