In Subnautica, oxygen isn’t just a resource—it’s your lifeline. For new players, many early deaths happen not from hostile creatures, but from poor oxygen planning. Learning to manage your air efficiently is the first survival skill you need after crash-landing on Planet 4546B. Even with the ocean’s beauty all around you, never lose track of your oxygen bar—it drains fast, especially at greater depths.
To avoid panic surfacing, always upgrade your oxygen tank as soon as possible. Craft the High Capacity O₂ Tank early by gathering silver, glass, and titanium—it can double your dive time. Also, build multiple Air Bladders as emergency flotation tools, and memorize quick paths to oxygen-rich areas like Brain Coral or air pockets inside caves. Swimming slower and avoiding unnecessary sprinting can conserve air during exploration.
Trust your instincts—if you’re 30 seconds away from the surface, start surfacing at 45. Subnautica rewards cautious, mindful movement. Oxygen deaths are preventable, and mastering your breathing rhythm sets the foundation for deeper, riskier—and far more rewarding—dives. Think ahead, breathe easy, and let the ocean open up to you.
