Where to Find Lead in Subnautica 2
Last updated: May 30, 2026
Lead is the first resource in Subnautica 2 that forces you to venture beyond your immediate starting area. You need it to craft the Sonic Resonator — the mining tool that unlocks large ore deposits across the entire map, including the Silver veins essential for mid-game progression.
Without Lead, you cannot build the Sonic Resonator. Without the Sonic Resonator, you cannot efficiently mine Silver. That progression chain makes Lead one of the most important early-game resources to locate.
TIP
Want to see the exact deposit locations on the map? Check out our Subnautica 2 Interactive Map for verified coordinates.
Video Route Walkthrough
You can watch the exact path and landmarks in this quick visual guide:
Quick Answer: Where is Lead?
- Primary Location: Around the Cicada Wreck (Lander Garage), approximately 370m northeast of your starting Lifepod.
- Secondary Area: Ravines with natural blue downward currents — follow the current to find Lead Nodes on the canyon floor.
- What to Look For: Purple, blocky, cube-shaped stones on the seafloor.
Click the image to view all Lead deposit locations on the interactive map.
Step-by-Step Route: The Cicada Wreck
This is the most reliable early-game Lead farming route.
Head Northeast from the Lifepod
Exit your Lifepod and swim northeast (bearing ~70°). Maintain a constant direction — your compass is your best tool here. You are looking to travel approximately 370m.
Locate the Cicada Wreck (Lander Garage)
The wreck is a large, downed structure resting on the seafloor. It is also known as the Lander Garage — an early expedition site from a previous colonist mission. Lead Nodes cluster around and underneath the hull.
NOTE
The Cicada Wreck is also home to Tadpole Fragments (2 of the 3 you need are nearby). If you're on the way, bring your Scanner and grab them too. See our Tadpole guide for exact fragment positions.
Identify the Lead Deposits
Lead appears as rectangular, purple-grey blocks embedded in the seafloor and canyon walls. They stand out clearly against the lighter rock and sand.
- Lead Nodes (small): Pick up by hand — just approach and interact. These are the ones you want early game.
- Lead Deposits (large): Require a Sonic Resonator to break. Come back for these after you have the tool.
Follow the Blue Current (Alternative Path)
If you struggle to find the wreck directly, look for a blue downward current in any nearby ravine — typically visible about 280m northeast of the Lifepod. (PC Gamer, community signal) Let the current pull you down into the canyon. Lead Nodes are scattered along the walls and the canyon floor.
Hand-Pick vs. Sonic Resonator
| Deposit Type | Collection Method | Recommended Stage |
|---|---|---|
| Lead Node (small) | Hand — just interact | Early game, before Sonic Resonator |
| Lead Deposit (large) | Requires Sonic Resonator | After crafting the Resonator |
IMPORTANT
The Sonic Resonator itself requires 2x Lead to craft. Focus on collecting hand-size Lead Nodes first. Once you have enough Lead to build the Resonator, return to the large Deposits for efficient farming.
See the Sonic Resonator crafting recipe for the full material list.
Safety Tips for the Cicada Wreck Area
The northeast region is deeper and more exposed than the Lifepod's immediate surroundings. Prepare accordingly:
- Marrowbreach threat (community signal): This predator patrols the wreck area. Stay close to the seafloor and wreckage structure to maintain cover. Bring Distraction Flares as a fallback.
- Oxygen management: The swim is ~370m. Ensure your oxygen tank is upgraded or that you have identified air pockets along the route.
- Set a Beacon: Craft a Beacon (1x Copper + 1x Titanium) and place it at the wreck. You will be farming Lead here multiple times.
What Lead is Used For
Lead is used in three crafting chains. All recipes are verified against game data.
| Crafted Item | Ingredients | Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Sonic Resonator | 2x Lead, 2x Titanium Ingot, 1x Wiring Kit, 1x Basic Battery (requires Acidic Raion Pouch to craft) | Fabricator |
| Germanium Ingot | 2x Lead | Processor |
| Sugar of Saturn (yields 2x) | 1x Lead, 1x Salt | Fabricator |
→ View all Lead crafting recipes in the Crafting Tool
The Progression Chain
Lead Node (hand-collect)
↓
Sonic Resonator (crafted with 2x Lead)
↓
Large Lead Deposits (mined with Sonic Resonator)
↓
Germanium Ingot (via Processor) + Silver deposits (large veins unlocked)This is why Lead comes before Silver in progression priority, even though Silver is the more-searched term.
Mid-Game: Metal Farm (Passive Lead Production)
Once you've established a base, the Metal Farm can be used to passively grow Lead by planting a Lead Node. This makes the Metal Farm one of the most efficient ways to maintain a steady Lead supply for Germanium Ingot production without repeated farming runs.
Recommended Next Steps
After collecting your first Lead:
- Craft the Sonic Resonator → unlocks large deposit mining across the map.
- Return to the South Silver Cliffs → mine the large Silver Deposits that were previously inaccessible. See our Silver guide.
- Build a Scanner Station → set it to track Lead to automate future resource detection within a 300m radius. (community signal)