Resource Location

Subnautica 2 Copper Location: Cave Wall Mining Guide

Copper on Proteus is found as Copper Ore embedded in CAVE WALLS under the Lifepod and in Shallows Caves (3-224m depth). There are NO limestone outcrops on Proteus — copper comes from reddish metallic deposits on cave surfaces. You need 2 Copper Ore + 1 Acidic Raion Pouch for a Basic Battery, and 2 Copper Ore for Copper Wire (used in Wiring Kits and System Chips). Farm 10-15 copper ore minimum in your first few hours.

Guide Steps

Primary source: Cave walls in Shallows Caves

Copper Ore appears as reddish metallic deposits embedded directly in cave walls. Under the Lifepod, look for small cave openings — the walls inside have visible copper deposits. Also in Shallows Caves throughout the 3-224m depth range. Unlike Subnautica 1, copper does NOT come from breaking rocks on the seafloor. You must enter caves to mine it from walls.

Best farming route: Lifepod caves

Drop directly under your Lifepod to find the nearest cave entrance. Copper deposits are visible as reddish streaks on cave walls — you can pick them up directly without tools. Farm in a loop: surface for oxygen, dive down, collect all visible copper, resurface. A 10-minute cave run yields 4-8 copper ore.

Secondary source: Shallows Caves further from Lifepod

Larger cave systems in the Shallows have more copper deposits but extend deeper (50-224m). Only explore these after you have a Standard Air Tank. Mark cave entrances with beacons for return trips. Some caves connect underground tunnels between biomes.

Copper usage priority

Spend copper in this order: (1) Basic Batteries (2 copper each) for Scanner and tools, (2) Copper Wire (2 copper) for Wiring Kit and System Chip, (3) Solar panels (1 copper) for base power. Don't waste early copper on spare batteries. You need 10-15 copper minimum for essential gear.

Early game copper target

Minimum 10-15 copper ore: 4 for 2 Basic Batteries (Scanner + Habitat Builder), 4 for 2 Copper Wire (Wiring Kit + System Chip), 2 for Solar Panel + backup. Farm 15+ to be comfortable. Remember: each Basic Battery needs 2 copper (not 1 like in Subnautica 1).

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best place to find copper on Proteus?

Under the Lifepod — there are cave entrances nearby with copper deposits on the walls. Also in Shallows Caves at 3-224m depth.

How do I get copper on Proteus? No limestone outcrops?

Correct — there are no limestone outcrops on Proteus. Copper comes from reddish metallic deposits embedded in cave walls. Enter caves and look for reddish streaks on the walls and ceiling.

How much copper do I need early game?

Minimum 10-15 copper ore. Each Basic Battery takes 2 copper, each Copper Wire takes 2 copper. Farm 15+ to cover all early needs including batteries, wiring, and base power.