Energy

From Subnautica Wiki
Revision as of 02:22, 4 September 2023 by LoneSurvivr (talk | contribs) (minor changes, added stuff in items and vehicles)
Energy.png

Energy is an essential mechanism to all electronics. With tools, a power supply percentage is displayed for a short time after the tool is selected. Energy is unlimited in Creative Mode.

Seabases

Seabases require energy to produce breathable air and to power appliances such as the Fabricator, Power Cell Charger, and Battery Charger.

Seabases will draw power from internal generators (Bioreactors or Nuclear Reactors) installed inside the base and from any external generators (Solar Panels or Thermal Plants) within power transmission range. Power transmission is represented by a thin glowing blue line connecting an external generator to the base. The Power Transmitter can be used to connect generators to bases across greater distances. Power is drawn from the oldest generator first, regardless of the type of generator. Each generator will work to fill its own internal storage capacity and will not fill the capacity of other generators.

Lifepod 5 consumes and produces power much like a seabase. It draws its power from three special unremovable power cells, and power is generated during daylight hours from a built-in solar array.

Generators

Module Description Energy Source Capacity Power/min
Bioreactor.png
Bioreactor
Composts organic matter into electrical energy. Organic decomposition 500 50
Nuclear Reactor.png
Nuclear Reactor
Processes nuclear reactor rods. Nuclear fission 2500 250
Solar Panel.png
Solar Panel
Build on the ground or base exterior in the sun to charge. Stellar radiation 75 15.2 overnight at 110m or higher[1]
Thermal Plant.png
Thermal Plant
Converts heat to energy (> 25 °C) Heat 250 66 at 75°C[2]

References

  1. Actual output depends on how much sunlight the panel is receiving, see the Solar Panel page for details.
  2. Actual output depends on the temperature at the Thermal Plant's location.

Transmitter

Module Description Energy Source
Power Transmitter.png
Power Transmitter
Extends range of power source.

Items and vehicles

Some items and vehicles require a Battery, Power Cell, Ion Battery, or Ion Power Cell to operate. When energy runs out, the player can replace the empty power source with a new one by selecting the key respective to that item/vehicle. Doing so brings up a menu of compatible power sources in the player's inventory plus the current power source, which can be scrolled to equip a new battery/power cell.

Controls

Action Mouse & Keyboard Xbox One PlayStation 4 Nintendo Switch
Changing Battery
R
XBOX X Combops4sq.png SwitchY.png

For vehicles, interact directly with the empty power cell(s):

  • The Seamoth's power cell is towards the rear, underneath the propeller.
  • The Prawn Suit has two power cells on its shoulder plates, near the storage.
  • The Cyclops has two banks of three power cells on either side of the engine.
  • The Seatruck has two power cells on top of the cabin.
  • The Snowfox has a battery on the top near the handlebars.

The Seamoth, Prawn Suit, and Seatruck can also be recharged by docking them at a Moonpool or in a Cyclops, while the Snowfox can be recharged by docking it at a Snowfox Hoverpad. While docked, they recharge at the same rate as if their power cells were in a Power Cell Charger.

Replacing a partially or fully depleted battery or power cell will give the player that used battery or power cell. They can be recharged using a Battery Charger or Power Cell Charger, both of which draw power from a Seabase or the Cyclops. They can also be recharged in place with the Swim Charge Fins (for batteries) or the appropriate vehicle generator module (for power cells).

Component Power Source
Flashlight.png
Flashlight
Battery
Floodlight.png
Floodlight
Seabase
Builder.png
Habitat Builder
Battery
Laser Cutter.png
Laser Cutter
Battery
1x1 default bg.png
Mineral Detector Icon.png
Mineral Detector
Battery
Dive Reel.png
Pathfinder Tool
Battery
Propulsion Cannon.png
Propulsion Cannon
Battery
Welder.png
Repair Tool
Battery
Repulsion Cannon.png
Repulsion Cannon
Battery
Component Power Source
Scanner.png
Scanner
Battery
Seaglide.png
Seaglide
Battery
Seatruck.png
Seatruck
Power Cell
Snowfox.png
Snowfox
Battery
Stasis Rifle.png
Stasis Rifle
Battery
Cyclops.png
Cyclops
Power Cell (6)
Exosuit.png
Prawn Suit
Power Cell (2)
Seamoth.png
Seamoth
Power Cell (1)
Lifepod 5.png
Lifepod 5
Solar Power Cell (3)
Spotlight.png
Spotlight
Seabase
1x1 default bg.png
Tether Tool Icon.png
Tether Tool
Ion Cube
1x2 default bg.png
Thumper Icon.png
Thumper
Battery

Vehicular Generators

Module Description Energy Source Power/min
Seamoth Solar Charger.png
Seamoth Solar Charger
An upgrade for the Seamoth that will convert stellar radiation into energy when possible. Stellar Radiation

60% Power Cell Charge (Daytime, Surface)

Exosuit Thermal Reactor Module.png
Prawn Suit Thermal Reactor
An upgrade for the PRAWN Suit that converts local heat into energy. Heat (>30°C) Roughly 60% Power Cell Charge (70°C)
Cyclops Thermal Reactor Module.PNG
Cyclops Thermal Reactor
An upgrade for the Cyclops that converts local heat into energy. Heat (>35°C) (Needs Testing)


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