If you’ve spent any time in Subnautica, you know that the deeper you go, the scarier things get. I learned that lesson the hard way—drifting into the Blood Kelp Zone, thinking I was safe, only to have a Ghost Leviathan scream in my face. That’s when I realized I needed something bigger, something stronger. Subnautica Cyclops—the biggest, baddest submarine in the game.
This thing isn’t just a vehicle; it’s a full-blown mobile base. It can store tons of supplies, dock your Seamoth or Prawn Suit, and take you to places no other vehicle can survive. But building it takes effort, and using it properly? Well, that’s another challenge entirely.
Let me walk you through everything you need to know—from building it, upgrading it, and, most importantly, not getting eaten while using it.
What is the Cyclops?
Think of the Cyclops as your home away from home. Unlike the Seamoth or Prawn Suit, which are great for quick trips, the Cyclops lets you take everything with you—fabricators, lockers, chargers, you name it.
It’s also the only vehicle in the game that can carry another vehicle. You can dock a Seamoth or Prawn Suit inside, making deep dives way easier. And let’s be honest, there’s just something satisfying about piloting your own massive submarine through the ocean.
How to Build the Cyclops
Alright, so getting a Cyclops isn’t exactly a walk in the park. You’ll need to find all three blueprint fragments (wrecks around the Mushroom Forest and Aurora’s back end, Crags field, Crash zone are great places to look). Then, you’ll need to gather a ton of resources:
- 3 Plasteel Ingots (Titanium Ingots + Lithium)
- 3 Enameled Glass (Glass + Stalker Teeth)
- 1 Advanced Wiring Kit (Gold, Table Coral, Computer Chip)
- 1 Lubricant (Creepvine Seed Clusters)
- 3 Lead (Found in sandstone outcrops)
Once you’ve got everything, deploy your Mobile Vehicle Bay and watch as this massive beast assembles itself in front of you. It’s honestly one of the coolest moments in the game.
Why the Cyclops is a Game-Changer
The first time I climbed into my Cyclops, I was overwhelmed by how much I could do with it. This thing is more than just a ride—it’s a survival tool.
1. Insane Storage Space
I used to get annoyed at how often I had to go back to my base just to dump loot. With the Cyclops, that problem disappears. It comes with built-in storage, plus you can add more lockers anywhere you want.
2. Vehicle Docking Bay
Ever gotten stuck in deep water with just a Seamoth? I have. It’s not fun. With the Cyclops, I can bring my Seamoth or Prawn Suit with me, drop them off when needed, and dock them again when I’m done.
3. Silent Running Mode = Leviathan Lifesaver
Here’s the thing about Leviathans: they’re jerks. If they hear you, they’ll chase you down and wreck your Cyclops. Luckily, Silent Running Mode makes you harder to detect. It drains power, but when you’re sneaking past a Reaper, trust me—you’ll be glad you have it.
4. Power Management is Everything
The Cyclops runs on Power Cells, and managing power is a skill you’ll need to learn fast. Here’s what I do:
- Use Thermal Reactor Modules if I’m near hot vents.
- Keep extra Power Cells on board at all times.
- Install a Power Cell Charger inside.
- If I’m near the surface, Solar Chargers are a lifesaver.
5. Fire Suppression System
The first time my Cyclops caught on fire, I panicked. I didn’t even know that could happen! Leviathans ramming you, taking too much damage, or just overheating the engine can start fires inside the sub. Install a Fire Suppression System ASAP—it will save your life.
Best Uses for the Cyclops
1. Exploring the Deepest Biomes
If you’re heading to places like the Lost River, Lava Zone, or Void, you need a Cyclops. With the right upgrades, it can go as deep as 1700 meters, way beyond what a Seamoth can handle.
2. A Mobile Base for Long Expeditions
Why keep going back to your base when you can bring your base with you? The Cyclops has a fabricator, power cell chargers, a bed, and enough storage to last ages. It makes deep-sea trips way more efficient.
3. Farming Rare Materials
If you need Nickel, Kyanite, or Crystalline Sulfur, you’ll find them deep in the world. The Cyclops lets you stockpile everything in one trip instead of making a dozen risky runs.
4. Escaping Leviathans
When you hear that terrifying roar in the distance, you’ll be thankful for the Cyclops. Between Silent Running Mode, Shield Generators, and Decoy Launchers, you actually have a shot at escaping.
Subnautica Cyclops Essential Upgrades
If you want to get the most out of your Cyclops, you’ll need upgrades. Here are my top picks:
- Depth Modules (Mk1, Mk2, Mk3) – Increases how deep you can go.
- Sonar Module – Makes navigating dark areas easier.
- Shield Generator – Gives you a chance to survive a Leviathan attack.
- Fire Suppression System – Puts out onboard fires automatically.
- Thermal Reactor Module – Lets you recharge power near heat sources.
Cyclops Survival Tips (From Experience)
- ALWAYS carry extra Power Cells – Running out in the deep ocean is a death sentence.
- Watch your noise meter – The louder you are, the more trouble you’ll attract. (Lookout for leviathan)
- Install upgrades ASAP – The deeper you go, the worse things get.
- Use cameras to navigate – The Cyclops is massive, and you will get stuck in caves.
- Bring a Seamoth or Prawn Suit – The Cyclops is great, but you’ll need a smaller vehicle for tighter spaces.
Final Thoughts
The Cyclops is hands down one of the coolest things in Subnautica. It’s massive, powerful, and lets you explore the depths without feeling completely helpless.
But trust me—it’s not invincible. If you don’t upgrade it, Leviathans will destroy it, fires will break out, and you’ll run out of power at the worst possible moment.
So take your time, get the right upgrades, and always keep an escape plan.
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