Running low on clean water in Subnautica? You’re not alone—staying hydrated is a constant challenge in the alien ocean. That’s where the Water Filtration Machine becomes a game-changer, turning salty seawater into life-saving drinks.
Knowing how to use this machine efficiently can mean the difference between thriving and scrambling for survival. In this article, you’ll find simple steps, helpful tips, and useful insights so you can make the most of your Water Filtration Machine and keep your adventure going strong.
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How to Use the Water Filtration Machine in Subnautica: An Essential Survival Guide
The Water Filtration Machine in Subnautica is one of the most invaluable tools for any survivor of planet 4546B. Once you’ve unlocked and installed this device in your base, it will continuously supply you with two crucial resources: filtered water and salt. Staying hydrated is just as important as avoiding predators, and this machine makes the whole process much more manageable.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover:
- What the Water Filtration Machine does
- Step-by-step instructions for building and operating it
- The benefits and challenges of using the device
- Practical advice to optimize its efficiency
- Answers to common questions from the Subnautica community
Let’s dive in and ensure your character never has to worry about dehydration again!
What is the Water Filtration Machine in Subnautica?
The Water Filtration Machine is an advanced base module that automatically extracts water from seawater and produces large filtered water bottles and salt over time. By turning saltwater into clean, drinkable water, it eliminates the need to constantly search for Bladderfish or craft water bottles manually. This passive system gives you peace of mind, especially as your base and exploration horizons expand.
How to Unlock and Build the Water Filtration Machine
Before you can use the Water Filtration Machine, there are a few steps to follow as you progress through Subnautica:
1. Scan for Fragments
- The Water Filtration Machine blueprint is unlocked by scanning its fragments.
- These fragments are commonly found in wrecks within the Grand Reef, Dunes, and certain Degasi Seabases.
- Use your Scanner to scan two fragments in total to unlock the blueprint.
2. Gather Required Materials
Once the blueprint is unlocked, you’ll need the following to craft the Water Filtration Machine:
- 3 Titanium – Easy to obtain from metal salvage or outcrops.
- 2 Copper Wire – Made from Copper Ore, found in outcrops or caves.
- 1 Aerogel – Crafted from Gel Sacks (found in caves) and Rubies (usually located in deeper biomes).
- 1 Wiring Kit – Created from Silver Ore.
3. Build Inside a Multipurpose Room
- The Water Filtration Machine is a wall-mounted structure, so it requires placement inside a Multipurpose Room or Large Room.
- It is large and takes significant wall space.
- Use the Habitat Builder tool to place it on a wall where you still have room for access and other equipment.
4. Power Requirements
- The Water Filtration Machine is power-intensive, consuming around 40 units of energy per cycle.
- Ensure your base has sufficient, reliable power—solar panels may be insufficient on their own, especially at depths.
- Consider adding Bioreactors, Thermal Plants, or Nuclear Reactors for uninterrupted power supply.
Step-by-Step: Using the Water Filtration Machine
Once constructed, follow these steps to efficiently use your new device:
Step 1: Install the Machine
- Place the machine in an accessible location on a Multipurpose Room wall.
- Make sure it doesn’t block important walkways or other devices.
Step 2: Ensure Adequate Power
- Check your base’s power reserves. If the water filtration machine drains your base below zero power, all operations will halt.
- Upgrade your power infrastructure as needed.
Step 3: Let it Operate
- The Water Filtration Machine works automatically. No need to add saltwater or manage filters.
- Each complete cycle takes approximately 15 minutes (real time) to produce one Large Filtered Water and two Salt deposits.
Step 4: Collect Your Goods
- When a cycle finishes, interact with the machine to retrieve your filtered water and salt.
- You must remove the items before the machine resumes production.
Step 5: Regular Collection
- Automated but not infinite—regularly collect produced items to ensure continuous operation.
- If the storage is full, production halts until items are collected.
Benefits of Using the Water Filtration Machine
Integrating a Water Filtration Machine into your base is a game-changer. Here’s why it’s so valuable:
- Reliable, Passive Water Supply: No more hunting Bladderfish or fabricating water manually.
- Salt as a Resource: Useful for curing fish, making bleach (for alternative water), and crafting other items.
- Reduced Micromanagement: Frees you to focus on exploration and base expansion.
- Less Inventory Hassle: Larger bottles hydrate you far more per slot than first-aid water, saving space on long trips.
Challenges and Points to Consider
As powerful as it is, the Water Filtration Machine does have downsides:
- High Power Consumption: May quickly drain your base power—plan infrastructure upgrades accordingly.
- Space Requirements: Its size means you can’t clutter your walls with many machines.
- Production Rate: One bottle every 15 minutes is steady, but may not be sufficient for very large crews or constant expeditions.
- Depth Limitations: Solar panels won’t work well in deep biomes. Plan accordingly.
Practical Tips and Best Practices
Make the most out of your Water Filtration Machine with these expert tips:
- Build in Multiples for Larger Bases: If you need more water, consider installing several machines in different rooms.
- Pair with Battery Backups or Advanced Reactors: Prevent nighttime or depth-related power outages.
- Collect Items Regularly: Mark your calendar or set reminders to avoid production stalls.
- Organize Salt Storage: Salt accumulates quickly—set up dedicated lockers to avoid overcrowding your main inventory.
- Optimize Layout: Place machines near your kitchen or food prep stations for added convenience.
Concluding Summary
The Water Filtration Machine is an essential late-game upgrade in Subnautica, transforming seawater into endless hydration and resource opportunities. Though it has a high power draw and takes up a chunk of wall space, proper planning makes it a cornerstone for survival, comfort, and sustained exploration. Install it early, upgrade your power supply, and never worry about dehydration again!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take for the Water Filtration Machine to produce water?
The machine produces one Large Filtered Water bottle approximately every 15 real-world minutes. You’ll also get two salt units per cycle.
Can I place the Water Filtration Machine anywhere in my base?
No. You must install it inside a Multipurpose Room, Large Room, or a similar space with a solid wall. It cannot be placed in corridors or small compartments.
What happens if my base runs out of power while the machine is operating?
If your base has no power, the Water Filtration Machine, along with all other powered devices, stops working until power is restored. Uncollected produced items remain available.
Do I need to provide the machine with saltwater or filters?
No management is required. The machine operates automatically, using the ocean water outside your base and does not require manual refills.
Is the Water Filtration Machine worth its high power usage?
Absolutely! For most players, the convenience, reliability, and space savings for water production outweigh the increased energy consumption—just ensure your power infrastructure can keep up.
With this knowledge, you’re now ready to use the Water Filtration Machine like a seasoned Subnautica survivor. Drink up, stay hydrated, and happy exploring!