Subnautica Below Zero: Methane Ice Caves & Sparse Arctic - biome guide Subnautica Guide and Walkthrough
Last update: 27 March 2021
In Subnautica: Below Zero in addition to the Arctic and the Deep Arctic, you will also come across two more locations, that are completely or largely covered by ice. They are the Methane Ice Caves and the Sparse Arctic. The chapter below is dedicated to the description of these two biomes.
Methane Ice Caves
The Methane Ice Caves are a very crucial location in Subnautica: Below Zero when it comes to the game's storyline. This biome is a huge complex of caves, the entrance to which is located on the border of the Arctic and Lilypad Islands zones. This is also an incredibly deep zone that reaches a maximum depth of almost 900 meters.
Due to the enormous depth, the location is almost completely devoid of life. You will find virtually no large living organisms here. You will, however, come across individual specimens of the Spinefish species. These are small fish, so they do not pose any significant threat to you. Additionally, in the shallower areas, you will see some Rock Punchers. When it comes to resources, you can find Nickel Ore, and in the depths of the biome, you can occasionally discover some Rubies.
The most important element of this biome is the abandoned base. It is located at a depth of around 600 meters, on one of the protruding shelves. It has been damaged and is completely flooded, which is why you should take the time to equip the largest oxygen tank at your disposal. You must enter the base in order to obtain the Orange Tablet.
Sparse Arctic
The Sparse Arctic is the shallowest of all ice-covered biomes. It reaches a maximum depth of 100 meters. This is a very tight and claustrophobic zone. Most of the area is occupied by ice caves.
Despite its name, the biome is characterized by quite rich fauna. You can encounter Titan Holefish here, accompanied by Symbiotes. Pengwings are also swimming around the area, they dive into the water from various icebergs. The only actual threat here is a collision with one of these Penguins. They swim very quickly, which can cause a bit of damage to you should you swim into one.
In terms of vegetation, the biome is quite poor, but there are individual specimens of different plants. When it comes to resources, in this zone you will find Quartz, Salt Deposits, and Limestone Outcrops.