Where to find axum bacterial cultures in Subnautica 2

Axum bacterial cultures are one of the rarest resources in Subnautica 2, and the fact that its only spawn location is surrounded by creepy, unfriendly fish doesn’t help. But there’s a danger greater than searching for axum bacterial cultures, and that is running out of it. If you don’t manage this resource carefully, you won’t be able to craft a metal farm.

Here’s how to get axum bacterial cultures in Subnautica 2 and how to use it.

[Ed. note: Before you dive in, be sure to open the character menu and enable all landmark signals. This will make it easier to spot the locations mentioned in this guide.]

Where to find axum bacterial cultures in Subnautica 2

Axum bacterial cultures are a small, circular resource found on the yellow metal fields east of the Alien Ruins and Angel Comb.

Before you head out to find axum bacterial cultures, be sure to upgrade your tadpole with the first depth module, as it’s far too deep and too dangerous to visit this area without a submarine. You won’t need a sonic resonator.

Starting from the Alien Ruins, travel 520 meters east, to the Angel Comb. If you haven’t been there yet, it’s the massive alien structure with the purple roots below.

From there, take the chasm to the northeast. You will see a green lake at the end. Be careful, as the leviathan (giant squid) patrols this area; check whether you see him (or hear boss music) before proceeding. The other deep-sea fish will attack you on sight, but only if you leave the tadpole.

Graphic: Marloes Valentina Stella/Polygon | Source images: Unknown Worlds Entertainment/Krafton via Polygon

In the largest yellow pool (the lower one), you can find three axum bacterial culture pieces.

Graphic: Marloes Valentina Stella/Polygon | Source images: Unknown Worlds Entertainment/Krafton via Polygon

In the two smaller yellow areas to your left, on the higher ledges, you can find two more axum bacterial cultures.

Graphic: Marloes Valentina Stella/Polygon | Source images: Unknown Worlds Entertainment/Krafton via Polygon

At the moment of writing, axum material cultures do not respawn and there’s no way to multiply them. With only five pieces in the game, it’s very important not to lose or waste any. Axum bacterial culture is best used to craft a metal farm, a device that multiplies ores like titanium, gold, and celestine. If you bring every axum bacterial culture back to the base, you can craft a total of five metal farms.

Note that metal farms also require the metal farm blueprint and mangalloy ingots. You can find the blueprint as well as the resources needed to craft mangalloy (troilite and atacamite) in the same area, so be sure to grab them too.

If you’re starting out in Subnautica 2, we have a plethora of guides to help you navigate the deep blue sea. Our Subnautica 2 beginner’s guide will set you off in the right direction and our base building tips will assist in planning out your sprawling base. Don’t forget to stock up on food and water, too. (And if you want to get fancy with your food, you’ll want salt!)

If you need help finding materials, we explain how to get the sonic resonator, which you’ll want to mine tons of materials. We have guides on where to find these resources, like lead, sulfur, copper, quartz, and gold.