The Aurora crash site is one of Subnautica’s most important and most dangerous locations. The crashed spacecraft dominates the game’s skyline from your starting Lifepod, and venturing inside it is a major milestone in the game’s story progression. Knowing when to go, how to prepare, and what to take with you transforms the Aurora from a terrifying ordeal into a manageable — if still intense — expedition. This guide covers the Aurora without heavy story spoilers.
When to Approach the Aurora
The Aurora is not safe to approach early in the game. The radiation field surrounding the crash site deals continuous damage without the Radiation Suit, and the Reaper Leviathans that patrol the Crash Zone are the first major Leviathan encounter most players face. Do not approach the Aurora until you have: the Radiation Suit (found from blueprint fragments in the shallow wreckage fields), at minimum a Seaglide and ideally a Seamoth for faster approach, a stock of First Aid Kits, and the Laser Cutter (for accessing internal Aurora doors).
Radiation Suit: Essential Preparation
The Radiation Suit blueprint fragments are scattered in the shallow wreckage areas west and southwest of your starting Lifepod. You need three fragments to unlock the blueprint, then craft the suit components at your Fabricator: Radiation Suit, Radiation Gloves, and Radiation Helmet. All three must be worn simultaneously for full radiation protection. Wearing only some components provides partial but insufficient protection. Do not approach the Aurora without all three equipped.
Navigating to the Aurora
The approach to the Aurora through the Crash Zone is where Reaper Leviathans patrol. They are fast, and the Crash Zone has limited visibility in some areas due to debris. The safest approach is to enter the Crash Zone from the side and move parallel to the ship’s hull, close to the hull structure where Reapers are less likely to patrol. Listen for the Reaper’s audio cues — if you hear them, stop moving and locate the Reaper before proceeding.
What to Take Inside
- Laser Cutter — required to open many interior doors within the Aurora
- Repair Tool — certain Aurora systems can be repaired for story-relevant effects
- First Aid Kits (x5 or more) — the Aurora interior has fire hazards and radiation pockets
- Radiation Suit (all three pieces) — do not enter without this
- A full Oxygen Tank — the Aurora is large and some sections require extended swimming
- Knife or Survival Knife — Crashfish nests inside the Aurora can surprise you
Key Locations Inside the Aurora
The Aurora interior contains several important areas: the Cargo Bay (contains essential blueprints for major mid-game equipment), the Captain’s Quarters (key story content and lore), the Engineering Bay (story context and repair opportunities), and multiple supply rooms with materials that are scarce in the natural environment. Map the Aurora carefully — it is easy to get turned around in the corridor networks.
Aurora Coverage on RicardoPlays
Ricardo’s Aurora expedition in his Subnautica series is one of the highlights of the channel’s Subnautica content — the tension of the Reaper approach, the interior exploration, and the story discoveries inside are all captured in detail. Watch the channel’s Aurora episode for a practical walkthrough of the approach and interior navigation before your own expedition.