Flare (Subnautica)

Flare

Overview

Category: Tools

Description: Disposable light source, useful for distracting certain predators.

Key Data

Property	Value
Blueprint Source	Fabricator
Acquired From	Supply Crates, Fabricator, Lifepod 5
Size	1x1
Debug Spawn ID	`flare`

Description

Flares are tools that are crafted with the Fabricator. This allows the player to illuminate dark areas like caves with a stationary light source, thus making it easier for the player to defend themselves or to spot resources. Two of them can also be found in the storage within Lifepod 5 at the start of the game.

Controls

Action	Mouse & Keyboard	Xbox One	PlayStation 4	Nintendo Switch
Ignition and Throwing	RMB	Right Trigger	R2	ZR

Uses

Flares are less useful in the game compared to Below Zero Flares, but still find use, especially at the start:

Handheld Light Source: The flares can be held in the player's hand (by selecting it on the toolbar) and used as a consumable handheld light-source, which acts as an early-game alternative to the Flashlight by illuminating the area around the player while held.
Stationary Light Source: Flares can also be thrown to act as a permanent (i.e., non-despawning) light source by pressing the right mouse button (while it is selected on the toolbar). This will ignite the Flare and cause the player to throw it slightly forward. The Flare will then sink until it finds another object to rest on, all while giving off illumination; this acts as an early-game version of the Light Stick.
Retrievable: The player can pick up a Flare after it has been ignited/thrown, and the ignited Flare will stay lit in the player's hand.
Navigation Aid: Given the fact that Flares will not despawn after being thrown, the player can regularly throw flares when exploring intricate cave systems, leaving an easy-to-follow trail of flares leading back to safety. This may be seen as a low-tech early-game alternative to the Pathfinder Tool.