Moonpool (Subnautica)

The Moonpool is a Seabase module constructed with the Habitat Builder. It functions as a dock and charging station for a Seamoth or Prawn Suit and is the only room where the Vehicle Upgrade Console can be placed. It must be built below water; it is impossible to build it above water.

Overview

Functionality

The Moonpool can dock one vehicle at a time. To dock, approach the underside of the structure. Robotic arms will reach down and grab the vehicle out of the water, securing it for charging while an animation plays of Ryley exiting the vehicle. From inside, the player can:

• Access the vehicle's upgrade slots via the Vehicle Upgrade Console.
• Access cargo storage.
• Repair the vehicle.
• Re-enter the vehicle, which automatically releases it back into the water.

For the Prawn Suit, players can access shoulder-mounted Power Cells directly from inside the Moonpool. For the Seamoth, the player must jump into the water to access its Power Cell.

Charging

Docked vehicles are charged from the base's Energy, restoring an equivalent amount of Energy to the vehicle's Power Cells. The charging rate at a Moonpool is significantly faster than using a standalone Power Cell Charger. Docking a Prawn Suit and swapping out its two Power Cells is superior to building a dedicated charger. To reliably charge a vehicle, one Moonpool requires at least 150 Energy, equal to two Solar Panels.

Placement and Orientation

It is recommended to have appropriate space between the bottom entrance of the Moonpool and the sea floor. Ideally, it should be built far enough off the seafloor that a Seamoth will not hit the ground when deployed, but close enough that a Prawn Suit can easily reach the entrance with its thrusters.

Since the Moonpool cannot be rotated with the builder, the player must physically position themselves so that the building 'faces' the desired direction. The 'rear' of the building is where the rotating antenna is located on the roof; the 'front' dictates the direction a vehicle will face when undocking.

Additional Features

• Water Entry: The Moonpool allows the player to access their base from the water via two Ladders on either end of the bottom entrance. This allows free exit and entry without needing to use a Hatch. If a Moonpool is located next to another Moonpool, a double connection is possible.
• Seaglide Jump: With maximum speed, a Seaglide can jump into the Moonpool without using the ladders.
• Roof Usage: If the roof is not used for other purposes (such as Solar Panels), there is enough flat space to place Exterior Growbeds on it.

Expansion

The Moonpool can be expanded with other modules from its six side-panels. Hatches, Windows, Reinforcements, Wall Planters, and I Compartments can all be placed on these panels.

• If a Moonpool is placed horizontally adjacent to another Moonpool or a Large Room, a double connection is possible.
• The Vehicle Upgrade Console can only be constructed in the Moonpool on one of the side-panels.
• The Moonpool cannot be expanded vertically in any way.

Crafting

To unlock the Moonpool Blueprint, the player must scan two of its Fragments. These can be found in Wrecks or the Mushroom Forest.

Recipe:

• 10 Titanium Ingot
• 1 Lubricant
• 1 Lead
• Constructed with: Habitat Builder

Data Bank Entry

The moonpool is an essential module for long-term exploration. Its primary function is as a dry dock for small vehicles such as the Seamoth and Prawn suit.

The large central chamber contains a pressurized pool which provides ready access to the surrounding waters, and comes as standard with equipment for raising and recharging a vehicle.

When outfitted with a vehicle modification station the moonpool can be used to build and equip vehicle upgrades.

Ratings:

• Dimensions: 16m x 10m x 5m
• Connection points: 6
• Habitat hull strength liability at sea level: -5 (equivalent 4 rooms)
• Capacity: 1 Seamoth / Prawn suit
• High power consumption

Gallery

Moonpool

Moonpool at night showing slight illuminations at the corners

Moonpool interior

Seamoth docked in Moonpool

A Prawn Suit docked in the Moonpool

The Vehicle Upgrade Console in the Moonpool

Official render

Moonpool Concept art

Model from Sketchfab

Interior model from Sketchfab

Arm models from Sketchfab

An older WIP model from Sketchfab

Highpoly model from Sketchfab

Bugs

• While a powered base is flooded, there is an area at the top of the moonpool that contains oxygen. Additionally, by parking a Seamoth in the flooded base and swimming to a certain spot near the top-right, it is possible to stand on the Seamoth and get oxygen.
• When exiting a Seabase through the ladders on the sides of a Moonpool, the habitat will occasionally say "Welcome aboard captain".