Power Cell (Subnautica)
Power Cells are electronics items that can be crafted in the Fabricator. They serve as the primary fuel source for most submersibles and exosuits in Subnautica.
Overview
A Power Cell stores 200 energy. Vehicles require Power Cells to operate; if the energy is depleted or the cell is removed, the vehicle will cease to function and stop generating oxygen. The Cyclops also drains energy when running internal equipment or charging docked vehicles.
Key Features
- Energy Capacity: 200 units
- Build Time: 3 seconds
- Prerequisite: Must have crafted a Battery first
- Recharging: Can be recharged at a Seabase using a Power Cell Charger, or by docking vehicles at a Moonpool/Cyclops. Specific modules like the Seamoth Solar Charger or Prawn Suit Thermal Reactor can also recharge cells under proper conditions.
Note: In Creative Mode, vehicles do not consume energy from Power Cells; they only require at least one cell inserted to function.
Crafting
To craft a Power Cell, you must first have crafted a Battery. The charge state of the Batteries used does not affect the final product; the resulting Power Cell will always start with 100% charge.
Recipe
| Input | Quantity | Source |
|---|---|---|
 Battery | 1 | Crafted |
 Fabricator | - | Station |
Uses in Crafting
Power Cells are required components for crafting several advanced structures and upgrades:
- Mobile Vehicle Bay: Requires Titanium Ingot, Lubricant, and a Power Cell.
- Seamoth: Requires Glass, Lead, and a Power Cell.
- Cyclops Upgrade Console: Requires Advanced Wiring Kit, Polyaniline, and a Power Cell.
- Cyclops Shield Generator: Requires Advanced Wiring Kit, Polyaniline, and a Power Cell.
Trivia
- Lifepod 5 and Destroyed Lifepods are powered by three "Solar Power Cells." These cannot be crafted or removed.
- In earlier versions of the game, charging two Power Cells cost less than crafting a single new one.
- The Ion Power Cell is a modified version with five times the capacity of a regular Power Cell.
Gallery
Power Cell in-game
The back of a Power Cell.
Power Cell being built by the Fabricator.
