Silver is the first resource that will actually make you stop and search. You need it for the Standard Air Tank, Scanner, and Habitat Builder — three things you cannot progress without. Sandstone outcrops are the source, but they're not everywhere. Here's exactly where to look.
Silver Locations Map
1. North Cave System ⭐ Best
290–350m north of your Lifepod at approximately 35m depth. The cave entrance is a small crevice in the seabed surrounded by sandstone arches.
The highest concentration of sandstone outcrops in the early game. You can get 8-12 Silver per trip. Also yields Copper and Titanium as byproducts.
Swim north from your Lifepod, keeping the seabed in sight. When you see a dark crevice with sandstone arch formations, descend to 35m. If you see the red border walls, you've gone too far.
2. Under the Lifepod (Quick Starter)
There's a small cave system directly under your Lifepod. Drop down through the hole beneath the pod to ~20m. You'll find 2-3 sandstone outcrops here. Not enough to sustain you, but enough for your first Standard Air Tank.
3. Kelp Forest Border Cave
At the edge of the kelp forest (~200m west of Lifepod), look for a cave entrance at ~40m depth. Decent sandstone density. Watch for stalkers — they're aggressive near the kelp.
How to Farm Silver Efficiently
- Build a Scanner Station at your base and scan for sandstone outcrops — they appear as icons on your HUD
- Rush the North Cave — it's far and away the best source early game
- Each sandstone outcrop drops either Silver, Copper, or Titanium. You'll need all three, so mine everything
- Mark the North Cave entrance with a Beacon so you can find it again
- Bring an Air Bladder — at 35m you won't need it, but it's good practice
What You Need Silver For
| Item | Silver Needed | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Air Tank | 2 | 🔴 First thing |
| Scanner | 2 | 🔴 First thing |
| Habitat Builder | 2 | 🟡 After oxygen |
| Various Electronics | 1-2 each | 🟡 Ongoing |