Underwater Labs are procedurally generated offshore monuments featuring modular structure designs. These facilities require diving gear or submarine access and function as tier 2-3 monuments with significant loot potential. Multiple connected modules each contain unique loot, puzzles, and scientist coverage. Blue keycards grant access to certain modules. The underwater environment creates inherent challenges, making Underwater Labs more complex than surface monuments.
Underwater Labs use procedural generation, meaning their layouts vary between server instances and wipe cycles. No two Underwater Labs are identical. Each map spawns multiple separate lab complexes at different locations. The modular design means labs can be small (2-3 modules) or expansive (6+ modules) depending on generation.
The procedural nature requires you to explore and adapt rather than follow fixed routes. You'll encounter familiar module types, but their arrangement is unique. This unpredictability makes Underwater Labs challenging for farming optimization. Learn the module types and their typical loot patterns rather than specific routes.
Different module types exist within Underwater Labs, each containing specific loot and challenges. Some modules are heavily defended by scientists. Others require blue keycards for access. Basic modules have minimal security but less valuable loot. Knowing which modules to prioritize is critical for efficient farming. The monument loot calculator helps identify module contents.
The modular nature means you don't have to clear every module. You can cherry-pick high-value modules if you identify them quickly. This allows flexible farming strategies depending on your keycard inventory and time availability.
You need multiple blue keycards to fully clear an Underwater Lab. If you only have one keycard, focus on the modules that maximize value per keycard spent.
You must have diving gear to access Underwater Labs via underwater entry. Standard diving suit, flippers, and oxygen tank are essential. Bring extra diving tanks to extend air capacity, reducing trips to the surface. Better diving gear makes underwater exploration more efficient. Without proper diving equipment, you'll drown before reaching the moon pool entrance.
The diving requirement is a significant barrier to entry for new players. You must have scrap dedicated to purchasing diving gear or have acquired proper diving equipment beforehand. This gating effect makes Underwater Labs less accessible early wipe, but highly valuable mid to late wipe when everyone can afford the entry cost.
Submarines provide an alternative entry method if you have access to a submarine vehicle. Submarines bypass the diving gear requirement and provide interior access directly to moon pools. This is significantly safer than underwater diving. If your team controls a submarine, Underwater Labs becomes much more accessible and less dangerous.
Moon pools are the primary entry point into Underwater Labs. You dock your submarine or surface from underwater, enter the moon pool, and access the interior modules. Moon pools are usually flooded initially, requiring you to drain them or dive through them. The specific mechanics depend on module design and procedural generation.
Scientist coverage varies by module. Some modules are heavily defended with multiple scientists positioned to cover approaches. Others are lightly guarded or unguarded. Blue keycard modules tend to have stronger scientist presence because the loot is more valuable. You need combat gear, medical supplies, and tactical positioning to survive scientist encounters. Many teams focus on avoiding direct combat by using shadows and rushing specific crates.
Blue keycards are required to access certain high-value modules. You obtain blue keycards from tier 1 monuments like Harbor. If you have multiple blue keycards, you can access multiple locked modules. If you have only one, you must choose which module to enter carefully. Some modules have multiple blue keycard locks, requiring efficient keycard management.
Research your server's lab generation before diving. Identify which modules are present and plan your keycard deployment accordingly. Don't waste blue keycards on low-value modules when high-value alternatives exist.
Some Underwater Lab modules feature radiation zones requiring radiation protection. You need a radiation suit and adequate radiation resistance to survive these areas. Radiation damage accumulates, so you can't simply rush through. Manage your exposure time and plan extraction routes that minimize rad damage.
Some Underwater Lab modules contain recyclers and crafting benches. These are valuable for processing loot on-site before extraction. Using recyclers inside the lab lets you reduce loot volume before swimming back to your boat, maximizing your extraction potential.
Underwater Labs are time-intensive. Diving down, navigating the modules, fighting scientists, looting crates, and extracting all take significant time. Plan to spend 30-60 minutes on a full Underwater Labs run. Bring sufficient supplies, manage your air carefully, and coordinate extraction with teammates. Running out of supplies mid-lab is a death sentence.
Target Underwater Labs mid to late wipe when you have blue keycards, diving gear, and combat loadouts. Early wipe, focus on tier 1 monuments. Once you've accumulated resources and skills, Underwater Labs offer exceptional returns that justify their complexity and risk.