Finding Axum Bacterial Culture is one of the most challenging tasks for players looking to optimize their resource management in Subnautica 2. While this material is notoriously difficult to locate and harvest, it is an essential component for crafting a Metal Farm. These devices are game-changers, allowing you to duplicate valuable metals so you can spend less time scavenging and more time exploring.

Preparing for the Hunt: Required Upgrades

Before you attempt to locate any Axum Bacterial Culture, you must prepare your equipment. You will not be able to reach the necessary depths without a specific upgrade for your submersible.

  • Tadpole Depth Module: This is mandatory. You can find this module in the cave located near Ruby's second blackbox signal.
  • Repair Tool: Essential for fixing any damage sustained during the trek.
  • Healing Supplies: The harvesting zone is extremely hostile; don't leave without medical supplies.

Even with the Depth Module equipped, your Tadpole will be operating at its absolute limit. Be prepared for high-pressure environments and limited maneuverability.

Subnautica 2 Axum Bacterial Culture Location

The specific area containing these cultures is tucked away in a dangerous, deep-sea cavern. You can find multiple samples located within the central glowing green pool of the Metal Farms cavern.

To find this spot, head approximately 75 degrees northeast of the Alien Ruins Research Base at a distance of about 870 meters. The target area sits roughly 450 meters below the surface. Be warned: this zone is patrolled by a leviathan and various other aggressive predators.

Step-by-Step Navigation Route

If you are struggling to find the exact coordinates, follow this specific pathing route:

  1. Travel east from the Alien Ruins Research Base, descending off the ledge.
  2. Continue heading east, passing over the alien structure on the seafloor.
  3. Look for a large purple tube (resembling a crab leg) and follow it toward the Angel Comb located underneath the Alien Power Plant.
  4. From the Angel Comb, head northeast through a narrow ravine following another purple tube.
  5. You will eventually arrive at an area filled with green-glowing pools and pillar-like alien structures.

How to Safely Harvest Axum Bacterial Culture

Harvesting this material can be frustrating due to its rarity and potential glitches. Some players have reported the culture disappearing upon collection, leaving them empty-handed. To avoid this, do not use the Survival Multitool for the initial breach.

Instead, carefully break the outershell using a tool like your Flashlight or Scanner. This precision method is more reliable for securing the material.

While you are in this area, keep an eye out for other valuable blueprints. Scanning the large pillars in the cavern will grant you the blueprint for the Metal Farm, and you may also find the Feedback Resonator blueprint nearby.

Crafting the Metal Farm

Once you have successfully gathered your Axum Bacterial Culture, you still have a way to go before your farm is operational. To craft the Metal Farm, you will need:

  • Axum Bacterial Culture
  • Mangalloy Ingots (which require Titanium Ingots)
  • Atacamite
  • Troilite