Building a reliable underwater base is one of the most exciting and strategic aspects of Subnautica. Among the various structures available, the Multipurpose Room stands out as one of the most essential components for any base. It serves as a versatile space that can house bioreactors, grow beds, water filtration machines, lockers, or even serve as your primary habitat module. However, players don’t start the game with access to this room right away. You must unlock the Multipurpose Room by scanning its fragments scattered throughout the ocean. If you’re unsure how to find and unlock it, this guide will take you step by step through the process so you can build a functional and expandable underwater base.
Understanding the Importance of the Multipurpose Room
Why the Multipurpose Room Matters
The Multipurpose Room is a large, cylindrical structure that provides more interior space than basic compartments. It’s ideal for organizing your equipment and creating a more visually pleasing and practical base layout. This room enables:
- Centralized storage with wall-mounted lockers
- Hydroponic farming using interior grow beds
- Energy production via the Bioreactor
- Comfort with decor items and living spaces
Without unlocking this room, your base will feel cramped, and your expansion options will remain limited. Unlocking the Multipurpose Room early can significantly improve gameplay efficiency and enjoyment.
Where to Find Multipurpose Room Fragments
Head to the Floating Island
The most reliable location to find and scan Multipurpose Room fragments is the Floating Island. This large, rocky landmass is located to the southwest of your starting lifepod. The island itself is home to several abandoned Degasi habitats, and within those habitats are full structures and components you can scan with your Scanner Tool.
To reach the Floating Island:
- Equip a Scanner and a Seaglide or a small sub like the Seamoth
- Travel approximately 1000 meters southwest of Lifepod 5
- Look for mountainous terrain breaking the water surface
- Keep an eye out for Warpers and Crabsnakes, which may pose threats
The Floating Island is also an excellent source for scanning other essential base pieces like the Observatory, Bulkhead Door, and Interior Growbeds. Take advantage of this journey to unlock multiple structures at once.
Locate the Degasi Habitats
Once on the Floating Island, you’ll find three separate Degasi base locations: one at the island’s peak and two lower down the cliffs. You’ll need to explore all three to ensure you find and scan the Multipurpose Room.
Steps to scan the room:
- Approach any of the intact Multipurpose Rooms
- Equip the Scanner Tool and scan the exterior wall of the room
- The scan will take a few seconds; be patient and stay safe from aggressive fauna nearby
- After completing the scan, the blueprint for the Multipurpose Room will be unlocked
Unlike other items, the Multipurpose Room is scanned as a single unit. You don’t need multiple fragments; one successful scan is enough to gain the full blueprint.
Tips for Safely Unlocking the Blueprint
Prepare Before Traveling
The Floating Island is far from the safe shallows, so make sure you’re prepared. Suggested gear includes:
- Scanner Tool (mandatory)
- Seaglide or Seamoth for quicker travel
- High Capacity O2 Tank for extended dives
- Compass to help with navigation
- Medkits and food/water supplies
Visiting the Floating Island is one of the more rewarding expeditions early in the game, so bring enough equipment to make the most of the trip. It also helps to bring a Habitat Builder so you can start constructing with the newly unlocked parts immediately.
How to Build the Multipurpose Room
Using the Habitat Builder
Once you’ve unlocked the Multipurpose Room blueprint, return to your base or find a suitable underwater location to begin construction. Use the Habitat Builder to access the base pieces menu. Select the Multipurpose Room and place it where it connects to existing base pieces or floats independently. You’ll need:
- 6x Titanium
Positioning is important make sure the terrain is clear and the depth is manageable. You can later connect other modules like hatch doors, corridors, or power sources to this room to create a full base.
Powering Your Base
After building the room, you’ll need to provide power to activate interior devices. Early power sources include:
- Solar Panels (best in shallower areas)
- Bioreactors (ideal for mid-level bases)
Attach your power module to the top or side of the Multipurpose Room, and your base will become operational, allowing you to build lockers, beds, plant pots, and more inside.
What to Do Inside Your Multipurpose Room
Storage and Organization
Use wall lockers or freestanding lockers to store minerals, crafted items, and tools. Having a dedicated room for storage keeps your base clean and efficient.
Farming and Food Production
Install Indoor Growbeds to grow Marblemelons, Chinese Potatoes, and other plants. These provide a renewable food and water source and reduce dependence on external harvesting.
Power and Crafting Stations
The Bioreactor fits perfectly in the center of the Multipurpose Room and generates stable energy using organic matter. You can also place Fabricators, Radio units, and Medical Kit Fabricators for convenience.
Living Quarters and Decor
Although not required, adding beds, chairs, tables, and posters adds immersion and roleplaying value to your base. A well-decorated room feels more like home.
Expanding Beyond the Multipurpose Room
Connectors and Add-ons
Once your Multipurpose Room is active, you can connect hallways, ladders, vertical connectors, and more to create a sprawling underwater complex. Use additional Multipurpose Rooms as hubs for other operations like farming, scanning, or deep-sea research.
Upgrade with Reinforcements
As you add more structures, hull integrity may decrease. Place Reinforcements or Bulkheads to improve your base’s durability, especially at deeper depths where water pressure increases.
Build in Multiple Biomes
With the Multipurpose Room unlocked, consider building outposts in various biomes such as the Jellyshroom Caves, Grand Reef, or Lost River. These locations benefit greatly from large interior space and centralized functions.
Unlocking the Multipurpose Room in Subnautica is a pivotal moment in your base-building journey. By traveling to the Floating Island and scanning a single, intact room at the Degasi base, you’ll gain access to one of the most useful structural pieces in the game. Once unlocked, you can start constructing larger and more functional bases to house your growing collection of tools, resources, and plants. The flexibility it offers from food production to energy generation and storage makes it an essential blueprint for both casual players and hardcore survivalists. Whether you’re just starting or planning a deep-sea expansion, the Multipurpose Room is a foundation you’ll return to time and time again.