Subnautica: Below Zero - How to make Aerogel

There are several advanced materials in the world of Subnautica: Below Zero that only becomes available to you after you’ve acquired a specific resource. The blueprint for the material appears in your database once the resource is picked up but the trouble is players don’t know where that resource is. 

This is the case for Aerogel, which is an essential ingredient for several high-tier upgrades in Below Zero, like a Prawn Suit arm. While it’s only crafted through the standard Fabricator, its blueprint needs to be found in an area where the sub doesn’t necessarily shine. 

Here’s how you can find what you need to make Aerogel in Subnautica: Below Zero. 

Crafting Aerogel in Subnautica: Below Zero

The resource you need to acquire in order to receive the blueprint for Aerogel is the Gel Sack. A dome-shaped plant with pink sacs on it, the Gel Sack is classified as both flora and food in Below Zero. It can be planted in an out-of-base garden, which is great for players that will require a lot of it. 

Gel Sacks are the main ingredient in Aerogel. (Picture: Unknown Worlds)

To find your first Gel Sack, we recommend heading down to the deep part of the Twisty Bridges or the Lilypad Islands. You won’t really be able to acquire a Gel Sack within your first few hours but once you have a high-capacity oxygen tank or a SeaTruck, then you’ll be able to get to the resource no problem.

Once you have one, the blueprint for Aerogel will appear in your database and you can craft one at a Fabricator. You’ll need one Gel Sack for each time you craft Aerogel, so make sure to stock up while you’re near a ton of the plant. You’ll also need one ruby, which is relatively easy to find once you begin exploring Subnautica: Below Zero. 

• Read more: Subnautica Below Zero: Where to find every creature egg

After you’ve crafted Aerogel, you have one of the materials needed for the Prawn Suit torpedo arm, Stillsuit, Thermal Plant and more.

For all the latest news and guides for everyone's favourite underwater survival game (is there any others? Answers on a postcard) check out our dedicated Subnautica section.