How to unlock Heat Tolerance in Subnautica 2
Take a Sonic Resonator to the Angel Comb northwest of the Lifepod, clear its viral growths, then interact with the Comb to acquire Heat Tolerance. This adaptation lets you withstand the elevated water temperatures on the eastern volcanic route. It is a separate unlock from the Digestion adaptation at the northeast Angel Comb.
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Prepare the tool before travelling
The northwest Comb is blocked by growths that require the Sonic Resonator. Bring it charged, with a spare battery for the return trip. A Scanner alone will not clear the obstruction. Pin the Resonator recipe before collecting materials so you keep its lead and electronics separate from other crafts.
| Preparation | What to reserve | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Sonic Resonator | 1 Basic Battery, 2 Titanium Ingots, 2 Lead, 1 Wiring Kit | Craft at the Fabricator after unlocking its blueprint; clear the viral growths. |
| Power reserve | A spare charged battery | Keep the Resonator available throughout the clearing step. |
| Dive supplies | Water, food, healing and full oxygen | Allow time to work around the Comb and still swim home. |
If lead is holding up the tool, use the northeast wreck lead route first. You do not need to enter the hot eastern region to gather that prerequisite.
Northwest Angel Comb route
- Start at the Lifepod. Head northwest, around a 300-degree compass bearing. The published route places the Comb roughly 200 metres away; use the landmark as the destination rather than swimming a fixed distance blindly.
- Find the viral growths around the bloom. Work around the Comb with the Sonic Resonator and clear them. Watch oxygen while moving between growths; return for air before continuing if necessary.
- Interact with the cleared Angel Comb. Complete the adaptation interaction, as on the earlier Digestion route.
- Confirm the Heat Tolerance unlock. The acquisition message says your body can now survive elevated water temperatures. Finish this step before setting out east.
Where to go after the unlock
Return to your supplies and choose one destination for the next trip. For electronics and base power, start with gold near the eastern volcanic wreck. For Repair Tool materials, follow the sulfur route. For story progression, prepare the longer Tadpole Pens and Zip black box trip.
The caves below the Pens also provide a later lithium source. Heat Tolerance deals with temperature; oxygen, vehicle crush depth and hostile creatures still determine how far you can safely explore. Bring the upgraded tank and vehicle support appropriate to the cave trip before combining it with mining.
If the heat route is still blocked
- You unlocked Digestion but still get a heat warning: return to the northwest Comb. The northeast food unlock does not provide Heat Tolerance.
- The Comb does not offer the adaptation: look around the bloom for remaining viral growths and finish clearing them with the Resonator.
- Health or oxygen drops after the unlock: retreat and identify the threat before continuing. The adaptation increases heat tolerance; it does not remove every environmental or creature hazard.
Route reference
The compass approach and clearing sequence follow PC Gamer's Tadpole Pens guide and gold guide. Bearings and distances describe the approach from the Lifepod.