Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Subnautica’s Alien Arches are fixed Precursor gateways: each one leads to a specific paired location, rather than a destination you can select. The practical requirements are reaching the correct alien structure, carrying an Ion Cube for an arch terminal that accepts one, and entering through the activated green portal. The most important links are the Alien Thermal Plant arch to the Quarantine Enforcement Platform, the Floating Island–Mountain Island pair, four ingredient-cache arches connected with the Primary Containment Facility, and two aquarium arches used during the Sea Emperor ending.
Playing with friends? Godlike.Host runs hosted Subnautica (Nitrox) servers from 10 data-center locations, with free DDoS protection.
How Alien Arches work
Alien Arches are stationary gateway structures with a bright green portal surface. They are not a free-travel menu: every arch has a fixed destination. You cannot choose another biome, island, or facility from the arch itself.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →The player-interactable teleporters documented for Subnautica can be entered by the Prawn Suit. At an arch that has not been powered, find the nearby terminal or pedestal and use an Ion Cube when the interaction prompt accepts it. Once active, the portal provides a fast route to its linked location. The exact approach differs by structure, so mark entrances with beacons before leaving unfamiliar caves or cache chambers.
Portal locations at a glance
The table lists the named arches and arch pairs covered by the crater map, alien-structure walkthroughs, and facility descriptions. Coordinates are approximate in Subnautica’s usual X, Y, Z format; a missing coordinate means the location data does not state one.
#1 Best Overall
- BLUE LIGHT BLOCKING GLASSES: Our blue light glasses for women boast UV400 protection, blocking harmful blue rays from computer screens. With these bluelight glasses women, you can enjoy gaming, reading, or watching TV with no worries of eye strain.
- EYE RELIEF: Our blue light glasses are engineered to reduce blurry vision or strain caused by prolonged screen time. These womens blue light glasses aid in better sleep by preventing blue light from disrupting your natural sleep cycle, helping you fall asleep faster and enjoy a more restful night's sleep, making them the perfect christmas present.
- COMFORTABLE: Crafted from durable material, our trendy blue light glasses for woman or blue light glasses men ensure long-lasting comfort. The high-transmittance lenses accessories, gamer gifts for men, help keep your eyes relaxed. Perfect stocking stuffers, gifts for gamers men, christmas gifts for men, halloween costumes.
- LIGHTWEIGHT: These clear blue light glasses feature a lightweight frame, meaning they’ll stay comfy for long-term wear. Perfect as blue blockers glasses for women or mens blue light glasses, these non-prescription fake glasses for men can be worn throughout the day. The blue light blocking glasses women feature polycarbonate HD lenses, which are anti-reflective and restore true color.
- WORRY-FREE PURCHASE: If you experience any issues, our support team is ready to assist you quickly. These are the perfect costume glasses for cosplay dressing up.
| Arch or group | Location and approximate coordinates | Fixed destination | Activation and story gate | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alien Thermal Plant principal arch | Alien Thermal Plant inside the Lava Castle, Inactive Lava Zone; coordinate not stated | Quarantine Enforcement Platform on Mountain Island | Ion Cube at the arch terminal; requires reaching the Thermal Plant | Deep-zone route back to the surface-side enforcement platform |
| Floating Island arch | Floating Island, approximately -662, 2, -1050 | Mountain Island arch | Ion Cube at the usable terminal; island access is the practical gate | Fast travel between the two surface islands |
| Mountain Island arch | Mountain Island, approximately 340, 61, 903 | Floating Island arch | Ion Cube at the usable terminal; island access is the practical gate | Return leg of the island-to-island connection |
| Northwestern Mushroom Forest cache arch | Approximately -750, -239, 435 | Primary Containment Facility area through the cache network | Use the nearby terminal with an Ion Cube when prompted; reaching the cache chamber is the access gate | Ingredient runs for the Hatching Enzymes sequence |
| Crag Field cache arch | Approximately -81, -290, -1360 | Primary Containment Facility area through the cache network | Use the nearby terminal with an Ion Cube when prompted; reaching the cache chamber is the access gate | Ingredient collection and a shorter return from the Crag Field side of the map |
| Ghost Forest cache arch | Approximately -931, -611, 991 | Primary Containment Facility area through the cache network | Use the nearby terminal with an Ion Cube when prompted; reaching the deep cache is the access gate | Ingredient collection from a particularly deep starting point |
| Bulb Zone cache arch | Approximately 1383, -296, 757 | Primary Containment Facility area through the cache network | Use the nearby terminal with an Ion Cube when prompted; reaching the cache chamber is the access gate | Ingredient collection and return to the endgame facility |
| Primary Containment Facility aquarium return arch | Aquarium section of the Primary Containment Facility in the Lava Lakes; coordinate not stated | Aquarium antechamber and moonpool route | Blue Tablet required to enter the facility; aquarium interactions become useful after the Sea Emperor sequence advances; carry spare Ion Cubes | Leave the aquarium and return toward the facility’s access route |
| Primary Containment Facility aquarium surface arch | Aquarium section of the Primary Containment Facility in the Lava Lakes; coordinate not stated | Quarantine Enforcement Platform on Mountain Island | Blue Tablet and endgame story progress; carry spare Ion Cubes for the incubator and portal interactions | Endgame route from the Sea Emperor aquarium to the surface-side platform |
The individual portal locations
Alien Thermal Plant principal arch
The principal arch is inside the Alien Thermal Plant, which sits in the Lava Castle in the Inactive Lava Zone. This is the key deep-to-surface gateway. After you reach the plant and locate the main arch terminal, insert an Ion Cube to activate the link. Its destination is the Quarantine Enforcement Platform on Mountain Island.
That connection is especially valuable after a trip through the Inactive Lava Zone: instead of retracing every deep passage, you can emerge at the platform’s island location. The arch does not replace the requirement to reach the Thermal Plant in the first place, so treat it as a payoff for late-game exploration rather than an early shortcut.
Floating Island and Mountain Island arch pair
The surface islands are the one explicitly identified exception to the cache arches that lead toward the Primary Containment Facility. Their arches connect directly to each other. Activate the side you can reach with an Ion Cube, then use the paired structure for rapid movement between the islands.
The Floating Island structure is mapped at approximately -662, 2, -1050, while the Mountain Island structure is approximately 340, 61, 903. Because these are surface destinations, they are useful for moving between island objectives without making a long open-water trip. Leave a beacon at each arch if you tend to lose track of the structures among island terrain.
Northwestern Mushroom Forest cache
The cache arch near the Northwestern Mushroom Forest is approximately -750, -239, 435. It belongs to the cache network serving the Primary Containment Facility area. Its practical purpose is not a general teleport menu; it is a staging point for collecting ingredients needed during the Hatching Enzymes sequence.
Rank #2
- WINDEX GAMING WIPES: effortlessly clean all your gaming gear and gaming electronics in one easy step with our new Windex Gaming Wipes
- AMMONIA FREE: our ammonia-free formula is safe to use on all of your favorite gaming equipment like consoles, headsets, controllers, screens, keyboards, and more
- PRE-MOISTENED WIPES: each wipe instantly removes dust, dirt, and stubborn smudges and fingerprints leaving a streak-free shine
- ANTI-STATIC: great for cleaning and wiping down your gaming gear and electronics leaving behind no visible residue
- COMPACT RESEALABLE PACKAGE: store your pack of Windex Gaming Wipes anywhere in your home for whenever a quick and easy wipedown is needed
Plan the approach as a dedicated ingredient run. Record the entrance location, bring an Ion Cube for the terminal, and make sure your vehicle or return route is ready before entering the chamber. The cache network is most useful when you are collecting several required ingredients rather than making an exploratory detour with no endgame objective.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Crag Field cache
The Crag Field cache arch is approximately -81, -290, -1360. Like the other cache arches, it links into the Primary Containment Facility network and supports the ingredient collection required for the Hatching Enzymes sequence.
Its coordinate places it well below the surface, so a beacon is worthwhile even if you memorise the surrounding biome. Treat the chamber as a fixed stop on an ingredient route: activate the arch, gather what you need, and use the link to reduce the amount of deep-zone travel on the return leg.
Ghost Forest cache
The Ghost Forest cache arch is approximately -931, -611, 991. It is part of the same Primary Containment Facility cache network, but its deep position makes preparation particularly important.
Set a beacon before committing to the chamber and plan how you will get back to your vehicle or the next cache. The portal is most valuable when you are deliberately assembling the Hatching Enzymes ingredients; it is not a substitute for navigating to the Ghost Forest area safely.
Rank #3
- Ergonomic & Adjustable Design: Fight "text neck" and improve your posture. Designed for comfort, it offers an adjustable height (7.1in-8.5in) (1.4in adjustable range) and angle (5°-85°) Please note: cell phone stand is only 9 inches tall—the length of a standard pencil
- Without blocking subtitles Perfect for office desk Tiktok Face Time Zoom video—this is the ultimate kitchen desk essential for phones! Perfect viewing experience while reducing neck back strain, A must-have for gamers streamers desk, and anyone who values both style and support!
- Sleek & Stable Design fits Otterbox Case: Say goodbye to bent cables, tangles, and tip-overs! LISEN’s stylish adjustable desk phone holder features a built-in charging hole and smart cable management, keeping your phone secure and your workspace clutter-free cool gadgets for men
- ANTI-SLIP DESIGN free hands: The under 10.00 items easy gadgets back and the bottom of this kitchen essentials for women are fully covered by anti-skid silicone, which LISEN stand up desk decor can provide maximum protection device from any scratches and slides
- Your Perfect Viewing Companion:If your product arrives damaged or breaks within 365 days, reach out to LISEN for a quick and hassle-free solution. Struggling with assembly, like tightening the screw? We’ve got your back! Your experience matters to us. (Product including: phone Holder stand*1, screw*1, hexagon screwdriver*1, specification*1)
Bulb Zone cache
The Bulb Zone cache arch is approximately 1383, -296, 757. It also feeds the Primary Containment Facility ingredient network. Use it to collect the relevant Hatching Enzymes materials and to shorten the return to the endgame facility area.
Because the coordinate is far from the other named cache locations, save a separate waypoint or beacon label rather than relying on a single generic marker. A clearly named marker prevents confusing this chamber with the island arches or the Thermal Plant route.
Primary Containment Facility aquarium arches
The aquarium section of the Primary Containment Facility contains two distinct arches. One returns toward the aquarium antechamber and moonpool route; the other leads to the Quarantine Enforcement Platform. They are part of the Sea Emperor endgame sequence, not early-game transport.
You must first enter the Primary Containment Facility with a Blue Tablet. The aquarium teleporter interactions become useful only after the story has progressed through the Sea Emperor sequence. Bring spare Ion Cubes because the facility’s incubator and portal interactions both draw on them. The facility’s abandoned-laboratory atmosphere is underscored by the PDA warning, “Live specimens terminated. Evacuate immediately.”
How to activate and travel through a portal
- Reach the correct alien structure. Follow the progression from surface exploration to the Lost River, then the Inactive Lava Zone and Lava Castle, and finally the Lava Lakes and Primary Containment Facility. Do not assume a surface arch can be reached from an unvisited deep base.
- Bring an Ion Cube. Keep at least one available for the arch terminal. The Alien Thermal Plant walkthrough specifically identifies an Ion Cube as the activation item for its principal arch; the other interactable structures likewise use a terminal or pedestal that accepts the item when prompted.
- Find the terminal beside the arch. The portal surface itself is the gateway, but activation is performed at the nearby control point. Move around the structure if the interaction prompt is not immediately visible.
- Insert the Ion Cube when the prompt appears. Wait for the portal surface to become usable before attempting to cross. If the terminal does not accept the item, check that you are at the arch’s control pedestal rather than a decorative alien structure.
- Enter through the green surface. The documented player-interactable arches can be entered by the Prawn Suit. Follow the current game interaction prompt, and avoid abandoning your vehicle in an unmarked chamber.
- Expect the fixed destination. The arch will send you to its paired location; there is no destination selector. If you need a different biome or island, return through the arch and use the appropriate linked structure.
- Mark both ends. Place beacons at the entrance, especially for the Lost River, Lava Castle, Lava Lakes, and cache chambers. Name them by destination, such as “Thermal Plant to Mountain Platform” or “Ghost Forest Cache,” so the marker remains useful during a later ingredient run.
Recommended progression route
1. Surface exploration
Begin by learning the island and surface routes that lead toward alien structures. The Floating Island and Mountain Island arches are the most convenient early examples of a fixed pair, but their usefulness depends on being able to reach and recognise both islands.
Rank #4
- Easy Installation: Our gaming lights have been designed to enhance your entertainment experience. Simply position the led light bar next to your TV or game console to create a game room environment with ease. They come with USB power and a 60 inch cord for direct mounting and mobility
- Audio Syncing & Extensive Mode: The built-in high-sensitivity music sensor allows you to sync the TV led lights to your favorite music. Lights react and move to the beat of music, film and game audio, creating an incredible immersive sound and light experience – and all without the need for an additional hub. You can choose from 64+ patterns, including strobe, illusion, jump, energy, gradient, running, chasing, fluttering mode etc. Each mode can be applied to different scenes
- 64+ Chasing IC+RGB & W Effect: The independent control design of IC+RGB and white all-in-one multifunctional rgbw led bar lights monitor backlight allows you to easily switch the led lights for desk between IC+RGB and white to enjoy a variety of lighting effects, you can choose white lighting mode with high brightness for better illumination when working, etc. Choose IC+RGB lighting mode when you need to create an entertaining atmosphere for the light show, 16 million colours of Color changing rgb light bar let you dance to the beat and create a dynamic party atmosphere
- Dynamic and Dimmable Lights: 1%-full brightness free brightness adjustment gives you the flexibility to adjust dimmable led light bar for room decorations or a variety of occasions
- USB Powered: USB light bars for room can be powered by powernank, usb charger, TV, Monitor, laptop PC mainframe, making behind TV led lighting bar easy to install in any location.TV led lights are powered by the TV usb interface / PC mainframe, can be turned on/off synchronously with TV / PC
2. Lost River access
Use the Lost River as the transition into the deeper alien facilities. This is the point where beacon discipline matters: a portal is only a shortcut if you can reliably find it again.
3. Inactive Lava Zone and Lava Castle
Continue into the Inactive Lava Zone and locate the Lava Castle. The Alien Thermal Plant is inside that structure. Reaching the plant is the story and exploration gate for the principal arch that connects to Mountain Island’s Quarantine Enforcement Platform.
4. Alien Thermal Plant arch
Activate the principal arch with an Ion Cube once you are at its terminal. This unlocks the major deep-to-surface shortcut and gives you a dependable exit from the deepest part of the route.
5. Lava Lakes and Primary Containment Facility
The Primary Containment Facility is the final major story location in this sequence. A Blue Tablet is required for entry. Once inside, the aquarium arches become relevant as the Sea Emperor events progress, and the cache network provides routes for gathering Hatching Enzymes ingredients.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Planning an efficient portal trip
- Carry the correct progression item. An Ion Cube handles arch activation where the terminal accepts it. A Blue Tablet is a separate requirement for entering the Primary Containment Facility.
- Reserve supplies for the facility. The aquarium sequence can require Ion Cubes for both the incubator and portal interactions, so do not arrive with only the single cube you intended to use at an earlier arch.
- Use destination-based beacon names. “Island arch” is ambiguous; “Floating Island to Mountain Island” is not. The same naming rule prevents confusion among the four cache chambers.
- Plan the return before entering. Cache arches are ingredient-run shortcuts. Decide whether you are collecting one item or completing a full Hatching Enzymes route before committing to the chamber.
- Keep the fixed-link rule in mind. An activated arch cannot be retargeted. If the destination is not the place you need, the solution is another arch or a conventional route, not another terminal setting.
Common problems and fixes
The arch will not activate
Check that you are interacting with the nearby terminal or pedestal and that you have an Ion Cube in your inventory. A decorative arch or an already active portal may not present the same prompt. At the Thermal Plant, the principal arch specifically requires the Ion Cube activation step.
Best Value
- Compatible with Wide Screens - To ensure compatibility with the dual monitor mount, your each monitor must meet three conditions at the same time: First, computer screens size range: 13 to 32 inches. Second, screen weight range: 4.4 to 19.8 lbs. Third, the back of the monitor screen must have VESA mounting holes with a pitch of 75x75mm or 100x100mm.
- Regarding the compatibility with desks - Your desk must meet three conditions at the same time: First, desk material: Only wooden desks are recommended, plastic or glass desks cannot be used. Second, desk thickness range: 0.59" - 3.54". Third, the bottom of the desk should not have any cross beams or panels, as this will interfere with installation. We recommend carefully checking that your desk and monitors meets all above conditions before purchasing.
- Dual C-Clamp Hold - Worried your dual monitors might wobble or slip? Our upgraded base uses a larger platform plus a dual C-clamp structure to lock the dual monitor arm firmly to your desk. Each arm safely keeps your screens steady while you type, click and game—no shaking, no sliding, just a clean and secure setup you can trust every day. It also provides Grommet Mounting installation choice, both options ensure stable and secure fixation for your 0.59" - 3.54" desk.
- Full-Motion Adjustment For Comfortable View - Pull the screen closer when you’re deep in a spreadsheet, push it back to watch videos, or rotate to portrait for coding — moving everything smoothly with just one hand. The monitor stand offers +85°/-50° tilt, ±90° swivel and 360° rotation. Raise your monitor up to 15.75″ to support a healthy sitting posture. Whether you’re working from home, gaming through the night, or switching between video calls and documents, getting the screens to your natural line of sight helps relieve neck, shoulder and back strain so you can stay focused longer with less fatigue.
- Keep Your Desk Organized: By lifting both screens off the desktop, this dual monitor stand opens up valuable space for your keyboard, notebook, docking station or a simple, clutter-free work area. Built-in cable management guides wires along the arms, keeping cords out of sight and out of the way. Enjoy a tidy, modern workstation that looks as good as it feels to use.
You reached the wrong island
The island pair is directional only in the sense of where you start: the Floating Island arch connects to Mountain Island, and the Mountain Island arch connects back to Floating Island. The portal does not offer a list of islands, so return through the pair and choose a different route if your objective is elsewhere.
The aquarium arch seems unavailable
Verify that you entered the Primary Containment Facility with the required Blue Tablet and that the Sea Emperor sequence has progressed far enough. The aquarium teleporters are endgame tools; arriving at the facility alone does not make every interaction immediately useful.
Recommended Free Tools
You cannot find a cache arch again
Use a beacon at the chamber entrance and record the coordinate from the map. The Ghost Forest, Crag Field, Bulb Zone, and Northwestern Mushroom Forest chambers are separate locations, and a generic “portal” marker can easily send you to the wrong one.
You expected a portal to reach any destination
That behavior is not how Alien Arches work. Their links are fixed, so use the location table to identify the destination before spending an Ion Cube or beginning a deep expedition.
What each portal is best for
Choose the arch according to the job you are trying to complete:
Quick Recap
- Need a deep-zone exit? Use the Alien Thermal Plant principal arch to reach the Quarantine Enforcement Platform on Mountain Island.
- Moving between surface islands? Use the Floating Island–Mountain Island pair.
- Collecting Hatching Enzymes ingredients? Use the Northwestern Mushroom Forest, Crag Field, Ghost Forest, and Bulb Zone cache arches as fixed network stops.
- Completing the Sea Emperor ending? Use the Primary Containment Facility aquarium arches after the Blue Tablet gate and the required story progress.
Final checklist
- Identify the arch’s named location and fixed destination before entering.
- Carry an Ion Cube for the activation terminal.
- Bring a Blue Tablet before attempting the Primary Containment Facility.
- Reserve spare Ion Cubes for the aquarium incubator and endgame portal interactions.
- Place beacons at deep entrances and label them by destination.
- Use the cache arches for planned ingredient runs, not as arbitrary teleport selectors.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches
