TL;DR
- The lifepod is stuck underwater at the start of Subnautica 2 and you need to release two clamps manually.
- The clamps are located at the back of the lifepod, opposite the entrance hatch.
- Look for the red/orange glowing lights — those mark the clamps.
- Interact with each clamp (Left Mouse Button on PC) to release it. They turn blue when done.
- Watch your oxygen — release one clamp at a time if needed, then go back inside to refill.
- Once both are released, head inside and interact with the terminal to launch the pod to the surface.
- You cannot return to the prologue area after launching, so explore it first.
Why Is the Lifepod Stuck in Subnautica 2?
Right at the start of Subnautica 2, you wake up deep underwater in a wrecked station. Your goal is simple: get to the surface. The lifepod is your escape route. But when you try to launch it, you get an error. The pod is locked in place by two clamps. The AI companion NOA tells you the clamps need to be released manually. The problem? The game gives you almost no hint on where to actually find them.
This confuses a lot of players right out of the gate. If you are one of them, do not worry. This guide covers exactly where to go, what to do, and how to avoid dying from low oxygen in the process.
Before You Release the Clamps: Do This First
Before you swim out to release the clamps, make sure you have already done everything in the prologue area. This is important because once you launch the lifepod to the surface, you cannot come back to this area.
Here is what to do before touching the clamps:
- Sample the Alien DNA in the wrecked ship as instructed.
- Find the Black Box and interact with it.
- Grab the Distraction Flares — one is on a desk near the gene donor, and another is in a small box near the exit.
- Scout the wreck area for any resources you can carry.
- Recharge your oxygen inside the lifepod before heading out.
Once you are satisfied with your exploration, you are ready to release the clamps.
Where Are the Lifepod Clamps Located?
This is where most players get confused. The clamps are not inside the pod. They are not near the entrance either. They are located at the back of the lifepod — the side directly opposite the hatch you enter from.
Here is exactly how to find them:
- Exit the lifepod through the entrance hatch.
- Swim around to the back of the pod.
- Look for two levers with red or orange glowing lights — one on each side of the back of the pod.
- Those glowing lights are your target. The red light is the clue that these are interactive objectives.
The area is dark, so the red glow is what you need to focus on. If you are swimming around and not seeing anything, make sure you have fully circled to the opposite side of the pod from where you came in.
How to Release the Lifepod Clamps Step by Step
Step 1: Exit the Lifepod and Swim Around the Back
Leave through the entrance door and immediately swim to the side of the pod. Then keep going until you are behind it. The entire back section is where both clamps are positioned — one on the left side and one on the right side.
Step 2: Interact with the First Clamp
Swim up to the first clamp with the red/orange light. On PC, press Left Mouse Button (LMB) to interact with it. You will see the light change from red/orange to blue. That means it has been successfully released.
Step 3: Watch Your Oxygen
Your oxygen supply is very limited at this stage of the game. If you are not confident you have enough oxygen left to reach the second clamp and swim back safely, do not try both at once.
The safer approach is to release one clamp, then swim back inside the lifepod to refill your oxygen. Once you are topped up, head back out and release the second clamp. It takes a little longer but is far better than dying and having to repeat the whole thing.
If you feel confident and your oxygen is full, you can try to release both in a single trip. It is possible. Just do not stop to look around for resources — there is nothing useful out there at this stage anyway.
Step 4: Release the Second Clamp
Swim to the other side of the back of the pod and interact with the second clamp the same way. Once it turns blue, both clamps are released. You will also notice the lights around the lifepod itself turn blue, and a hatch opens revealing a window into the pod.
Step 5: Return Inside and Launch the Pod
Swim back around to the entrance and get inside. Once inside, speak with NOA (the small orb AI) and inform it that both clamps have been released. Then interact with the terminal or portal to initiate the launch. The pod will surge upward toward the surface.
You will go through a cutscene where your character is tossed around as the pod rises. When it ends, the hatch opens and you are on the surface for the first time, greeted by a massive alien tree and the main title screen. Your real adventure begins here.
Common Mistakes When Releasing the Lifepod Clamps
Running Out of Oxygen Outside
This is the number one mistake. The underwater area is dark and disorienting. It is very easy to lose your sense of direction or spend too long looking around. Keep your eyes on the oxygen meter in the bottom-left corner of your screen. If it is getting low, get back inside immediately.
Trying to Explore While the Clamps Are Not Released
Some players try to swim around and gather extra resources before releasing the clamps. There is nothing of value out there at this point. Save your oxygen for the clamps only and explore the interior wreck before launching the pod.
Launching the Pod Before Fully Exploring the Prologue
Remember — once you launch, you cannot return. Make sure you have grabbed the Distraction Flares and done everything NOA asked before you hit that launch button.
Looking in the Wrong Place
Some players swim along the sides of the pod but never go fully around to the back. The clamps are not on the sides. They are at the very back, directly opposite the door. Keep swimming until you see the red glow.
What Happens After the Lifepod Launches?
Once you reach the surface, the game truly opens up. You can jump down from the lifepod at any time to start exploring the ocean. The lifepod itself becomes your early base of operations — you can come back to it whenever you need to craft items, eat, drink, or recharge.
The ocean is enormous and full of biomes, creatures, and resources. Your immediate priorities after surfacing should be gathering materials, crafting your first tools, and finding food and water. If you want to know what to focus on right away, check out our guide on Subnautica 2 beginner tips and tricks.
For those who want to progress efficiently and not waste early-game time, our Subnautica 2 best early upgrades and progression path guide will help you hit the ground running.
Is Subnautica 2 Available Now?
Yes. Subnautica 2 launched into Early Access on May 14, 2026. It is developed by Unknown Worlds Entertainment and published by Krafton. The game runs on Unreal Engine 5 and supports both solo and co-op multiplayer.
You can get it on PC via Steam or on Xbox Series X/S through the Xbox Store. It is also available through Xbox Game Pass.
Want to know more before buying? Check out our full breakdown of the Subnautica 2 release date, platforms, price, and where to play. You can also check the Subnautica 2 Early Access launch times by region and make sure your setup is ready with our Subnautica 2 PC requirements guide.
If you plan to play with friends, here is everything you need to know about Subnautica 2 multiplayer and co-op.
Quick Recap: How to Release Lifepod Clamps in Subnautica 2
- Exit the lifepod through the entrance hatch.
- Swim around to the back of the pod — opposite the entrance.
- Find the two levers with red/orange lights.
- Press LMB to interact with each clamp.
- The lights turn blue when each clamp is released.
- If oxygen is low, release one clamp, go back inside to refill, then do the second.
- Return inside, talk to NOA, and use the terminal to launch the pod.
- Enjoy the surface — your real Subnautica 2 journey starts now.
