Guide Steps
Minutes 0-5: Emergency collection
Exit the Lifepod immediately. Swim through the Shallows collecting scrap metal (Titanium), Quartz crystals from the seafloor, and Copper Ore from cave walls. Grab 2 Acidic Raion Pouches from the water column. Ignore decorative flora. Collect material to fill your inventory, but do not craft yet. Your starting oxygen is 45 seconds so stay near the surface.
Minutes 5-10: Craft Survival Multitool and Scanner
Return to the Lifepod fabricator. Craft: 1 Basic Battery (2 Copper Ore + 1 Acidic Raion Pouch), then 1 Survival Multitool (3 Titanium), then 1 Scanner (2 Titanium + 2 Quartz + 1 Basic Battery), then 1 Air Bladder (2 Titanium + 1 Rubber). Rubber requires 2 Lucifer Rotsac processed in the fabricator. These four tools cover gathering, scanning, defense, and emergency oxygen.
Minutes 10-15: Locate the Welcome Center
Swim approximately 85 meters southeast of your Lifepod. Look for a structure on the seabed — this is the Welcome Center. On the way, scan any fragments you spot, but do not chase them yet. Insert the Basic Battery into the Welcome Center terminal to power it. Unlock the four Biomods: Dash, Oxygen Control, Sea Skimmer, and Pathfinder. Equip Oxygen Control and Dash immediately.
Minutes 15-20: Scan Habitat Builder fragments
Still at the Welcome Center, scan 2 Habitat Builder fragments. One fragment is in an outside crate near the structure. The second is in a hole directly below the Welcome Center. Both are within a 20-meter radius. After scanning both, the Habitat Builder blueprint is unlocked. This is the only location for these fragments — no need to search wrecks.
Minutes 20-25: Find Angel Comb and Blackboxes
Swim approximately 150 meters north of the Lifepod. Look for Angel Comb flora on the seabed — consuming it grants Digestion Adaptation. Next, locate Anita's Blackbox at roughly 160 meters north. Use your compass and surface landmarks to navigate since Proteus has no in-game map. Check your oxygen frequently and surface to breathe.
Minutes 25-30: Prepare for first base
Return to the Lifepod area. Collect 2 Silver from caves in the Shallows or Plateaus biomes — this is the most time-sensitive material since you need it for the Standard Air Tank. Also collect extra Titanium (6-8 pieces) for your first base compartment, hatch, and solar panel. End the first 30 minutes knowing where the Welcome Center is and having the Habitat Builder unlocked.