The orange tablet is in the Aurora's cargo bay, accessible only after you obtain a PDA from the captain's quarters

The orange tablet in Subnautica sits inside a locker in the Aurora's cargo bay, on the starboard side of the ship. You cannot reach it until you have the Aurora keycard, which you get from the captain's quarters on the upper deck. The cargo bay itself is flooded and requires either a Seamoth or Prawn Suit to navigate — swimming alone will not get you there safely because of the radiation and hostile creatures in the wreck.

The tablet is one of the few orange-coloured items in the game and serves a specific purpose: it unlocks the Quarantine Enforcement Platform on the island. Without it, you cannot disable the platform that prevents you from leaving the planet. This makes it a critical item if you want to reach the endgame.

Key Takeaways

  • The orange tablet is located in a locker on the starboard side of the Aurora's cargo bay, which is flooded and requires a submarine to enter safely.
  • You must first obtain the Aurora keycard from the captain's quarters before you can access the cargo bay locker.
  • The tablet is necessary to disable the Quarantine Enforcement Platform and progress toward leaving the planet.
  • Radiation damage from the Aurora wreck will kill you quickly without a radiation suit or vehicle protection.

How to reach the Aurora's cargo bay

Start by entering the Aurora from the main breach on the port side, near the front of the ship. Navigate upward through the corridors until you reach the captain's quarters — this is on the upper deck, marked by a large desk and windows. Inside the captain's quarters, you will find a PDA on the desk that contains the Aurora keycard. Take the keycard with you.

Once you have the keycard, head back down and toward the rear of the ship. The cargo bay entrance is on the lower deck, and you will need your keycard to open the door. The cargo bay itself is completely flooded, so you cannot walk through it. Bring a Seamoth or Prawn Suit — a Seamoth is faster and easier to maneuver in tight spaces, while a Prawn Suit offers more durability if you encounter aggressive creatures.

Navigating the flooded cargo bay safely

The cargo bay is a large, open chamber filled with shipping containers and debris. Radiation from the damaged reactor will damage you and your vehicle, so do not linger. Pilot your submarine to the starboard side — that is the right side of the ship as you face forward. Look for a locker mounted on the wall among the containers.

The locker itself does not require a keycard; you can open it directly once you are close enough. The orange tablet will be inside. Grab it and leave when ready. The radiation damage accelerates the longer you stay, and creatures like Reaper Leviathans patrol the wreck. If your vehicle's health drops below 50 percent, exit the cargo bay and repair before returning.

What to do if you do not have a submarine yet

If you have not built a Seamoth or Prawn Suit, you cannot safely retrieve the orange tablet. Both vehicles require significant resources and blueprints. The Seamoth blueprint comes from scanning fragments in the Safe Shallows and Kelp Forest. The Prawn Suit is more advanced and requires blueprints from the Aurora itself or the Lava Zone.

Focus on gathering the materials for a Seamoth first — it is the faster path. You will need titanium, glass, and a battery. Once you have a working submarine, the cargo bay becomes accessible. Do not attempt to swim to the locker without a vehicle; the radiation will kill you in seconds.

Alternative routes if the main path is blocked

The cargo bay has only one main entrance, so there is no alternate route to the locker itself. However, if you cannot enter through the front of the Aurora, you can try entering from the side breach near the drive core. This path is longer and more dangerous, but it does lead to the same cargo bay area.

If your submarine is damaged and you cannot repair it in time, return to your base, fix it fully, and come back. The orange tablet will remain in the locker indefinitely — there is no time limit to retrieve it. Patience is safer than rushing with a damaged vehicle.

Why the orange tablet matters for progression

The orange tablet is one of three items needed to disable the Quarantine Enforcement Platform. The other two are a blue tablet and a red tablet, found in different locations. Once you have all three, you can enter the platform's control room and shut it down, which removes the barrier preventing you from leaving the planet.

Without the orange tablet, you will be stuck on the planet indefinitely. This is why retrieving it from the Aurora is a mandatory step in the endgame. Plan your trip carefully, bring a fully charged vehicle, and do not rush.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get the orange tablet without a submarine?

No. The cargo bay is flooded and filled with radiation. You will die within seconds if you try to swim there without a vehicle. Build a Seamoth first — it is the fastest submarine to construct and the easiest to pilot in tight spaces.

What happens if my submarine runs out of power in the cargo bay?

Your vehicle will stop moving and you will be stranded. Exit when ready and swim back to the entrance if you can, or use a repair tool if you have one. Always bring extra batteries or a power cell charger before entering the Aurora.

Is the orange tablet the only item in that locker?

Yes. The locker contains only the orange tablet. Once you take it, the locker is empty. There are other lockers and items throughout the Aurora, but this specific one holds only the tablet you need.

Do I need the orange tablet to finish the game?

Yes. You cannot disable the Quarantine Enforcement Platform without all three tablets, including the orange one. The platform blocks your escape, so retrieving the tablet is essential to reach the ending.