Quick Answer
Hydrobulbs (+15 Hydration) from blue glowing plants.Mid Game: Craft
Aqua Chew (+100 Hydration, no Toxicity).Late Game: Use
Nutri Gel (+40 Cal, +50 Hydration) for efficiency.
💧 Raw Hydration Sources
Foraged items found in the world. No crafting required.
| Item | Hydration | Calories | HP | Toxicity | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hydrobulbs | +15 | — | — | — | Blue glowing plants near water |
| Pricklers | +? | +? | — | — | Purple cacti (orange fruits) |
| Ration Packs | +? | +? | — | — | Starting pod (limited) |
🥤 Aqua-Focused Crafted Drinks
Unlocked via Recipe Station. Made at Food Station.
| Item | Hydration | Calories | HP | Toxicity | Special |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aqua Bar | +50 | — | — | — | — |
| ⭐ Aqua Chew | +100 | — | — | — | Best pure hydration |
| Aqua Fluid | +28 | — | +30 | +10 | Heals + hydrates |
| Aqua Block Capsules | — | — | — | +45 | Stops hydration loss 45 min |
🥗 Nutri Items (Balanced)
Provide both Hydration and Calories — ideal for inventory efficiency.
| Item | Hydration | Calories | HP | Toxicity | Special |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nutri Chew | +40 | +30 | — | — | — |
| Nutri Fluid | +15 | +10 | +30 | — | Heals too |
| ⭐ Nutri Gel | +50 | +40 | — | — | Best balanced item |
| Nutri Stim Shards | — | — | — | +45 | +30% both limits |
🌡️ Environmental Resistance
Hot biomes drain Hydration faster. These items help.
| Item | Effect | Duration | Toxicity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Termo Res Plasm | 2x heat resistance | 10 min | +40 |
| Aqua Block Capsules | Stops hydration loss | 45 min | +45 |
📈 Hydration Progression
Early Game (First 30 min)
- Use Ration Packs from landing pod (no Toxicity)
- Forage Hydrobulbs (+15) near water sources
- Collect Pricklers for combined Cal/Hydration
- Establish Hydrobulb farming routes
Mid Game (Recipe Station unlocked)
- Research Aqua Chew for +100 Hydration
- Set up Food Station production
- Switch from raw to crafted hydration items
- Carry Nutri items for space efficiency
Late Game (Extended runs)
- Use Nutri Gel exclusively (+50 Hyd, +40 Cal)
- Bring Aqua Block Capsules for desert exploration
- Stack Termo Res Plasm for volcanic biomes
⚖️ Hydration vs Calories Priority
| Situation | Priority | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Hot/Desert biome | Hydration | Depletes 2-3x faster |
| Cold/Night | Calories | Hydration stable, stamina matters |
| Combat heavy | Equal | Both deplete from sprinting/dodging |
| Base building | Calories | Low movement, steady drain |
💡 Tips & Best Practices
- Check biome before traveling: Hot = extra Aqua items
- Hydrobulb farming: They respawn near water — loop back regularly
- Nutri Gel late game: One slot covers both needs
- Block Capsules: 45 min worry-free for serious exploration
- Don't panic drink: Hydration has clear warning phases
❓ FAQ
What is the best early game hydration source?
Hydrobulbs (+15 Hydration) are everywhere near water and have no Toxicity. Look for glowing blue plants.
How do I stop dehydrating so fast in the desert?
Use Aqua Block Capsules (stops hydration loss 45 min) or Termo Res Plasm (doubles heat resistance). Both add Toxicity, so plan detox.
What drink gives the most Hydration without Toxicity?
Aqua Chew (+100 Hydration) is the best pure hydration item with no Toxicity.
Should I carry separate food and water, or use Nutri items?
Early game, separate is fine. Mid to late game, Nutri Gel (+50 Hyd, +40 Cal) is much more inventory efficient.
Do Pricklers give both Calories and Hydration?
Yes! Pricklers from purple cacti are great early game finds that restore both stats.
How do Aqua Block Capsules work?
They completely stop Hydration loss for 45 minutes. You still need to manage Calories. Good for desert runs, but +45 Toxicity is significant.
Related: Food & Calories · Start Here · Troubleshooting