Do I really need a base in the Lava Zone?

[I'll be the one]

I am using my Cyclops a mobile base and plan to take it down to the LZ. My understanding that this biome has an abundance of resources and is needed to progress in the story. But do I have to build a full base w/ moonpools and the works. All I need is 12- 15 Kyanite and do what is needed for the story and then leave. Am I wrong?

[Demolition414]

The best place to build a base is near that giant purple tree you saw on the way to the Lava zone, its safe and has a load of resources, then you can head down to the Lava zone then return to your base by the tree.

[General Idea]

There's more to it than that. You'll need to find other things too. A base that assists is always worth thinking about and the cyclops should do for the prawn. Just make sure you get your thermal upgrades and be aware of things that can drain your energy.

[kwong20287]

No, you don't need a base. As long as you're near one of the warpgates to the facility or the lz entrance, you should be good enough.

[Marstil]

I build just above the giant tree (i can see it when i look down), there are geothermal vents and lots of resources. I build here because I build that base before my prawn can go any deeper. Then I gather all the resources I need except the kyanite. I upgrade to 1300m on the prawn, then take it to to lava zone for kyanite and to advance the story. A quick trip to back to the base for my final prawn depth module and back to the lava zone to finish that part of the story, then return through the gate.

[PrimeSonic]

The only time I built a base in the lave zone was for kicks.

If you have a Cyclops with a Thermal Reactor Module, you don't need a base down there.
The Cyclops will be able to house everything you need.

[Cell]

https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198006717323/screenshot/921419279571813267