From Bunkers and Tunnels to Stockpiled Weapons: How the Rich Are Preparing for the Apocalypse

When the World Turns Chaotic, Billionaires Go Underground

While many turn to meditation in times of global crisis, the ultra-wealthy prefer to bunker deep beneath the earth.

In high-stress and uncertain times, billionaires adopt a very different approach from the average person. Instead of just stocking up on food or watching calming videos, the world’s richest are investing in high-tech underground shelters to ensure their survival. Companies like Atlas Survival Shelters and Survival Condo report soaring demand, especially during times of global tension.

Some of these shelters go far beyond basic survival needs offering luxury features like private swimming pools, shooting ranges, and bowling alleys. With costs running into the millions, these shelters have, according to Larry Hall, become a new symbol of elite status in the post-COVID era. Once taboo, doomsday prepping has now become part of the modern luxury lifestyle.

According to Business Insider, tech giants are not far behind. Mark Zuckerberg is building a vast underground compound in Hawaii, reportedly including a private tunnel system. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has openly discussed having “structures” ready for emergencies, and even owns land in California for crisis scenarios. Peter Thiel also attempted to build a shelter in New Zealand, though he faced governmental pushback.

Some prefer to stay mobile or lightly equipped. Altman has a survival kit that includes gold, medicine, gas masks, and firearms. Reddit CEO Steve Huffman got LASIK eye surgery and bought a motorcycle all in the name of survival readiness.

Others, like Oculus founder Palmer Luckey, are repurposing abandoned missile silos and stockpiling video games blending nostalgia with preparedness. As more tech leaders embrace this lifestyle, the luxury bunker market is booming, and what was once fringe behavior has now gone mainstream among the ultra-rich.