The Tadpole is your first personal submersible in Subnautica 2. It is faster than swimming and carries extra storage — both of which let you explore farther and deeper than you could on foot. While inside the Tadpole, you can breathe as long as it has power.
Scan fragments to learn the blueprint. Then build a Moonpool, install a Vehicle Fabricator, and gather materials for assembly.
Requirements
These prerequisites are needed before you can assemble the Tadpole:
| Requirement | What It Does | How to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| Scanner | Scans Tadpole fragments for the blueprint | Built at Lifepod Fabricator — 2 Titanium + 2 Quartz + 1 Basic Battery |
| Habitat Builder | Builds the Moonpool structure | Scan 2 degraded targets, then Fabricator |
| Processor | Produces Titanium Ingots and other advanced materials | Scan fragments in wrecks — found at ruined colony areas near the Lifepod |
| Moonpool | Houses the Vehicle Fabricator | Build with the Habitat Builder — costs approximately 4 Titanium |
| Vehicle Fabricator | Assembles the Tadpole | Place inside the Moonpool — costs 2 Titanium Ingots, 1 Copper Ingot, and 2 Glass |
If you have not built a base yet, start with the First Base Guide first. You will need a base with power to run the Moonpool.
Unlock the Tadpole Blueprint
The Tadpole blueprint is unlocked by scanning damaged Tadpole fragments with the Scanner. Scan at least 3 fragments for the blueprint to become available.
Where to Look
Tadpole fragments appear in wrecks and ruined structures within swimming distance of the Lifepod:
- Northeast Hangar Wreck — this large wreck contains Tadpole, Processor, and Bioreactor fragments together. Enter through an opening underneath the structure.
- Colony ruins and destroyed habitats — fragments also appear near ruined colony structures in various directions from the Lifepod.
Use the Scanner to check every wreckage and ruin you find. If a fragment is scannable, the Scanner will highlight it with a beam and ping.
Tip: The Northeast Hangar Wreck also contains Repair Tool, Processor, and Bioreactor fragments — scan everything while exploring the area.
Build the Moonpool and Vehicle Fabricator
After scanning enough Tadpole fragments, the blueprint appears and you can build the Moonpool with the Habitat Builder.
Step 1: Place the Moonpool
- Equip the Habitat Builder
- Select the Moonpool under base structures
- Place it adjacent to your existing base — the Moonpool needs power and structural support
- Build it — costs approximately 4 Titanium
Step 2: Build the Vehicle Fabricator
- Stand on the Moonpool’s interior edge
- Open the Habitat Builder and select Vehicle Fabricator under base fittings
- Place it on the marked spot inside the Moonpool
| Material | Count | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Titanium Ingot | 2 | 3 Titanium each — requires Processor |
| Copper Ingot | 1 | 2 Copper — requires Processor |
| Glass | 2 | 2 Quartz each — via Fabricator |
Optional: Tadpole Dock
The Tadpole Dock attaches to the Moonpool and lets you charge and store the Tadpole when not in use.
| Material | Count |
|---|---|
| Titanium Ingot | 2 |
| Silver Ingot | 1 |
| Copper Wire | 2 |
The Tadpole Dock is assembled at the Vehicle Fabricator and placed on the Moonpool’s second mounting point.
Tadpole Assembly
Open the Vehicle Fabricator inside the Moonpool and select the Tadpole.
Materials Required
| Material | Count | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Titanium Ingot | 2 | From 3 Titanium each, via Processor |
| Glass | 1 | From 2 Quartz, via Fabricator |
| System Chip | 1 | From 1 Wiring Kit + 2 Quartz, via Fabricator |
| Power Cell | 1 | Necrolei conversion + Salt, requires Processor and Fabricator |
Once assembled, enter and pilot the Tadpole. The Vehicle Fabricator can also produce the Tadpole Dock.
Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Oxygen | Breathe normally while inside with power |
| Storage | Rear hardpoint supports a Portable Locker for 15 extra slots |
| Upgrades | Depth Module Mk. 1 and Mk. 2 available — installed at a Modification Station |
| Repair | Uses the Repair Tool to fix damage |
Portable Locker Storage
After building the Tadpole, attach a Portable Locker to its rear hardpoint (the two small circles on the back). This adds 15 inventory slots and makes the Tadpole much more useful for resource-gathering trips.
Portable Lockers are found during exploration in wrecks and ruins — pick them up with the Survival Multitool and carry them back.
Common Blockers
| Problem | Likely Cause | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Tadpole not appearing | Not enough fragments scanned | Return to wrecks and find more Tadpole fragments |
| Cannot place Vehicle Fabricator | Moonpool not built or not powered | Build a Moonpool first and connect it to your base power grid |
| Missing Titanium Ingot | Processor not built or not scanned | Find Processor fragments in wrecks and colony ruins |
| Missing Power Cell | Advanced material chain | Requires Strong Acid (from Necrolei processing) plus Salt |
| Fragments not appearing | Need more scans | Search every large wreck and colony ruin near the Lifepod |
Next Steps
With the Tadpole built, you can now:
- Explore deeper areas — the Tadpole lets you reach wrecks and biomes that were too far for swimming
- Install depth upgrades — find Depth Module Mk. 1 and Mk. 2 blueprints to extend your operational range
- Follow NOA objectives — many story waypoints become reachable with a vehicle
- Repair damage — the Repair Tool fixes Tadpole damage from creature attacks and collisions
Return to the Beginner Guide for a broader early-game overview, or check the Repair Tool Fragment Locations guide if you still need to craft the Repair Tool.