The Moonpool and Vehicle Fabricator are the two structures needed for vehicle construction in Subnautica 2. The Moonpool is a base module that docks and charges your vehicle. The Vehicle Fabricator goes inside it and assembles vehicles.
Both blueprints become available as you scan Tadpole fragments. After scanning 2 fragments, you can build the Moonpool. After 3, the Vehicle Fabricator appears. Build the Moonpool with the Habitat Builder, then install the fabricator inside it. Gather advanced materials after that for vehicle assembly.
If you have not built a base yet, start with the First Base Guide. You need a powered base before the Moonpool can operate.
Requirements
Before building these structures, gather these tools first:
| Tool | Purpose | How to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| Scanner | Find Tadpole fragments | Lifepod Fabricator — 2 Titanium + 2 Quartz + 1 Basic Battery |
| Habitat Builder | Place the Moonpool and fabricator | Scan 2 degraded targets, then use the Fabricator |
| Processor | Produce Titanium Ingots and Copper Ingots | Scan fragments in wrecks near the Lifepod |
See the Tadpole guide for fragment locations and detailed steps.
Unlock Order
Progressively scanning Tadpole fragments grants new blueprints:
| Fragments Scanned | New Blueprint |
|---|---|
| 1 | Progress toward Tadpole |
| 2 | Moonpool (Habitat Builder) |
| 3 | Vehicle Fabricator + Tadpole assembly |
No separate fragments are needed for these buildings — Tadpole fragments cover everything.
Build the Moonpool
Materials
| Material | Count |
|---|---|
| Titanium | approximately 4 |
Open the Habitat Builder and select the Moonpool under base structures. Place it adjacent to your existing base so it connects to your power grid.
Placement Tips
- Open water below: The Moonpool needs vertical clearance underneath — no seafloor or base parts blocking the docking area. Vehicles need room to enter and exit from below.
- Connect to power: The Moonpool draws power from your base. Ensure your base has sufficient generation (Solar Panels, Bioreactor, or Hydroelectric Turbine).
- Room size: If the connected room feels cramped, expand it using the Habitat Builder for more interior space.
Build the Fabricator
Materials
| Material | Count | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Titanium Ingot | 2 | 3 Titanium per ingot — via Processor |
| Copper Ingot | 1 | 2 Copper per ingot — via Processor |
| Glass | 2 | 2 Quartz per panel — via Fabricator |
Placement
- 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
Note: This station can only go inside a Moonpool. If the hologram will not snap into place, the area may be too narrow — try widening the connected room.
Tadpole Dock (Optional)
The Tadpole Dock charges and stores the Tadpole when parked. Use the Vehicle Fabricator console to build it, then place on the Moonpool’s second mounting point.
Materials
| Material | Count | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Titanium Ingot | 2 | 3 Titanium per ingot — via Processor |
| Silver Ingot | 1 | 2 Silver per ingot — via Processor |
| Copper Wire | 2 | 1 Copper per wire — via Fabricator |
Without the dock, the Tadpole can still be parked near your base, but it will not recharge automatically.
How to Use
Once both structures are in place:
- Open the console — interact with it inside the Moonpool
- Select Tadpole — the console shows available vehicle types
- Prepare materials — the Tadpole needs 2 Titanium Ingots, 1 Glass, and 1 System Chip. See the Tadpole guide for the full ingredient list including its battery requirements.
- Collect below — the assembled Tadpole drops into the water under the Moonpool
- Dock to recharge — pilot it back from below (requires the Tadpole Dock for automatic charging)
Power Management
Both the Moonpool and its fabricator draw from your base power supply. Without sufficient power:
- The fabricator console will not respond
- A docked Tadpole will not recharge
If your base struggles with power, add more Solar Panels or an alternate power source before using the Moonpool.
Common Issues
| Problem | Likely Cause | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Moonpool not appearing in Builder | Need more Tadpole scans | Scan at least 2 Tadpole fragments |
| Fabricator not appearing in Builder | Need more Tadpole scans | Scan all 3 Tadpole fragments |
| Fabricator hologram won’t snap | Moonpool area too narrow | Widen the connected room with Habitat Builder |
| Fabricator console inactive | No base power | Check power — add Solar Panels or other generators |
| Tadpole won’t dock | No clearance below Moonpool | Clear obstructions under the Moonpool |
| Missing Titanium Ingot | Processor not built yet | Find Processor fragments and build one in your base |
| Tadpole battery missing | Advanced material chain | Salt and Strong Acid needed — see Tadpole guide |
Next Steps
With the Moonpool and fabricator built:
- Build the Tadpole — see the Tadpole guide for its ingredients and material chain
- Add the Tadpole Dock — enables automatic charging when parked
- Find upgrades — Depth Modules extend your Tadpole’s operational range for deeper exploration
- Expand your base — add Scanner Stations, more power, and storage rooms for longer trips
Return to the First Base Guide for broader base-building tips, or check the Beginner Guide for early-game progression.