The Tadpole is your first personal submarine in Subnautica 2 — a game-changer for exploration, oxygen supply, and depth-rated travel down to 250 meters. But the game doesn't tell you where to find the fragments or what materials you need. This guide covers everything: from scanning the first fragment to installing your Depth Module Mk. I.
1. Find & Scan 3 Tadpole Fragments
Before you can build anything, you need to unlock the blueprint by scanning 3 Tadpole Fragments. There are 9 total in the world. These are the 3 easiest early-game locations:
| # | Direction from Lifepod | Distance | Depth | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South | ~115m | Shallow | Near a wreck hanging off a cliff edge |
| 2 | Southwest | ~250-300m | ~90m | Inside the Colonist Bunker (red hatch in cliff wall) |
| 3 | East-Northeast | ~250-380m | ~90m | In a canyon near the Cicada Wreck, beside a cargo container |
Pro tip: Scanning the 2nd fragment (Colonist Bunker) also auto-unlocks the Moonpool blueprint — you'll need that next.
2. Prerequisite Base Structures
Before you can craft the Tadpole, you need three base components:
Processor (to make Ingots)
All Ingots (Titanium, Copper, Silver) are made in the Processor. Scan 2 Processor Fragments inside the Old Habitat (~370m north of Lifepod).
Moonpool
Cost: 5x Titanium. Build it in a large room with vertical clearance below for the Tadpole to dock.
Vehicle Fabricator (attached to Moonpool)
| Material | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Titanium Ingot | 2 |
| Copper Ingot | 1 |
| Glass | 2 |
Source: Prima Games
Tadpole Dock (optional but recommended)
Recharges the Tadpole's power while docked. Requires: 2x Titanium Ingot, 1x Silver Ingot, 2x Copper Wire.
3. Tadpole Crafting Materials
Craft at the Vehicle Fabricator:
| Material | Qty | How to Get |
|---|---|---|
| Titanium Ingot | 2 | Process 10x Titanium in the Processor |
| Glass | 1 | Craft from 2x Quartz at the Fabricator |
| System Chip | 1 | Craft from Quartz + Wiring Kit |
| Power Cell | 1 | Craft from 2x Basic Battery + Strong Acid + Salt |
Where to Find Tricky Materials
- Strong Acid — Process Necrolei Cysts (found in the Jelly Barrens north of spawn) in the Processor
- Salt — Found in the Zezuran Desert (east of spawn, in hot water)
- Silver — Mined from silver outcrops in caves. Use a Scanner Station to find deposits
Sources: RPS, Gfinity, PCGamesN
4. Tadpole Stats
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Base Crush Depth | 250m |
| Max Depth (with Module) | 450m+ |
| Module Slots | 4 |
| Oxygen | Unlimited while powered |
| Co-op | Up to 2 passengers on side handlebars |
| Storage | None built-in — attach Portable Locker to rear hardpoint |
5. Upgrades & Modules
Structural Chassis (manufactured at Vehicle Fabricator)
Only one chassis can be equipped at a time. Swap at the Moonpool for free.
| Chassis | Effect | Key Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Scout Ray | Max acceleration, top speed, turn rate | 2x Plasteel Ingot, 1x Advanced Wiring Kit, 1x Strong Acid |
| Haul | Adds cargo pods + 3 extra passenger seats | Scan Haul Chassis fragments in Tadpole Pens |
Upgrade Modules (crafted at Modification Station)
| Module | Effect | Key Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Efficiency | -20% power use (stacks 4x) | 1x Titanium Ingot, 2x Glass, 1x System Chip |
| Depth Module Mk. I | Increases crush depth to 450m | 3x Celestine, 2x Enameled Glass, 1x System Chip |
| Photovoltaic Charger | Charges in shallow water during day | 1x Copper Ingot, 1x Strong Acid, 1x Troilite |
| Cavitation Muffler | Reduces noise, avoids aggro | 3x Titanium, 2x Strontium |
Sources: Yahoo Gaming, Gfinity, PCGamesN
Celestine Location
Found in the Alien Biome (~1,200-1,300m east of Lifepod, depth ~250m). You need a Sonic Resonator to break celestine deposits. Process 2x Celestine → 1x Strontium in the Processor. Source: Polygon, GameRant
6. Pro Tips
- Build the Tadpole early — it unlocks safer exploration and access to deeper biomes with rarer resources
- Always carry a Repair Tool and spare Power Cell — running out of power far from base will strand you
- Attach a Portable Locker immediately — the Tadpole has no built-in storage. This gives you 15 extra slots
- First two modules to aim for: Engine Efficiency + Depth Module Mk. I. Range and depth are your top priorities
- In co-op: Use Haul Chassis for 4-player group travel; base Tadpole supports only 2 hitchhikers
Sources: KeenGamer, Gfinity, RPS
Quick-Reference Material Checklist
To craft the Tadpole + Moonpool + Vehicle Fabricator from scratch:
- 7x Titanium Ingot (from 35x Titanium)
- 1x Copper Ingot (from 5x Copper)
- 3x Glass (from 6x Quartz)
- 1x System Chip
- 1x Power Cell
- 1x Silver Ingot (for Tadpole Dock)
- 2x Copper Wire (for Tadpole Dock)