Subnautica 2 Vehicles Guide
Vehicles in Subnautica 2 transform exploration from a suffocating struggle into true freedom. The Tadpole is your first submersible â nimble, modular, and deeply customizable. Here is everything you need to know about piloting and upgrading it, plus what is coming next.
Last updated: September 5, 2026
The Tadpole Submersible
The Tadpole is Subnautica 2's answer to the original Seamoth. It is a fast, single-seat submersible designed for reconnaissance, resource gathering, and reaching depths that would crush an unprotected diver.
Key Stats
| Attribute | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 1 | Single pilot; co-op passengers use other vehicles or bases |
| Depth Rating | Upgradeable | Base hull handles moderate depths |
| Speed | Fast | Excellent for horizontal traversal |
| Storage | Modular | Expandable with chassis upgrades |
| Power | Battery | Recharge at base docking stations |
How to Unlock
The Tadpole blueprint is unlocked by scanning fragments found in wrecks and abandoned facilities. You typically need 2-3 fragments before the full blueprint is available at your fabricator.
Chassis Upgrade System
Unlike the Seamoth's simple module slots, the Tadpole uses a modular chassis system. This allows deeper customization of your loadout:
| Upgrade Type | Effect |
|---|---|
| Storage Module | Adds internal cargo space for resource gathering runs |
| Depth Module | Increases crush depth, opening deeper biomes |
| Engine Efficiency | Reduces power consumption for longer range |
| Hull Reinforcement | Reduces collision and creature attack damage |
| Torpedo System | Defensive capability against aggressive fauna |
For your first Tadpole, prioritize the Depth Module and Storage Module. Depth opens new areas; storage makes those trips profitable. Upgrade hull and defenses before entering Leviathan territory.
Docking & Vehicle Fabrication
The Tadpole requires periodic maintenance, recharging, and upgrades. This happens at base docking stations:
- Vehicle Bay: Required for initial Tadpole construction. Plan a large enough base room.
- Docking Station: Recharges the Tadpole's batteries automatically when parked.
- Fabrication Access: Some advanced modules require docking at a base with a powered fabricator.
Unknown Worlds is improving vehicle docking and fabrication workflows in the first major update. Expect smoother UI and more intuitive module management.
Understanding Module Slots
Each Tadpole chassis configuration offers a limited number of module slots. You cannot equip everything â choose based on your mission:
Exploration Loadout
- Depth Module Mk1
- Engine Efficiency
- Hull Reinforcement
Gathering Loadout
- Storage Module
- Engine Efficiency
- Depth Module Mk1
Combat / Danger Zone Loadout
- Hull Reinforcement
- Torpedo System
- Depth Module Mk2 (if available)
Future Vehicles
The Large Submarine (In Development)
Unknown Worlds has confirmed that a large submarine equivalent to the original Cyclops is in long-term development. This will be a mobile base capable of:
- Multiple passenger seats for full co-op squads
- Interior base modules (fabricators, storage, possibly beds)
- Heavy duty depth ratings for the deepest biomes
- Creature decoy and advanced defense systems
There is no confirmed release date, but it is expected in a future major expansion update after EA 1.2.
The most upvoted feature on the official Nolt feedback board is proximity chat extending to creature entities â imagine hearing Leviathan roars through your team's voice comms. While not confirmed, it shows how vehicles and co-op will intertwine in future updates.
Vehicle Survival Tips
- Always carry a spare battery. Getting stranded in deep water without power is often fatal.
- Know your crush depth. The HUD displays your current depth rating. Exceeding it causes rapid hull damage.
- Use lights sparingly. Bright lights attract certain predators. Toggle them off in dangerous zones.
- Park strategically. Leviathans can attack parked vehicles. Dock inside bases or caves when AFK.
- Repair promptly. Minor damage compounds. Carry a Repair Tool on every expedition.
If a Leviathan aggros on your Tadpole: activate boost, change direction unpredictably, and head for caves or terrain cover. Do not try to outrun in open water â use obstacles to break line of sight.