Vehicles in Subnautica 2
Vehicles are essential for exploring deeper biomes and surviving hostile creatures in Subnautica 2. The Tadpole is currently the only vehicle available in Early Access, serving as the primary exploration craft.
Clarification: The Wakemaker is a tool, not a vehicle. It appears in the Tools category alongside the Scanner and Repair Tool.
All Vehicles in Subnautica 2
| Vehicle | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Tadpole | Available (EA) | Small submersible; 250 m depth; 4 module slots |
| Wakemaker | Tool (not a vehicle) | Current-generating tool for bases |
No additional vehicles are available in the current EA build. The Depth Module Mk. 2 being "unavailable in survival mode" and the Early Access roadmap suggest that deeper-depth content and possibly new vehicles are planned for future updates.
Tadpole
The Tadpole is the sole confirmed vehicle in the current EA build. It functions similarly to the Seamoth from Subnautica 1 — a small, fast submersible that extends the player's exploration range.
How to Build
Building the Tadpole is a three-step process:
- Scan 3 Tadpole Fragments — 10 fragment locations are known; only 3 needed to unlock the blueprint
- Build a Tadpole Dock — Constructed with the Habitat Builder at a Moonpool
- Craft at the Vehicle Fabricator — Place the Vehicle Fabricator at your Moonpool
Crafting Materials
| Material | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Titanium Ingot | x2 |
| Glass | x1 |
| System Chip | x1 |
| Power Cell | x1 |
Key Stats
| Stat | Details |
|---|---|
| Depth Limit | 250 m (default, upgradeable) |
| Power | Power Cells (deplete over time) |
| Module Slots | 4 |
| Pilot Capacity | 1 (pilot only; Haul Chassis adds passenger/cargo) |
Exceeding the depth limit causes hull damage. Power Cells need to be recharged or replaced at base.
Modules
The Tadpole has 4 module slots for upgrades. Modules are crafted at the Modification Station after finding their Data Cards in the world.
| Module | Effect | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Efficiency | Reduces power use by 20% | Stacks up to 4x (max 80% reduction) |
| Strike Armor | Reduces incoming physical damage | Protects against creature attacks and collisions |
| Cavitation Muffler | Reduces vehicle noise | Less likely to attract predators |
| Photovoltaic Charger | Solar charging in shallow water | Passive charging during daytime |
| Depth Module Mk. 1 | Enables deeper diving | Found at Observatory biome |
| Depth Module Mk. 2 | Even deeper diving | Not available in survival mode (future content) |
Recommended Loadouts
- Exploration: Depth Module Mk. 1 + Engine Efficiency x2 + Photovoltaic Charger
- Stealth: Cavitation Muffler + Engine Efficiency x3
- Tank: Strike Armor + Engine Efficiency x3
Chassis System
Chassis are a new mechanic in Subnautica 2 — detachable vehicle attachments that modify the Tadpole's role.
Scout Ray Chassis
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Hardpoints | 1 |
| Effect | Maximizes acceleration, top speed, and turn rate |
| Best For | Speed-focused exploration, escaping predators |
Haul Chassis
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Hardpoints | 2 |
| Effect | Passenger and cargo capacity |
| Best For | Co-op transport, resource hauling, expeditions |
Key Mechanic: Chassis can be detached temporarily to navigate tight cave systems, then reattached. Hardpoints allow attaching storage items like Portable Lockers.
Vehicle-Base Interaction
Docking
- The Tadpole docks at a Tadpole Dock (built with Habitat Builder)
- Requires a Moonpool with space for both the dock and Vehicle Fabricator
- The Vehicle Fabricator crafts both vehicles and chassis
Charging
- Power Cell Terminals at base for manual recharging
- Photovoltaic Charger module for passive solar charging in shallow water
- Engine Efficiency module reduces power consumption
Repair
- Use the Repair Tool to fix vehicle damage
- The Strike Armor module reduces incoming damage
- Vehicles take damage from collisions, creature attacks, and depth pressure
Tadpole Fragment Locations
10 confirmed fragment locations (only 3 needed):
| # | Location |
|---|---|
| 1 | Near Old Habitat |
| 2 | Cicada Wreck (Lander Garage) |
| 3 | 160 m S-SW of Lifepod |
| 4 | 260 m N-NE of Lifepod |
| 5 | Next to Ruby's Blackbox Beacon |
| 6 | Near a cluster of BFJs |
| 7 | Inside Colonist Bunker |
| 8 | 515 m E of Lifepod |
| 9 | Entrance of Tadpole Pens |
| 10 | Inside Tadpole Pens |
Future Vehicles
No additional vehicles have been confirmed for the current EA build. The Early Access roadmap mentions vehicles as an area of future expansion. The Tadpole Depth Module Mk. 2 being "unavailable in survival mode" suggests deeper-depth content and possibly new vehicles are planned.
FAQ — Vehicles in Subnautica 2
What vehicles are in Subnautica 2?
The Tadpole is the only vehicle currently available in Early Access. It is a small submersible similar to the Seamoth from Subnautica 1. The Wakemaker is a tool (not a vehicle) that generates power for bases. No other vehicles have been confirmed yet.
How do you get the Tadpole in Subnautica 2?
Scan 3 Tadpole Fragments (10 locations are known), build a Tadpole Dock at a Moonpool with the Habitat Builder, then craft the Tadpole at the Vehicle Fabricator. Materials: 2x Titanium Ingot, 1x Glass, 1x System Chip, 1x Power Cell.
What is the max depth of the Tadpole?
The Tadpole has a default depth limit of 250 m. This can be increased with the Depth Module Mk. 1 (found at the Observatory biome). The Depth Module Mk. 2 exists but is not available in survival mode in the current EA build.
How many modules can the Tadpole hold?
The Tadpole has 4 module slots. Available modules include Engine Efficiency, Strike Armor, Cavitation Muffler, Photovoltaic Charger, Depth Module Mk. 1, and Depth Module Mk. 2. Engine Efficiency stacks up to 4 times.
What are chassis in Subnautica 2?
Chassis are detachable attachments that modify the Tadpole's role. The Scout Ray Chassis (1 hardpoint) maximizes speed and agility, while the Haul Chassis (2 hardpoints) adds passenger and cargo capacity. Chassis can be detached to fit through tight caves and reattached later.
Is the Wakemaker a vehicle in Subnautica 2?
No. The Wakemaker is a tool, not a vehicle. It appears in the Tools category alongside the Scanner and Repair Tool. It generates current for bases but cannot be piloted or upgraded like a vehicle.
Are there planned vehicles coming to Subnautica 2?
The developers have indicated that vehicles are an area of future expansion. The existence of a locked Depth Module Mk. 2 ("not available in survival mode") strongly suggests deeper-depth content and possibly new vehicles are planned. No specific future vehicles have been officially confirmed.
Related Pages
- Biomes — Deep biomes that require a Tadpole to explore safely
- Resources — Materials needed for crafting vehicles and modules
- Creatures — Predators to watch out for while piloting
- Planet Zezura vs Proteus — The ocean world you explore
Early Access Notice: Vehicle stats, crafting requirements, and upgrade paths may change based on community feedback and future updates. This page reflects EA data as of May 2026.
Sources: Game8 Tadpole Guide, Game8 All Modules, Game8 All Chassis