Vehicles
Complete guide to the Tadpole submersible in Subnautica 2 — how to build, upgrade modules, chassis system, and vehicle-base docking.
Vehicles
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.
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.
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