Vehicles
Subnautica 2 features three vehicles. Recommended unlock order: Wakemaker → Tadpole → Dive Elevator.
Tadpole
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Stage | Early-Mid game |
| Base Depth | 250m (no modules) |
| Max Depth | 400m+ (with Mk.2) |
| Speed | Fast |
| Trait | Modular, swappable chassis |
Subnautica 2's primary vehicle. Single-seat modular submarine, replacing the Seamoth from the original.
Unlock: Scan 3 Tadpole fragments.
Crafting
Tadpole = Titanium Ingot × 2 + Glass × 1 + System Chip × 1 + Power Cell × 1
Supporting structures:
- Tadpole Dock = Titanium Ingot × 2 + Silver Ingot × 1 + Copper Wire × 2
- Moonpool = Titanium × 5 (unlocks after 2nd fragment)
- Vehicle Fabricator = Titanium Ingot × 2 + Copper Ingot × 1 + Glass × 2
Chassis Variants
| Chassis | Materials | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Scout Ray | Plasteel Ingot×2 + Adv. Wiring Kit×1 + Dedicated Core×1 + Strong Acid×1 | Fast recon |
| Haul (Cargo) | Titanium Ingot×4 + Strontium×3 + Enameled Glass×3 + Dedicated Core×1 | Large storage, multi-passenger |
Upgrade Priority
- Depth Module Mk.1 — reach 300m+, cover deep Coral Gardens
- Engine Efficiency — longer trips
- Impact Armor — reduce Needler/Hoverthorn damage
- Depth Module Mk.2 — reach 400m+, explore Ruins and Nomadic Edge
- Cavitation Silencer — sneak past Collector Leviathan
- Photovoltaic Charger — solar recharge in shallow zones
Tips
- Tadpole has built-in storage; Haul chassis has more
- If the Collector Leviathan grabs you, accelerate and don't look back
- Docks in Tadpole Dock for automatic charging
- Mk.2 Depth Module requires Troilite from deep Nomadic Edge
Wakemaker
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Stage | Early game |
| Depth | Limited by air tank |
| Speed | Medium-Fast |
| Trait | Wearable, instant use |
Wearable underwater propulsion, replacing the Seaglide from Subnautica 1.
Crafting: Silver × 1 + Grease × 1 + Basic Battery × 1 + Wiring Kit × 1
Unlock: Scan Wakemaker fragments at outposts.
Use Cases
- Fast travel in safe shallows
- Efficient resource gathering runs
- Navigating tight caves where the Tadpole won't fit
Limitations
- No oxygen supply
- No storage
- No protection whatsoever
Dive Elevator
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Stage | Mid-Late game |
| Depth | 300m+ |
| Speed | Vertical only |
| Trait | Base-to-base transport, resource hauling |
Vertical transport platform connecting bases and vehicles.
Core Uses
- Connect shallow base to deep outpost
- Heavy resource vertical hauling
- Essential access for Roots Canyon (300m+)
Tips
- Requires pre-built track (high material cost)
- Ideal for fixed transport lines between base and deep mining sites
- Pair with Tadpole: elevator down → disembark → Tadpole for horizontal exploration
Vehicle Comparison
| Wakemaker | Tadpole | Dive Elevator | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Wearable | Modular sub | Vertical platform |
| Speed | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Max Depth | Tank-limited | 400m+ | 300m+ |
| Defense | None | ⭐⭐ (upgradable) | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Storage | None | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Modularity | None | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | None |
| Best For | Early resource runs | Primary exploration | Base logistics |