Subnautica 2 Tadpole Guide — How to Build and Upgrade

What Is a Tadpole?

Tadpole — small and agile submersible

The Tadpole is an efficient submarine for deep-sea navigation. It excels at reaching the deepest parts and serves as a dependable cargo carrier.

How to Create a Tadpole

1. Scan 3 Fragments

Scan three fragments to unlock blueprint

All 3 fragments are at the Tadpole Pens (coordinates: -272549, 435139, -15053).

2. Build Required Structures

Moonpool + Vehicle Fabricator + Tadpole Dock

Structure	Recipe
Moonpool	Titanium x5
Vehicle Fabricator	Titanium Ingot x2, Copper Ingot x1, Glass x2
Tadpole Dock	Titanium Ingot x2, Silver Ingot x1, Copper Wire x2

3. Craft the Tadpole

Craft at Vehicle Fabricator

Material	Amount
Titanium Ingot	x2
Glass	x1
System Chip	x1
Power Cell	x1

Tadpole Upgrades

Scout Ray Chassis

Lightweight upgrade for speed and maneuverability. Recommended for exploration.

Haul Chassis

Adds passenger seating and extra cargo. Better for co-op and resource transport.

Depth Module Mk.1

Increases max depth to 450m. Essential for Alien Ruins exploration.

Other Modules

• Strike Armor (reduces damage)
• Engine Efficiency (reduces power use 20%, stacks x4)
• Cavitation Muffler (reduces noise)
• Photovoltaic Charger (charges in shallow water)

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The Bottom Line: The Tadpole isn’t just a vehicle — it’s your lifeline. I spent my first few hours treating it like a nice-to-have and wondering why I kept dying in deep water. Then I built one, upgraded it, and suddenly the ocean opened up. Prioritize the Depth Module. Get the Scout Chassis before you cross to the Alien Ruins. A well-equipped Tadpole is the difference between exploring and just barely surviving.