How to craft a Tadpole in Subnautica 2 Early Access

The Tadpole is one of the most important vehicles you can craft in Subnautica 2 Early Access because it opens up much more of the alien ocean for safe exploration. Before you can build one, you need to scan three Tadpole fragments, build the right base modules, and gather a long list of materials. Once it is ready, the Tadpole makes deeper travel easier and lets you explore areas that are difficult to reach by swimming alone.

You should not rush toward the Tadpole before preparing your basic survival setup. At minimum, you will need a Habitat Builder, a small habitat, a Fabricator, a Processor, a Scanner, Air Bladders or a Wakemaker, and a Repair Tool. The Repair Tool is especially important because the Tadpole can take damage, and building one will feel pointless if you cannot repair it after accidents.

You need to scan three Tadpole fragments before you can build the vehicle

The Tadpole blueprint is unlocked by scanning three crashed Tadpoles. The first easy fragment is near the Old Habitat, about 430 meters north of your Lifepod. This is also a useful place to scan other important equipment, including the Sonic Resonator, Processor, and Wakemaker.

The second fragment is in the East Ravine, about 260 meters east northeast of the Lifepod at roughly a 75 degree bearing. You can also scan a Power Transmitter there, and the surrounding area is useful for finding Lead early in the game.

The third fragment is closer, but more dangerous. It is about 60 meters south of the Lifepod near a major drop off, around 90 meters deep. Because of the depth, you should not go there unprepared. Bring multiple Air Bladders, use a Wakemaker, or upgrade your oxygen through the Rebreather or Standard Air Tank before trying to reach it.

After unlocking the blueprint, you need to build a Moonpool first. This costs 5 Titanium and gives you a place to park the Tadpole. Next, build a Vehicle Fabricator using 2 Glass, 2 Titanium Ingots, and 1 Copper Ingot. After that, build the Tadpole Dock with 2 Titanium Ingots, 1 Silver Ingot, and 2 Copper Wire. The dock is technically optional, but it is strongly recommended because it keeps the Tadpole parked and helps manage power.

The Tadpole itself costs 2 Titanium Ingots, 1 Glass, 1 System Chip, and 1 Power Cell. Across the full setup, after your basic tools are already made, you will need 23 Titanium, 8 Quartz, 11 Copper, 4 Silver, 2 Acidic Raion Pouches, 1 Salt, and 2 Necrolei Cysts.

The final crafted materials include 6 Titanium Ingots, 5 Titanium, 3 Glass, 1 Copper Ingot, 2 Copper Wire, 1 System Chip, 1 Power Cell, and 1 Silver Ingot. Once everything is built through the Habitat Builder and Vehicle Fabricator, your Tadpole is ready to use.

The process takes time, but it is worth doing early. The Tadpole changes how you explore Subnautica 2 by making longer trips safer, faster, and less dependent on emergency oxygen tools.