How to Get the Tadpole in Subnautica 2

Quick answer

To get the Tadpole, scan three Tadpole fragments, then build the Moonpool and vehicle setup in a base. Current launch-build route notes list efficient fragments near Old Habitat, in the northeast ravine, and on the edge of the abyssal crater.

Best scan route

Use the Tadpole hunt as a planned loop, not a random deep swim. Scan tools and nearby base tech while you are already at the ruins.

• Old Habitat: north of the Old Habitat colony ruins, around 370 meters due north of the Lifepod.
• Northeast ravine: around 280 meters northeast, near the same route used for early lead.
• Abyssal crater edge: northeast over the drop-off, better attempted with stronger oxygen and mobility.
• Optional scans: current guides report more than three fragments, so do not panic if you miss one route.

Pre-build checklist

The Tadpole is not just a recipe. You need the blueprint, the base space, and the vehicle crafting setup ready at the same time.

• Three Tadpole scans completed.
• Powered base with enough room for Moonpool expansion.
• Moonpool, Tadpole Dock, and Vehicle Fabricator unlocked and placed.
• Processor and Fabricator access for ingots, glass, system chip, and Power Cell parts.
• Salt and acid-chain materials checked before spending supplies elsewhere.

Build requirements

After scanning enough fragments, set up the vehicle infrastructure under your base. Leave enough clearance below the room because the dock extends downward.

• Moonpool and Tadpole Dock setup.
• Vehicle Fabricator attached to the pool.
• Tadpole craft: 2 titanium ingots, 1 glass, 1 system chip, 1 power cell.
• Power Cell bottleneck: salt and Strong Acid paths can block the build.

Ingredient route plan

Gather Tadpole materials in short, separate runs instead of trying to finish the vehicle in one overfilled trip.

• Titanium ingots: use common titanium runs before spending time in dangerous routes.
• Glass: gather quartz during starter loops or silver-route trips.
• System chip: check silver and gold chains before blaming the vehicle station.
• Power Cell: reserve salt and related materials before using them on survival supplies.
• Lead route overlap: use the northeast ravine for both lead and one Tadpole scan when oxygen allows.

Common mistakes

Do not start the Tadpole build without a powered base and enough underside clearance. Also avoid the crater-edge fragment until oxygen and route confidence are strong enough.

• Do not assume the vehicle setup is available just because the Moonpool is built.
• Do not place the Moonpool where the dock or vehicle has no room below it.
• Do not spend salt before checking the Power Cell requirement.
• Do not chase the abyssal-edge fragment before easier Old Habitat and ravine scans.

References

• PC Gamer Tadpole launch-build route

Tadpole FAQ