Complete guide to the Tadpole modular vehicle, Wakemaker propulsion system, and all upgrade modules available in EA 1.0.
Vehicles in Subnautica 2 are essential for exploring deeper biomes, transporting large quantities of resources, and surviving encounters with aggressive fauna. The main vehicle available in EA 1.0 is the Tadpole, a modular submersible that can be customized with different loadout modules depending on your mission. Later in the game, you will also unlock the Wakemaker, a personal propulsion device for rapid traversal through tight spaces and vertical environments.
This guide covers every vehicle, module, and upgrade available in EA 1.0, including detailed crafting materials, depth ratings, module comparisons with trade-offs, and essential maintenance tips. Whether you are building your first Tadpole or optimizing your endgame loadout for Crystal Caves exploration, you will find the information you need here.
Before you can build any vehicle in Subnautica 2, you need a Vehicle Bay. This is a large deployable module that must be constructed in open water adjacent to your base. Unlike interior modules, the Vehicle Bay floats on the surface or can be anchored at depth.
To unlock and build the Vehicle Bay:
We recommend building the Vehicle Bay near your primary base in the Safe Shallows. The shallow, clear water makes vehicle entry and exit easy, and you have immediate access to your base's storage and fabricator for module swapping.
The Tadpole is a versatile, one-person submersible designed for exploration, resource gathering, and survival. Its modular chassis system allows for mission-specific customization. Below are its complete base statistics:
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Top Speed (no module equipped) | 8.5 m/s |
| Top Speed (Speed Module equipped) | 11.9 m/s (+40% boost) |
| Base Depth Rating (no upgrades) | 100 meters |
| Maximum Depth (Depth Module MK3) | 800 meters |
| Base Inventory Capacity | 24 slots |
| Inventory Capacity (Cargo Module) | 48 slots |
| Power Source | 1 Power Cell (300 energy units) |
| Oxygen Buffer (when exiting vehicle) | 60 seconds of emergency air |
| Vehicle Health Pool | 500 HP |
| Crafting Materials Required | Plasteel x3, Enameled Glass x2, Lubricant x2, Computer Chip x2 |
The Tadpole's oxygen buffer is one of its most useful features for exploration. When you exit the Tadpole at depth, you have 60 seconds of emergency air — enough to scan nearby fragments, collect resources, or enter a wreck. Use the Tadpole as a mobile air supply station when exploring complex terrain.
The Tadpole supports multiple chassis configurations that change its core handling characteristics. You can craft different chassis at the Vehicle Bay and swap between them:
| Chassis | Effect | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Chassis | Balanced speed, handling, and durability | General exploration, all-purpose use |
| Scout Ray Chassis | +30% speed, improved maneuverability, reduced HP (-25%) | Long-distance travel, leviathan evasion, time-sensitive missions |
| Hauler Chassis | +50% cargo capacity, reduced speed (-15%) | Resource gathering expeditions, base building supply runs |
The Scout Ray chassis is particularly useful for exploring dangerous biomes like Purple Vents and Deep Spires, where speed and maneuverability matter more than durability.
The Tadpole's modular system lets you equip one module at a time from its storage compartment. Choosing the right module for your mission significantly impacts efficiency and survivability. Each module has a distinct trade-off:
| Module | Primary Effect | Trade-off | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo Module | Doubles inventory to 48 slots | -10% speed penalty (reduces to 7.65 m/s) | Resource gathering expeditions, base building supply trips, scavenging runs |
| Speed Module | Increases top speed by 40% (to 11.9 m/s) | +15% power drain (reduces operational range) | Long-distance travel, leviathan evasion, biome exploration, time-sensitive missions |
| Armor Module | Reduces damage from creature attacks by 60% | No speed or power penalty | Deep biome exploration, leviathan territory transit, combat zone navigation |
Recommended module strategy: keep all three modules in your base and swap based on your objective. For a typical deep exploration run, use the Armor Module for the descent, swap to Cargo at the destination for gathering, and use Speed for the return trip if low on power.
Depth modules are essential for reaching deeper biomes. They are installed in the Tadpole's upgrade panel and are cumulative — installing MK3 automatically provides access to all lower depth ratings. Upgrade in this order as you progress through the story:
| Module | Depth Rating | Crafting Materials | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Depth Module MK1 | 200 meters (extends to 450m with MK1) | Plasteel x1, Magnetite x1 | Needler fish nest floor at the Alien Ruins (southeast of the main structure, follow the deep trench) |
| Depth Module MK2 | 400 meters | Plasteel x2, Ionite Crystal x1 | Data box at Research Base Omega (Purple Vents) |
| Depth Module MK3 | 800 meters | Plasteel x3, Deep Diamond x2 | Story reward at Alien Research Facility (Deep Spires) |
Plan your depth module progression around the biome you are exploring: MK1 unlocks Purple Vents, MK2 enables Deep Spires exploration, and MK3 is required for Crystal Caves at 400-800 meters depth. Do not attempt to descend into a biome without the appropriate depth module or your Tadpole will be crushed.
The Wakemaker is a late-game personal mobility tool found in the Alien Research Facility in the Deep Spires biome. It functions as an upgraded Seaglide with vertical thrust capability, making it invaluable for navigating the steep vertical terrain of Crystal Caves and Deep Spires where finding sloping pathways is time-consuming.
The Portable Oxygen Generator is a special Tadpole module found inside the Great Jaw leviathan. When looting the Great Jaw (after safely disabling its tripwire tendons), you will find the blueprint for this module. Once crafted and installed on the Tadpole, it provides continuous oxygen regeneration while you are near the vehicle — effectively giving you unlimited dive time as long as you stay within range.
This is the single most valuable module for deep exploration. With the Portable Oxygen Generator, you no longer need to surface for air between dives. Simply park the Tadpole at the entrance of a cave system or wreck and explore freely within its tether range.
To acquire the Portable Oxygen Generator:
If you find a hollowed-out, dead Great Jaw shell, a Collector Leviathan is nearby. Do not linger — retreat to safe waters immediately.
Keeping your Tadpole operational in deep biomes requires proactive maintenance and power management. Here are the essential practices for vehicle upkeep: