Chapter 3: Deeper

The Alien Data Terminal points you toward Research Base Omega in the Purple Vents biome. Before heading there, you'll need a vehicle — the depths exceed 200 meters, too deep for comfortable swimming. The Tadpole is the answer.

Tadpole fragments are scattered across the Twisty Bridges and the border of the Purple Vents. Look for wreckage clusters. You need to scan 3 fragments each for: Tadpole Hull, Tadpole Engine, Tadpole Cockpit. Priority scanning locations:

• Large wreck at -280, -60, 180 (Twisty Bridges exit)
• Debris field at -350, -90, 250 (Purple Vents entrance)
• Small wreck at -400, -70, 220

Once all fragments are scanned, craft the Tadpole at the Vehicle Bay (requires: Plasteel x3, Enameled Glass x2, Lubricant x2, Computer Chip x2). The Tadpole is modular — you can swap between Cargo, Speed, and Armor modules depending on your mission.

The Purple Vents biome is characterized by tall hydrothermal vents emitting purple-hued smoke. Depth ranges from 150-250 meters. The water is warm and teeming with unique life. Watch for Lava Larvae that attach to your vehicle and drain power.

Research Base Omega is built into a cliff wall at approximately 200 meters depth. Approach from the south for the safest path. The base contains valuable data logs, the Pressure Gene blueprint, and a beacon pointing to the next area: the Deep Spires.

On your way back from Base Omega, you may encounter the Vent Leviathan — a new aggressive leviathan class creature that patrols the northern Purple Vents. It is attracted to light and sound. Tips: turn off your Tadpole's headlights when passing through its territory, hug the seafloor, and save before crossing.