Subnautica 2 Tadpole Fragments
Need the Tadpole blueprint? Current public guides say you unlock it by scanning any three Tadpole fragments. This page gives you a clean route, backup search areas, and a checklist that keeps uncertainty visible.
Trust note
Fan-made guide. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Unknown Worlds, Krafton, or the Subnautica 2 team.
Last checked: May 18, 2026. Subnautica 2 is in Early Access, so routes, materials, and codes can change. If your build differs, send a note to support@subnautica2tadpole.com.
Quick answer
Quick answer: subnautica 2 tadpole fragments
Current public guides point to three close Lifepod-area fragments: one south below overhanging wreckage, one southwest inside a red-hatch bunker area around 90m depth, and one east-northeast near a current canyon arch.
You need three scanned fragments to unlock the Tadpole blueprint.
Backup fragments are reported around Great Jaw Cliffside, Old Habitat, Cicada Wreck, Zezuran Desert, and Tadpole Pens. Use those as search areas, not guaranteed pins.
Before you start: what to bring
Bring what keeps you alive when the route takes longer than expected. Do not rush the second fragment if you are not comfortable with the depth.
- Scanner.
- Enough oxygen margin for 90m dives.
- A safe path back to your Lifepod or base.
- Beacons or clear landmarks.
- Food, water, and patience.
Fragment location checklist
Closest fragment 1: south wreck cliff
From the Lifepod, swim roughly south for about 115m. Look for a large wreck piece hanging off a cliff; the fragment is reported at the bottom below the overhang.
Status: Source-backed
Source note: Rock Paper Shotgun closest-fragment route.
Closest fragment 2: southwest Colonist Bunker
Head about 250m southwest from the Lifepod to roughly 90m depth. Look for the red hatch into the Colonist Bunker / Unauthorized NoA Modification area; the fragment is reported on a wall rack inside.
Risk note: Bring enough oxygen and mark your exit.
Status: Source-backed
Source note: Rock Paper Shotgun closest-fragment route.
Closest fragment 3: east-northeast current canyon
Swim about 250m east-northeast from the Lifepod. Look for a strong current dipping into a canyon and an arch above it; the fragment is reported near a small wreck platform on the seabed.
Status: Source-backed
Source note: Rock Paper Shotgun closest-fragment route.
Backup fragment areas
Reported areas include Great Jaw Cliffside, Old Habitat rear, purple jellyfish route, Alterra wreck plateau, Cicada Wreck, Zezuran Desert, and Tadpole Pens.
Status: Source-backed as broad search areas
Source note: Beebom all-fragment overview.
Suggested scan route
This is not a full map. It is a Tadpole-first route so you can stop searching once the blueprint is unlocked.
- Start with the south wreck cliff fragment.
- Return if oxygen or orientation feels unsafe.
- Try the east-northeast current canyon fragment while still close to the Lifepod area.
- Save the southwest bunker fragment for when you are ready for a 90m route.
- If one close fragment is missing in your build, use the backup areas.
Common mistakes when searching fragments
- Forgetting the Scanner.
- Diving too deep without enough oxygen margin.
- Treating reported areas as fixed forever.
- Searching for every fragment when you only need three.
- Ignoring the route home.
- Copying old guide notes after an Early Access update.
Spoiler-safe notes
Some later fragment areas overlap with upgrade or story-heavy routes. If you only want the Tadpole blueprint, scan the closest three first and avoid reading deeper route notes until you need them.
Related guides
Keep the Tadpole route connected
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Open guideFAQ
Subnautica 2 Tadpole Fragments FAQ
Where do you find Tadpole fragments in Subnautica 2?
Current public guides report close fragments south of the Lifepod, southwest in a red-hatch bunker area around 90m, and east-northeast near a current canyon arch. Backup areas include Great Jaw, Old Habitat, Cicada Wreck, Zezuran Desert, and Tadpole Pens.
How many fragments do you need for the Tadpole?
Current public guides say you need to scan any three Tadpole fragments to unlock the blueprint.
Do Tadpole fragments respawn?
Treat respawn behavior as needs verification. Fragment availability can change by build, route, or save state, so this guide does not promise respawns.
Can you unlock the Tadpole without scanning fragments?
Current public guides describe fragment scanning as the unlock path. If a later patch adds another path, this page should be updated.
Need the main checklist?
Return to the full Tadpole route guide.
Use the homepage checklist when you need fragments, materials, upgrades, spoiler-safe Pens notes, and sources in one place.
Open full checklist