Two new Biolabs
Shipped in Update 1Early Access Update 1 "Adaptive Measures" (July 8, 2026) added Biolabs in Coral Gardens and Axum Ruins. Reaching them is now part of the biomod route, not a future roadmap item.
Biomod hub
Subnautica 2 Biomods
Biomods are the upgrade side of Subnautica 2's biological progression. This page tracks the first Welcome Center Biolab picks, the two new Biolabs and six-unlock pool added in Update 1 "Adaptive Measures", Bioscanner passive slots, and the rules for adding a biomod to the catalogue.
Current answer: pick Dash as the first active biomod and Sea Skimmer as the first passive biomod, keep Pathfinder for route-marking needs, then work toward the six unlockable biomods across the Welcome Center, Coral Gardens, and Axum Ruins Biolabs. Since Update 1 "Adaptive Measures," scanning creatures with the Bioscanner also unlocks extra passive biomod slots.
Updated .
Tracked biomods and early choices
These entries stay focused on what helps a run now: first Biolab picks, later Bioscanner planning, and catalogue rows that can survive Early Access changes.
Recommended first active
Dash
The cleanest first active pick for most saves. Press W plus Left Shift for a forward burst; pressing Left Shift without direction can move you backward.
Active alternative
Pathfinder
Marks the route behind you, which is better for complex caves than for the opening Welcome Center loop. Pick it later if exits become the real problem.
Recommended first passive
Sea Skimmer
A strong passive pick after powering the Welcome Center because the next route asks you to swim between the facility, the southwest wreck, and home.
Later route
Bioscanner unlocks
The broader catalogue belongs after the first base, Tadpole planning, and deeper wreck routes. Use Bioscanner results before treating any creature-to-biomod row as final.
Bioscanner unlock path
Later guide coverage points to the Bioscanner as the unlock path for most non-default biomods.
- 1
Use the Welcome Center Biolab first
Power the facility with a Basic Battery, open the Biolab terminal, and pick from the default active/passive biomods before chasing the full catalogue.
- 2
Reach the later Bioscanner route
Treat Bioscanner as a later wreck and Alien Ruins planning task, not a first-hour detour. Finish Welcome Center, first-base setup, and vehicle planning before chasing the broader catalogue.
- 3
Upgrade through the Modification Station
Later guides tie the Bioscanner to a Scanner upgrade and Modification Station route. Check the live station row before using exact material counts.
- 4
Scan species with the Bioscanner
After Update 1, scanning creatures with the Bioscanner unlocks extra passive Biomod slots, so the Bioscanner route now has a concrete payoff.
What Update 1 changed
Early Access Update 1 "Adaptive Measures" delivered the biomod work that used to sit on the roadmap. These rows are shipped now — but a shipped system still does not make every visible external list row ready for a fixed catalogue.
Six unlockable Biomods
Shipped in Update 1Update 1 raised the pool of unlockable Biomods from four to six.
Bioscanner passive slots
Shipped in Update 1Scanning creatures with the Bioscanner now unlocks extra passive Biomod slots, replacing the earlier single-slot behavior.
Full biomod catalogue
Patch-sensitiveExternal lists and guide pages are already showing all-biomod lists. Keep a catalogue row selective until the required creature, unlock condition, effect, and patch version are clear.
Search aliases to support
| Term | How this site handles it |
|---|---|
| Biomods | Player search term for biological upgrades and slot choices. |
| DNA Modification | Broad search alias for the biological progression layer and older site wording. |
| Bioscanner | Later Scanner upgrade associated with unlocking most non-default biomods. |
| Biolab / Bio Lab | Welcome Center terminal where default active and passive biomods are selected. |
| Active biomods | Triggered abilities such as Dash or Pathfinder. |
| Passive biomods | Always-on effects such as Sea Skimmer and later passive-slot upgrades. |
Catalogue rules
Separate the system from the list
DNA Modification is the broad biological progression topic. Biomods are the active/passive upgrade slots selected at the Biolab and expanded through Bioscanner progression.
Keep search aliases visible
Players search for biomods, DNA mods, DNA Modification, Biolab, Bio Lab, Bioscanner, active biomods, and passive biomods. Route them without pretending every label is final.
Document complete unlock details
Each catalogue row includes its required creature, scan requirement, slot, cooldown, effect, and patch version.
Keep full catalogue tables selective
A large table is only useful when the names and effects are supportable. Until then, a smaller route-and-choice hub is safer and more useful.
Biomod questions
Are all Subnautica 2 biomods known?
External guides now list a wider catalogue, but the safer player answer is still selective. We track the Welcome Center choices and Bioscanner route, then add individual rows when the required creature, unlock condition, effect, slot behavior, and patch version are clear.
What is the difference between biomods and DNA Modification?
Biomods are the active and passive upgrade choices players equip at the Biolab. DNA Modification is the broader search phrase players use for the biological progression layer, so this site keeps both terms connected while the Early Access wording settles.
Which first biomod should I pick?
Pick Dash as the first active biomod for most saves, then Sea Skimmer as the passive pick if you want smoother travel between the Welcome Center, the southwest wreck, and home. Choose Pathfinder later if cave exits become the problem.
Why not list every biomod name found elsewhere now?
Because unsupported all-biomod tables age badly in Early Access. The better move is to use a focused hub now, then add rows when the game or a strong external reference confirms them.
How do I unlock more biomods?
The later path points through the Bioscanner, an upgraded Scanner used after early base and route planning. Treat exact wreck route, material cost, and creature-to-biomod rows as patch-sensitive until they are checked in game.
Sources and supporting pages
Use these to verify roadmap direction and route users into the deeper DNA Modification system.
Unknown Worlds roadmap
Official source for Biomods System and More Passive Biomod Slots in the Early Access roadmap.
External resource
GameSpot Biomods guide
External route reference for default biomods and Bioscanner-based unlock intent. Use as route context, not final catalogue rows.
External resource
GameSpot Bioscanner guide
External route reference for the Scanner upgrade path and later-route caution.
External resource
DNA Modification system
Site explanation for biomods, Bioscanner aliases, old wording cleanup, and FAQ.
Welcome Center guide
Early Bio Lab terminal route, Basic Battery step, and first biomod choice context.
Oxygen & Depth
How oxygen-focused biomods fit beside Air Tank, Rebreather, Tadpole, and route planning.
Related pages
Progression Route
How Angel Comb, Welcome Center Biolab, and the southwest wreck connect in order.
DNA Modification
Active and passive biomod slots, Biolab choices, and Bioscanner context.
Welcome Center Biolab
How to power up the first Biolab terminal and choose Dash plus Sea Skimmer.
Southwest Wreck Follow-up
Where Sea Skimmer helps after the Biolab and before Tadpole planning.
Creatures
Potential Bioscanner targets once creature-to-biomod unlocks are clear.
Oxygen & Depth
When oxygen-focused biomods are the right answer.
Items & Materials
Search Bioscanner, Biolab, and modification-related items.
Roadmap
Track the delivered Update 1 biomod system, passive slots, and what is next.