Vehicle tracker
Tadpole Submersible
The first confirmed player vehicle in Subnautica 2. Unknown Worlds names the Tadpole on the Steam store page, and Hotfix 3 now adds useful vehicle-state context: Hammerheads no longer attack unpiloted Tadpoles, while they can still take an interest in Tadpoles.
Status as of June 2, 2026: Tadpole name and vehicle role are official. Hotfix 3 changes the Hammerhead / unpiloted Tadpole answer and fixes goggles remaining visible after exiting the Tadpole Haul Chassis as a passenger. Exact depth values, recipe costs, and module numbers still need current-build checks.
Confirmed role
- Official vehicle name. Steam's official description tells players to traverse biomes with the Tadpole submersible.
- Early exploration role. It is the first vehicle most players should work toward after the Welcome Center and a powered starter base.
- Built through the base vehicle chain. Launch guides describe a Moonpool, Tadpole Dock, and Vehicle Fabricator setup after scanning fragments.
- Hotfix 3 behavior note. Hammerheads no longer attack unpiloted Tadpoles, but can still take an interest in Tadpoles.
- Patch-sensitive details. Crush depth, exact material costs, upgrade modules, light behavior, and passenger visuals should be checked against the current build before being treated as final.
How to unlock it
- Scan Tadpole fragments. Current launch guides point players toward deeper wreck and reef routes after the first base-building loop. Treat the route as a real expedition, not a first-minute swim.
- Build a starter base first. You need the Habitat Builder scans and enough power/storage to support the vehicle work.
- Set up Moonpool pieces. The confirmed player-guide chain is Moonpool, Tadpole Dock, then Vehicle Fabricator.
- Craft the Tadpole through that setup. Do not look for a starter-pod Fabricator recipe or a standalone Vehicle Bay recipe.
What to verify after patches
- Exact Tadpole material cost in the current build.
- Base crush depth and the depth gain per upgrade tier, if upgrades are present.
- Module slots and whether any scanner, cargo, defensive, or mobility modules are available.
- Whether the Tadpole supports any co-op passenger or sharing behavior.
- Whether the Tadpole is piloted, unpiloted, docked, lit, near a flare, or near a base when testing Hammerhead behavior.
- Whether Tadpole Haul Chassis passenger goggles are gone after exiting on the current build.
- Power and recharge behavior across Steam, Xbox, and Game Pass builds.
Related pages
All Vehicles
Tadpole hub, docking/fabrication roadmap, upgrade review rules, and future vehicle watch.
Hotfix 3
Unpiloted Tadpole, Hammerhead interest, and Tadpole Haul Chassis passenger goggles.
Tadpole Fragments
Scan route leads, Tadpole Pens caution, and vehicle-chain planning.
Hammerhead
Creature behavior notes for Tadpole interaction testing.
Biomes
Where the Tadpole is most useful.
Oxygen & Depth
Why the vehicle changes your route budget.