Vehicles, Modules & Stations

Subnautica 2 Vehicle Upgrades: Crafting Stations and Tadpole Modules

Quick answer first: Tadpole build pieces use the Moonpool/Vehicle Fabricator flow, while module-style Tadpole upgrades are crafted at the Modification Station after blueprint unlocks.

How to make vehicle upgrades in Subnautica 2

Vehicle upgrade confusion usually comes from the station split: build vehicle pieces through the Tadpole/Moonpool/Vehicle Fabricator path, then craft upgrade modules at the Modification Station when the blueprint appears.

For the Tadpole build path, scan fragments, set up the Moonpool/Tadpole Dock space, and use the Vehicle Fabricator attached to the pool.
For Tadpole modules such as depth or efficiency upgrades, unlock the blueprint and craft the module at the Modification Station.
After crafting a module, install it from the Tadpole upgrade compartment and test depth, power, and repair readiness before a deep route.

Recommended early upgrade order

Because Subnautica 2 is still changing in Early Access, treat this as a safe progression order rather than a permanent recipe list.

Repair Tool first: vehicle damage and failed cave exits are common progression killers.
Tadpole + spare power cell next: the vehicle expands oxygen safety and travel range.
Depth Module before deep biomes: then add utility modules only when a specific route or resource bottleneck requires them.

Official media

Screenshots and videos from official sources

imageSteam official listing

Official Steam screenshots and trailers

Official store media for current Early Access visuals and feature presentation.

Official source

videoOfficial YouTube

Early Access gameplay trailer

Official gameplay trailer for vehicle, exploration, and upgrade context.

Official source

videoOfficial YouTube

Diving Together in Multiplayer overview

Official co-op overview that supports vehicle and progression context.

Official source

All Guides

Tadpole Vehicle

Moonpool setup • Vehicle Fabricator build • upgrade order

Vehicle Fabricator

Moonpool-side station • Tadpole build path • attachment crafting

Tadpole Depth Module

Modification Station craft • module slotting • safe depth expansion

Repair Tool

Unlock requirements • vehicle maintenance • early upgrade setup

Where to Find Repair Tool

Location route • blueprint guidance • progression tips

Repair Tool Fragments

Fragment locations • scan order • unlock path

Last updated: June 24, 2026

Related Hubs

All Guides Materials Index Map & Biomes

Subnautica 2 Vehicle Upgrades: Crafting Stations and Tadpole Modules FAQ

How do you make vehicle upgrades in Subnautica 2?

First identify the upgrade type. Build the Tadpole and some chassis/attachment pieces through the Moonpool + Vehicle Fabricator flow. Craft Tadpole upgrade modules such as depth or efficiency upgrades at the Modification Station once you have found the module blueprint and gathered the required materials.

Where do you craft vehicle upgrades in Subnautica 2?

Use the Vehicle Fabricator for vehicle construction and some attachment-style pieces, then use the Modification Station for Tadpole module upgrades. The exact station depends on the blueprint category shown in your current Early Access build.

Which Subnautica 2 vehicle upgrade should I make first?

For most players, unlock and protect the Tadpole first, then prioritize depth capability and repair readiness before convenience modules or long farming optimizations.

Are Subnautica 2 vehicle upgrade recipes final?

No. Subnautica 2 is being tracked as an Early Access game, so upgrade names, stations, ingredients, and module behavior can change after patches.