In Subnautica 2, most advanced blueprints are not given to you automatically. Instead, you unlock them by scanning fragments scattered across wrecks, seabase ruins, and the seafloor. Each blueprint requires a certain number of fragment scans to complete, and only then can you craft the item at a Fabricator or Moonpool.
The fragment scanning system works as follows:
- Find fragments: Fragments appear as damaged or partial items in wrecks and ruins, glowing faintly to indicate they are scannable.
- Scan with the Scanner tool: Equip your Scanner and aim at a fragment. Hold the scan until it completes.
- Track progress: Your PDA shows how many scans you need for each blueprint. Most vehicles need 3 fragments; base modules need 1 to 3.
- Complete the blueprint: Once you have scanned enough fragments, the blueprint unlocks and you can craft the item.
- Duplicate scans: Scanning extra fragments after a blueprint is complete yields data and sometimes materials.
Always carry a Scanner when exploring. Fragments are easy to miss if you are not actively looking for them, and many players get stuck on progression simply because they walked past a fragment without scanning it. Make scanning a reflexive habit whenever you enter a wreck or ruin.
The Scanner requires a battery to operate, so keep spare batteries or craft a Battery Charger at your base to keep your tools powered during long scanning expeditions.
How Blueprint Fragments Work in Subnautica 2
In Subnautica 2, most advanced blueprints are not given to you automatically. Instead, you unlock them by scanning fragments scattered across wrecks, seabase ruins, and the seafloor. Each blueprint requires a certain number of fragment scans to complete, and only then can you craft the item at a Fabricator or Moonpool.
The fragment scanning system works as follows:
- Find fragments: Fragments appear as damaged or partial items in wrecks and ruins, glowing faintly to indicate they are scannable.
- Scan with the Scanner tool: Equip your Scanner and aim at a fragment. Hold the scan until it completes.
- Track progress: Your PDA shows how many scans you need for each blueprint. Most vehicles need 3 fragments; base modules need 1 to 3.
- Complete the blueprint: Once you have scanned enough fragments, the blueprint unlocks and you can craft the item.
- Duplicate scans: Scanning extra fragments after a blueprint is complete yields data and sometimes materials.
Always carry a Scanner when exploring. Fragments are easy to miss if you are not actively looking for them, and many players get stuck on progression simply because they walked past a fragment without scanning it. Make scanning a reflexive habit whenever you enter a wreck or ruin.
The Scanner requires a battery to operate, so keep spare batteries or craft a Battery Charger at your base to keep your tools powered during long scanning expeditions.
Where to Find Key Blueprints and Fragments
Different blueprints are found in different biomes and wreck types. Here is a guide to where you can find the most important early and mid-game blueprints:
| Blueprint | Fragment Location | Biome Depth | Fragments Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seaglide | Shallow wrecks and seafloor | 0-50m | 2 |
| Habitat Builder | Shallow wrecks | 0-50m | 1 |
| Seamoth | Mid-depth wrecks | 50-150m | 3 |
| Moonpool | Mid-depth wrecks and ruins | 100-200m | 2-3 |
| Prawn Suit | Deep wrecks | 200-400m | 3 |
| Modification Station | Shallow-to-mid wrecks | 50-150m | 1-2 |
| Water Filtration Machine | Mid-depth ruins | 100-250m | 2 |
| Cyclops-class Sub | Deep wrecks and large ruins | 300m+ | 3 |
The Seaglide and Habitat Builder fragments are your first priorities. Both can be found in shallow wrecks near your spawn. The Moonpool blueprint is critical because it unlocks vehicle crafting, so prioritize scanning Moonpool fragments as soon as you can safely dive to 100-200m.
The Modification Station is essential for crafting depth and defense upgrades, so grab its fragments early alongside the Seamoth fragments. The Prawn Suit and Cyclops fragments are in deeper wrecks and require an upgraded Seamoth to reach safely.
Wrecks are the primary source of fragments. Look for damaged hull structures on the seafloor -- these are wreck sites with scannable fragments inside. Use your Scanner to check every glowing object inside a wreck. Some fragments are hidden in compartments or behind partially blocked doors, so explore thoroughly.
Tips for Efficient Fragment Scanning
Fragment hunting can be time-consuming, but these strategies make it far more efficient:
- Bring a Seaglide: Faster travel between wreck sites means more scanning per trip.
- Upgrade oxygen capacity: A high-capacity oxygen tank lets you stay inside wrecks longer to scan everything.
- Carry a repair tool: Some wreck doors are sealed or blocked. A repair tool can open access to interior fragments.
- Set beacons at wreck sites: Mark every wreck you find so you can return if you need more fragments from the same area.
- Scan everything: Do not just scan fragments. Scan creatures, flora, and outcrops too -- PDA data often reveals hints about where to find other blueprints.
- Check every room: Wrecks have multiple compartments. Miss one and you might miss the only fragment of a key blueprint in that wreck.
- Watch for creatures: Wrecks in deeper biomes often have predators inside or nearby. Clear or avoid threats before focusing on scanning.
- Track your PDA: Check the blueprints tab regularly to see which items still need fragments and how many scans remain.
In co-op, assign one player as the dedicated scanner while others guard the wreck entrance and manage threats. This lets the scanner focus on finding and scanning every fragment without interruption, speeding up blueprint completion for the whole group.
If you are stuck and cannot find a specific blueprint, try exploring deeper or in adjacent biomes. Fragment spawns are biome-dependent, so a blueprint you cannot find in shallow wrecks is likely waiting in deeper zones that require a vehicle upgrade to reach.