Subnautica 2 Scanning Guide (How Blueprint Unlocks Work)

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In Subnautica 2, scanning is key to making progress. You unlock new tools, vehicles, bases, and ways to survive mostly by scanning objects you find while exploring the world, so exploration is vital if you want to advance in the game.

Scanning Is the Main Way to Unlock New Blueprints

You mainly get new blueprints by using a Scanner to scan things around you – like objects, buildings, and furniture. Because of this, the Scanner is really important, and you should make one with a Fabricator as soon as possible. Once you have it, keep it handy in your hot bar and scan everything you come across!

  1. Press the associated hot bar key to pull out the Scanner.
  2. Approach an object, point the Scanner at it, and look for the Scan input to appear under your reticle.
  3. Hold the Scan input until the object is scanned.

As a player, I’m really excited that any new recipes I unlock will just show up in the crafting menus when I’m using the Fabricator, Processor, or Habitat Tool. No more hunting around for how to make something – it’s super convenient!

Scanning Does More Than Just Unlock Blueprints

As you scan creatures, resources, and technology, you’ll fill up the Databank with information. This Databank is like an encyclopedia, offering details about the world’s story, its ecosystems, how to survive, and how everything works. It’s a great way to learn more about your surroundings and understand the game’s mechanics.

Where to Find Important Scans

You’ll often find the most important items to scan inside buildings and on metal platforms. When you come across one of these areas, be sure to thoroughly search for tools, equipment, furniture, and anything that helps you advance before moving on. The NOA gives you directions to these locations through black box waypoints on your Lifepod, so it’s worth paying attention to them.

Many Blueprints Require Multiple Scans

When you scan an item for the first time, you’ll sometimes immediately learn how to craft it. But usually, you’ll need to scan the same item several times to unlock its crafting recipe. While scanning, a message will appear on the left side of the screen, showing you how many scans you’ve completed and how many more you need.

You can also see your current progress towards unlocking a crafting recipe in the Blueprints menu.

It’s rare to find everything you need in one place in Subnautica 2. You’ll probably have to explore many different buildings and areas to get the best tools. This makes exploring a key part of the game, as you’ll constantly be searching new places, shipwrecks, and underwater environments to progress.

Okay, so once I’ve discovered everything about something and unlocked its blueprint, the Scanner still does something useful! It’ll keep giving me materials every time I scan that object again. It’s not a huge amount of resources, but it’s a nice little bonus and makes the Scanner feel more worthwhile.

Some Blueprints Are Unlocked Through Interaction & Collection

So, the main way I unlock new stuff to build is by scanning everything, but I also get blueprints just by grabbing materials and messing with terminals. Like, I got the recipe for Biofuel Blocks when I picked up a Pent, and Fiber Mesh just from finding a Medical Gel Sack. Honestly, I usually unlock these recipes just by playing and collecting stuff for crafting anyway, but it’s always a good idea to grab any new resource I see, just in case it unlocks something cool.

Prioritize These Early Blueprint Unlocks

It’s best to scan everything you can, but here are a few important scans to prioritize early in the game.

  • Flashlight
  • Habitat Builder
  • Sonic Resonator
  • Processor
  • Scanner Station

The Habitat Builder is key because it lets you create a solid base and build a complete Fabricator, offering more options than the one in your Lifepod.

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2026-05-14 19:08