Subnautica 2 Scanner Guide – How Blueprint Unlocks Work

The Subnautica 2 Scanner is a necessary item for unlocking many Blueprints. This includes early-game progression tools, like the Habitat Builder. However, not all scannable items require the same amount of fragments to scan.

Players who need a Scanner can craft one at a Fabricator for 2x Titanium, 2x Quartz, and 1x Basic Battery. Future items you unlock through scanning are also craftable via a Fabricator.

1. How Scanning Works in Subnautica 2

Tools like the Habitat Builder can be scanned multiple times to unlock its Blueprint

You’re able to scan several objects in this game, some of which include craftable items. It only takes a few seconds to fully scan an item. Blueprints typically require multiple scans across different locations. 

1. Find a scannable item.
2. Equip your Scanner.
3. Hover your cursor over the item.
4. If you see a scan prompt, then hold the scan button for a few seconds.
5. You should see a Databank Entry notification for your PDA.

Subnautica 2 players can scan tool fragments for objects they already have, but they won’t get anything extra for doing so.

2. How to Unlock Blueprints with a Scanner

This is what fully scanning an item with the Scanner looks like

Subnautica 2 Blueprints are essentially recipes for items you can create (like the Repair Tool). One method to unlock them is through scanning fragments with the Scanner. 

1. Find the fragment you’re looking for.
2. Scan the fragment. Make sure you complete the scan without interruption.
3. You should see a PDA notification showing you the current Scan Progress regarding how many scans are left to do.
4. Move on to the next fragment location.
5. Scan that fragment and repeat the previous steps when necessary.
6. Once you scan the last fragment, you should see a New Databank Entry notification for your PDA.

You may need to do two to three scans across different locations, depending on the item.

Blueprints are in your PDA

An example of Blueprints that you can find within your PDA

All unlocked Blueprints are visible through in-game menu screens. You won’t be able to see things you haven’t scanned yet.

1. Open up the default PDA menu screen with Tab on PC or the View Button on the Xbox Series X|S.
2. Click on Blueprints.
3. Scroll down to see what you have unlocked thus far.

Some items need to be crafted at a Fully Functional Fabricator.

3. Best Early-Game Blueprint Scans

The Habitat Builder is one of the most useful items to scan

Seek Blueprints tied to various exploration tools for early-game progression. Prioritize options related to quick movement underwater, creating efficient bases, and other tools with unique functions not found anywhere else.

• Habitat Builder: Lets you create bases almost anywhere in Subnautica 2, with facilities like a Fully Functional Fabricator.
• Wavemaker: Improves your swimming speed compared to default swimming.
• Sonic Resonator: Lets you destroy Bloom objects and fight back against some enemies.
• Repair Tool: Allows you to repair vehicles.
• Tadpole: A vehicle that allows you to travel quickly and safely.

Subnautica 2 players should also use the Scanner for various Facilities tied to the Habitat Builder. Must-have options in the early game focus on advancing a player’s current progression through convenience within your base.

• Bioped: Lets you respawn at your base.
• Scanner Station: Helps you locate resources.
• Bioreactor: Helps generate power with easy-to-acquire items.

Best Guides for Subnautica 2

How to Fix "Requires Fully Functional Fabricator"

Silver Guide – Best Location and How to Farm

How to Get the Wakemaker

How to Get the Habitat Builder

How to Get All Adaptations

All Resources and How to Get Them

Guide – How to Find Gold and Best Farming Route

Tadpole Guide – How to Build, Upgrade, and Use It in Co-op

How to Get a Repair Tool