7 Essential Tips for Getting the Depth Module Upgrade in Subnautica 2's Tadpole Submarine

Exploring the vast, unknown depths of Subnautica 2’s ocean is one of the most thrilling experiences in the game, but your trusty Tadpole submarine can only handle so much pressure. Without a depth module upgrade, you’ll be forced to turn back just when things get interesting, missing out on rare resources and awe-inspiring biomes. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to craft and install the depth module, from locating blueprints to gathering rare materials. Follow these seven tips, and you’ll be diving deeper than ever before—safely and efficiently.

1. Understanding the Tadpole's Depth Limits

Before you set out to upgrade, it’s vital to know your starting point. The Tadpole submarine comes with a base crush depth of around 200 meters. That means venturing below this threshold will rapidly damage your vehicle, leading to catastrophic hull failure. Pay attention to the depth gauge on your HUD—when you see warning signs like creaking metal and flashing red lights, you’re near the limit. To avoid losing your sub, always keep an eye on the depth readout and ascend if alarms sound. Knowing this baseline helps you plan your search for the depth module upgrade, as you’ll need to stay within safe zones while gathering materials. Remember, the deeper you go, the more valuable the resources, but also the greater the risk. Pro tip: carry a repair tool and extra batteries for emergency fixes.

7 Essential Tips for Getting the Depth Module Upgrade in Subnautica 2's Tadpole Submarine — Source: www.polygon.com

2. Locating the Blueprint for the Depth Module

The depth module upgrade isn’t something you can craft from scratch—you first need to scan fragments to unlock its blueprint. These fragments are typically found in the Kelp Caves and the Grassy Plateaus, at depths between 100 and 180 meters. Look for glowing wreckage or scattered debris on the seafloor. Use your scanner to scan all three fragments; each one contributes a piece of the blueprint. Keep an eye out for hostile fauna like stalkers or sand sharks in these areas. Once you’ve scanned all fragments, the blueprint will appear in your fabricator under the “Vehicle Upgrades” tab. Don’t leave these biomes without thoroughly searching every nook—fragments can be hidden behind coral or buried in sand. If you’re having trouble, craft a Seamoth sonar upgrade (if available) to highlight nearby fragments.

3. Gathering Rare Materials: Crystalline Sulfur and Magnetite

Crafting the depth module MK1 requires two key materials: Crystalline Sulfur and Magnetite. Crystalline Sulfur is found exclusively in the Jellyshroom Caves, a beautiful but dangerous biome accessible via deep crevices in the Grassy Plateaus. Look for yellow, crystalline deposits attached to walls or ceilings—these yield sulfur when mined. Beware of the lurking Crabsnakes that hide inside the giant jellyshrooms. Magnetite, on the other hand, is more common in the Mountains Biome and Deep Grand Reef. It appears as dark, metallic chunks scattered on the seafloor or embedded in rock formations. Both materials can be collected with a standard Prawn Suit drill arm or even by hand, though the latter is riskier. Plan your route to gather both efficiently—use beacons to mark rich deposits for return trips.

4. Crafting the Vehicle Upgrade Console

You can’t install the depth module directly onto the Tadpole; first, you need a Vehicle Upgrade Console built inside your base or on a Cyclops submarine. This device allows you to modify any docked vehicle. To craft the console, you’ll need: 1x Titanium Ingot, 1x Computer Chip, 1x Wiring Kit, and 1x Enameled Glass. Titanium ingots are made from 5 titanium (easily found from scrap metal deposits). Computer chips require gold and copper ore; wiring kits are crafted from silver ore and copper wire; enameled glass needs glass and a diamond—diamonds are found in shale outcrops in deeper biomes. Once you have all materials, head to your base’s fabricator and select the console under “Base Interiors.” Place it in a room with at least one vacant upgrade slot. This console will be your gateway to all future Tadpole upgrades.

5. Fabricating and Installing the Depth Module MK1

With the blueprints unlocked and materials gathered, it’s time to craft the module. Open your fabricator and navigate to Vehicle Upgrades > Depth Module MK1. The recipe calls for: 1x Plasteel Ingot, 1x Magnetite, 1x Crystalline Sulfur, and 1x Advanced Wiring Kit. Plasteel ingots are made from titanium and lithium; advanced wiring kits require wiring kits and gold. If you’ve been thorough in exploration, you should have all these components. Once crafted, the module appears in your inventory. To install it, dock your Tadpole in the Vehicle Upgrade Console, interact with the console, and select the empty upgrade slot. Insert the module—you’ll immediately see the crush depth increase to 400 meters (MK1). Test it by diving to 300 meters; you should feel no pressure warnings. Congratulations—you’ve just doubled your sub’s depth capability!

6. Exploring Deeper Biomes Safely

With the MK1 upgrade, you can now access biomes like the Deep Grand Reef and the Lost River entrance. But depth isn’t the only threat—keep an eye on oxygen, power, and hostile creatures. Always carry a spare power cell and a repair tool. Use the Tadpole’s sonar to avoid leviathans and aggressive fauna. Also, remember that the depth module does not protect against heat or corrosive brine—so equip a perimeter defense system or decoy launcher if possible. When exploring new areas, set up small outposts with a fabricator and storage to avoid long trips back. Mark important cave entrances with beacons. The deeper you go, the more valuable resources like rubies and uraninite become, but don’t rush—losing your Tadpole at 400 meters is a long swim to the surface.

7. Next Steps: Upgrading to MK2 and Beyond

Once you’ve mastered the 400-meter mark, you’ll want the Depth Module MK2 to push to 600 meters. This upgrade requires scanning fragments in the Deep Grand Reef or the Dunes biome. The recipe includes two MK1 modules (so craft a second one) plus Nickel Ore and a Kyanite—both found in the Lost River and Lava Zones. For the ultimate MK3 depth module, which allows 900 meters, you’ll need to delve into the Lava Lakes and gather rare crystalline materials. Each upgrade tier follows the same process: scan fragments, gather advanced materials, craft at a fabricator, and install via the Upgrade Console. Plan your progression carefully—each new depth opens up incredible discoveries, but also introduces deadlier threats. Enjoy the journey and always respect the deep.

Equipping your Tadpole submarine with a depth module is a game-changing step in Subnautica 2. It transforms your vehicle from a shallow-water explorer into a true deep-sea investigator. By following these seven tips—understanding limits, finding blueprints, gathering rare materials, building the upgrade console, crafting the module, exploring safely, and planning future upgrades—you’ll unlock the ocean’s deepest secrets. Remember to stay vigilant, manage your resources, and never stop scanning. The abyss is waiting, and now you’re ready to answer its call.

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