How to get a repair tool in Subnautica 2

Getting a repair tool in Subnautica 2 saves you time and resources when your tadpole gets damaged, since you can just use the magic of technology to repair it rather than replacing it. There’s also a small handful of areas you can only access using a repair tool. It makes damaged hatches whole again, so you can operate them and see what treasures, if any, lie in wait behind them. You can get a repair tool early, but it’s incredibly easy to miss.

Below, we show you how to get a repair tool blueprint in Subnautica 2 so you can craft your own.

[Ed. note: Before you dive in, be sure to open the character menu and enable all landmark signals. This will make it easier to spot the locations mentioned in this guide.]

Like with the tadpole blueprint, you need to scan three repair tools before you unlock its blueprint. They’re all near the Lifepod, and you can access them without any special upgrades. However, it’s easier and less stressful if you have a tadpole or at least the first air tank upgrade, so you can get what you need without having to worry about drowning.

Below we describe where you can find the repair tools, but you can find them in any order.

The first one is in an abandoned habitat about 250 meters southeast of the Lifepod. You’ll see a blue light above a cave entrance next to a large stone spire. Swim down, and the habitat entrance will be directly in front of you. The repair tool is on the table at the entrance, but make sure to interact with the Biobed before you leave. You’ll get a small inventory expansion if you do.

Graphic: Josh Broadwell/Polygon | Source images: Unknown Worlds/Krafton via Polygon

The second repair tool you can scan is roughly 310 meters northeast of the Lifepod, in the giant piece of wreckage near where you can find lead deposits. Swim up through the bottom of the wreck and move toward the busted doors. The repair tool is in front of the door on the left.

Graphic: Josh Broadwell/Polygon | Images: Unknown Worlds/Krafton via Polygon

The third scannable repair tool is 230 meters south of the Lifepod in a much larger piece of wreckage. The entrance is on the eastern side just past a large tower of rocks. Swim inside, go left, and swim through a hole in the floor. The repair tool is in the next room.

We haven’t found any repair tool pieces beyond the Tadpole Pens, so we recommend you get these before heading out across the depths to the Alien Ruins. It’ll save a lot of time and frustration.

The blueprint unlocks once you scan your third repair tool. Head back to your base or wherever you have a fabricator to craft it.

To make a repair tool, you’ll need:

Equip your repair tool on the hotbar, and approach whatever’s busted for a repair prompt to appear. Hold the button down until the job’s done.

Repair tools run on basic batteries. Once the blue power meter runs out, you can refill it by loading a battery and be good to go again.

If you’re starting out in Subnautica 2, we have a plethora of guides to help you navigate the deep blue sea. Our Subnautica 2 beginner’s guide will set you off in the right direction and our base building tips will assist in planning out your sprawling base. Don’t forget to stock up on food and water, too. (And if you want to get fancy with your food, you’ll want salt!)

If you need help finding materials, we explain how to get the sonic resonator, which you’ll want to mine tons of materials. We have guides on where to find these resources, like lead, sulfur, copper, quartz, and gold.