Subnautica 2 Progression Guide: All Blackbox Signal Locations

Updated: May 19, 2026

If you're getting crushed by the unforgiving depths of the Subnautica 2 Early Access by Unknown Worlds, you're not alone. To keep you from swimming in circles, we've mapped out the exact order to track down every Blackbox signal, unlock the Tadpole vehicle, and build your first solid base without becoming a leviathan's midnight snack.

Starting from scratch underwater is always a challenge, but following these key coordinates will guarantee your survival.

Early game survival tools guide

Before you even think about crossing the ocean, you need a basic survival kit. The second you leave your escape pod, your top priority is crafting the Multifunctional Survival Tool, which only costs 3x Titanium (super easy to find lying around).

With that in hand, craft an Air Bladder for those terrifying moments when you're out of breath—you can consume it underwater for 15 seconds of emergency oxygen. Don't forget the Scanner to log every plant and creature you stumble upon. Finally, make some Basic Fins out of Lucifer Rotsacs and Cradle Shootroots; speed is your best defense early on.

Subnautica 2 Blackbox signal locations

Progression in this game is all about following signals. Your first mandatory stop is the Welcome Center, just 70 meters southeast. Bring a basic battery to power up the facility. This unlocks Biomods, and I highly recommend equipping the Dash and Oxygen Control mods right away.

From there, head to Blackbox Anita at 157 meters. Heads up: there's an Angel Comb nearby that, once healed, grants the Digestive Adaptation. This is absolutely vital for cooking food! Next, swim down into the cave housing Blackbox Chap (226m southeast) to scan the Biobed, a massive upgrade that permanently increases your health and inventory space.

If you're scouting for a base location, push towards the Ancient Habitat (Blackbox Quaker) 368 meters north. It’s packed with resources perfect for setting up shop. On your way, swing by Camp One (Blackbox Tuba) at 267m to snag the Scanner Station.

How to unlock the Tadpole vehicle

At 396 meters northeast, the Blackbox Ruby signal leads you to a wreckage containing fragments for the Tadpole, your very first exploration vehicle. Scan it and build it ASAP, because the next hot zone—the Tadpole Tanks (Blackbox Zip) 690 meters east—requires serious protection.

Along the way, don't ignore Blackbox Wander (247m south-southwest). You'll find a Sonic Resonator fragment here, crucial for clearing infestations. If you heal the Angel Comb in this area, you'll earn the Heat Tolerance Adaptation, which makes surviving volcanic biomes much easier.

Alien Ruins and advanced modules

Once you're geared up, it's time for the long haul: the Alien Ruins at 1,284 meters east. Pack heavy with medkits and batteries. Watch out for the Collector Leviathan—this massive predator will shred your Tadpole if you're not careful. Set up a respawn point at the nearby Research Base using a Biobed and grab the Modification Station. For food in the ruins, eat Pneuma and process Freesia fibers into drinking water.

Heading south from the ruins takes you to Blackbox Ruby 2, home to the critical Depth Mk1 module for your ship. There are also optional signals like Blackbox Iso (500m east, for the Bioscanner) and Blackbox Anita 2 (158m east of the ruins, for Entangled Power Cells).

Early Access endgame progression guide

To reach the end of the current content, your target is Blackbox Zip 2, located near a nasty toxic lagoon. Here, you can scan an Advanced Battery and the Cavitation Reducer module for the Tadpole, which helps you sneak past predators while using the Sonar to farm nearby metal scraps.

Finally, craft the Feedback Resonator using Conduit Crystals from the Karakorum Region. Use it to heal the infected Angel Combs in the ruins to get the Axum Vision. This lets you understand alien tech, enter the Axum Control Center, fix the power turbine, and activate the Observatory to reveal the planetary system coordinates. With this complete guide, you've got the early access totally under control!

Surviving the deep is hard, but getting rewards shouldn't be. Complete Olagg.io quests to earn premium currency for your favorite games while you wait for your Tadpole to recharge.