Improved Fins Locations and Crafting Guide Subnautica 2
If you’ve been grinding through the early hours of Subnautica 2, you already know how much of the game is about movement. Covering long distances on foot or by swimming eats oxygen, wastes time, and increases exposure to predators. That’s why the Improved Fins are one of the most practical early upgrades you can unlock. They don’t just look cool; they change how you explore by increasing swim speed and reducing the time you spend vulnerable in open water.
This guide walks you through everything you need to find the three scan fragments that unlock the Improved Fins blueprint, how to prepare for the trip, what materials you’ll need to craft them, and practical tips to make the run safe and efficient. Expect clear routes, tactical advice, a comparison of fins, and a thorough FAQ to answer edge-case questions.
Why Improved Fins matter more than you think
Movement upgrades in Subnautica 2 are not cosmetic. Faster swim speed translates into fewer oxygen refills, quicker resource runs, and a lower chance of being caught by roaming predators. The Improved Fins sit between the starter fins and higher-tier mobility upgrades, offering a meaningful speed boost without the heavy resource cost of late-game gear.
Beyond raw speed, the psychological effect is real: when you can cross a biome faster, you explore more, gather more, and survive longer. For solo players and speedrunners alike, unlocking Improved Fins early accelerates progression.
Where to go first and how to read the terrain
Start at your Lifepod and head east. Your destination cluster is the deep alien complex commonly referred to as the Alien Ruins or Power Plant biome. This area is distinct: towering alien architecture, blue ambient lighting, and a concentration of crates, platforms, and ledges where the three scan fragments are typically found.
Landmarks to watch for as you travel:
The large alien tower visible from a distance.
A cluster of platforms and crates around the base of the structure.
Blue-lit chasms and ledges at deeper depths.
If you’re using a vehicle, park it at a safe depth threshold and swim the final stretch. If you’re on foot or in a small submersible, plan for depth limits and crush damage.
Preparation: what to bring and why
Preparation is the difference between a quick, successful run and a frustrating, repeated trip. Pack light but smart.
Essential gear:
Scanner: You cannot unlock the blueprint without scanning the fragments.
Basic Fins: They’re faster than bare swimming and help you reach fragments quicker.
Oxygen tank or Rebreather: The fragments sit in deeper water; extra oxygen or a rebreather reduces risk.
Med supplies: A few medkits or healing items for predator encounters.
Vehicle depth module: If you plan to use a vehicle, ensure it can reach the depth of the fragments or park it at a safe depth and swim the rest.
Optional but helpful:
Beacon: Mark your vehicle or a safe exit point.
Flashlight: Some ledges and crates are in shadowed areas.
Noise distraction: If you have items that distract predators, bring them to reduce interruptions.
Pack only what you need to keep inventory manageable. The goal is to scan three fragments in one trip, not to loot every crate.
The route: step-by-step approach without spoilers
Approach the Alien Ruins from the east side of the map. Move deliberately and scan as you go. The three fragments are clustered but not always obvious; they can be on ledges, inside open crates, or attached to small platforms.
Start by locating the main alien tower. From there, sweep the perimeter in a clockwise arc. Look for:
Lower ledges near the base of the ruins.
Elevated pioneer platforms on tall rock formations.
Open crates and blue-lit chasms where fragments are often tucked.
Scan each fragment as you find it. The blueprint will only unlock after all three are scanned. If you find two and can’t locate the third, widen your search to nearby ledges and crates before returning to base.
Detailed fragment descriptions and search tactics
Fragment One This fragment is usually on a lower ledge near the southern side of the ruins. It’s often visible from a short distance if you approach slowly and keep your camera angle low. Move along the base of the structure and inspect every ledge and crevice. If you see a small cluster of debris or a half-buried crate, scan it.
Fragment Two Look for a tall rock formation east-southeast of the ruins with a pioneer-style platform on top. The fragment is commonly placed on or near that platform. Use vertical movement to your advantage: swim up and down the rock face and inspect the platform’s edges.
Fragment Three This one is the trickiest. It’s frequently found in an open crate across a blue-lit chasm at deeper depth—often around 250–300 meters. If your vehicle lacks the depth module, park at a safe depth and swim the rest. Search the chasm’s rim and the crates scattered along it. The fragment can be tucked into a corner or lying on a small ledge.
Search tactics
Scan anything that looks like a fin piece or a small metallic fragment.
Use beacons to mark where you’ve searched to avoid redundant sweeps.
If you’re being hunted by predators, retreat to a safe depth or behind a rock and return when it’s clear.
Crafting the Improved Fins: materials and alternatives
Once the blueprint unlocks, the Fabricator will show the recipe. The exact components can vary slightly depending on your playthrough, but the common materials you’ll need include a combination of the following:
Basic Fins (used as a base component)
Fiber Mesh or fibrous materials
Conduit Crystals or similar crystalline components
Rubber or organic substitutes such as lucifer rotsac derivatives
Acidic compound or a strong chemical component (sometimes crafted from sulfur and other minerals)
If you’re missing a specific item, check nearby biomes for the raw materials. Conduit crystals are often found in crystalline outcrops; fiber mesh is crafted from fibrous pulp; rubber can be made from certain plant materials or harvested from specific fauna.
Crafting strategy
Craft the Basic Fins first if you haven’t already; they’re a component.
Gather crystalline and fibrous materials on the way back from scanning to save time.
If you’re short on one ingredient, prioritize exploring biomes that commonly drop that resource rather than making multiple trips to the ruins.
Basic fins vs Improved Fins: a practical comparison
| Attribute | Basic Fins | Improved Fins |
|---|---|---|
| Swim speed increase | Moderate | Significant |
| Crafting cost | Low | Medium |
| Blueprint requirement | None | Must scan 3 fragments |
| Early game value | Good | High |
| Best use | Short trips and early exploration | Long-distance travel and resource runs |
In practice, the Improved Fins reduce travel time by a noticeable margin. If you spend a lot of time swimming between biomes, the time saved quickly offsets the crafting cost.
Risk management and predator handling
The Alien Ruins and Power Plant biomes are deeper and more dangerous than starter areas. Predators patrol the approach routes and the chasms where fragments hide. Use these tactics to minimize risk:
Move in short bursts and scan quickly. Lingering increases the chance of an encounter.
Use vertical terrain to your advantage—hide behind rock formations when predators approach.
If you have a vehicle, use it as a mobile safe zone. Park at a depth your vehicle can handle and swim short distances from it.
Carry med supplies and a beacon to mark a safe retreat point.
If a predator is persistent, retreat to a shallower depth where it cannot follow, then return when it’s safe.
Remember: scanning is the objective. You don’t need to loot everything or fight every creature. Prioritize the fragments and get out.
One-trip strategy: how to scan all three fragments efficiently
A single-trip run saves time and reduces exposure to repeated predator encounters. Here’s a streamlined approach:
Prepare all gear and materials before leaving base.
Travel directly to the Alien Ruins and park your vehicle at a safe depth.
Sweep the perimeter clockwise, scanning fragments as you find them.
If you find two fragments but not the third, expand your search to nearby ledges and crates before returning.
Once all three are scanned, return to your Fabricator and craft the Improved Fins.
This strategy minimizes back-and-forth and keeps your inventory light. It also reduces the number of times you must traverse predator-heavy zones.
Practical movement tips after crafting
Once you have the Improved Fins, your movement changes. You’ll cover ground faster, but you should still be mindful of oxygen and terrain.
Reassess your oxygen needs: faster swimming reduces oxygen consumption per distance, but you may be tempted to push farther. Upgrade your oxygen capacity as you explore.
Use the fins to chain exploration runs: hit a resource-rich area, return to base quickly, then head out again.
Combine the fins with other mobility upgrades when available for exponential gains in traversal speed.
When to upgrade further and what to aim for next
Improved Fins are a mid-tier upgrade. After you’ve enjoyed the speed boost, plan your next mobility investments. Look for upgrades that increase vehicle depth tolerance, add propulsion modules, or further increase swim speed. The combination of improved personal mobility and vehicle upgrades opens up deeper biomes and richer resources.
Two useful tables: comparison and expected gains
Comparison of swim upgrades
| Upgrade | Relative speed | Resource cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Fins | 1.0x baseline | Low | Starters |
| Improved Fins | ~1.3–1.5x | Medium | Long swims |
| Advanced Propulsion | 1.6x+ | High | Endgame traversal |
Estimated time savings per 1 km swim
| Fins | Time per km | Time saved vs Basic |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Fins | 12 minutes | — |
| Improved Fins | 8–9 minutes | 3–4 minutes saved |
These tables illustrate why the Improved Fins are a high-value early upgrade: they cut travel time significantly, which compounds across multiple trips.
Troubleshooting: common problems and fixes
Problem: You scanned two fragments but the blueprint didn’t unlock. Fix: Re-scan the two fragments to ensure the game registered them, then search the immediate area for the third. Sometimes fragments are tucked inside crates or behind debris.
Problem: Your vehicle is crushed before you reach the chasm. Fix: Park at a shallower depth and swim the final stretch. Upgrade your vehicle’s depth module before attempting deeper runs.
Problem: Predators keep interrupting your scans. Fix: Use vertical terrain to hide, or retreat and return when the predator moves on. Consider using a distraction device if available.
Problem: Fabricator doesn’t show the recipe after scanning. Fix: Save and reload the game; this often forces the Fabricator to refresh and display newly unlocked blueprints.
Playstyle adaptations: solo vs cooperative runs
Solo players should prioritize safety and single-trip efficiency. Bring med supplies, be conservative with oxygen, and avoid unnecessary fights.
In cooperative play, split roles: one player scans and marks fragments while the other watches for predators and secures the vehicle. Communication speeds the run and reduces risk.
Minimal checklist for a single-trip run
Scanner equipped and functional
Basic Fins on your person
Oxygen tank or Rebreather ready
Med supplies and beacon
Vehicle depth module or plan to park at safe depth
Keep this checklist short and review it before leaving base.
FAQ
How many fragments are required to unlock the Improved Fins blueprint You must scan three distinct scan fragments to unlock the blueprint.
Where are the fragments located They are clustered around the Alien Ruins / Power Plant biome east of the Lifepod—on ledges, platforms, and in open crates near blue-lit chasms.
Can I craft Improved Fins without scanning No. The Fabricator will not show the recipe until the blueprint is unlocked by scanning all three fragments.
What materials are needed to craft them Expect to use Basic Fins as a component plus fibrous materials, conduit crystals, rubber or organic substitutes, and an acidic or chemical component. Gather crystalline and fibrous resources before crafting.
Are Improved Fins worth the effort early Yes. They significantly reduce travel time and oxygen risk, making exploration and resource runs more efficient.
What if I can’t find a fragment Search crates, ledges, and the perimeter of the ruins. Use beacons to mark searched areas and re-scan any suspicious objects.
Will predators stop me from scanning Predators can interrupt, but scanning is quick. Use terrain to hide, retreat if necessary, and return when it’s safe.
Do Improved Fins stack with other speed upgrades Yes. Combine them with vehicle upgrades and other mobility gear for greater traversal gains.
Is it better to scan all three in one trip Yes. A single-trip run minimizes exposure and saves time.
What depth should I prepare for Fragments are commonly found around 250–300 meters. Ensure your vehicle or personal gear can handle that depth or plan to park and swim.
Final notes and recommended next steps
Unlocking the Improved Fins is a small investment with outsized returns. The blueprint is straightforward to obtain if you prepare properly, approach the Alien Ruins with a plan, and scan methodically. After crafting the fins, re-evaluate your exploration routes and oxygen upgrades to make the most of your new mobility.
Stay Connected with Haplo Gaming Chef
Haplo Gaming Chef blends gaming guides with casual cooking streams for a truly unique viewer experience. Whether you’re here for clean, no-nonsense walkthroughs or just want to chill with some cozy cooking content between game sessions, this is the place for you. From full game unlock guides to live recipe prep and casual chats, Haplo Gaming Chef delivers content that’s both informative and enjoyable.
You Can Follow Along On Every Major Platform:
YouTube, Twitch, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter/X, Bluesky, Pinterest, Flipboard, Facebook, LinkedIn, Tumblr, and even on Google Business.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment