Scanner

The Scanner is a handheld tool available from the start of Subnautica 2. It scans objects, creatures, flora, and technology fragments to unlock encyclopedia entries in the PDA and discover crafting blueprints for the Fabricator. Subnautica 2's Scanner has been upgraded with radar functionality for locating resources and items of interest in the surrounding area.

Core Function

The Scanner is pointed at an object and held until a progress bar fills, at which point the scan is complete. Scanning a creature or plant adds its encyclopedia entry to the PDA, providing biological data, habitat information, and assessment notes. Scanning technology fragments unlocks crafting blueprints; most complex items require scanning two or three fragments before the full blueprint is available.

Radar Functionality

Dev Vlog #1 (April 23, 2025) showed the Scanner with an integrated radar. The radar feature helps players locate materials and scannable objects in the surrounding area, reducing the time spent searching for specific items in the larger world of Planet Zezura. The radar pairs naturally with Subnautica 2's resource-specific node system, since players know which type of node they are looking for and can target the radar accordingly.

Pairing With the Biosampler

The Scanner works alongside the Biosampler as a dual-progression pair. The Scanner provides encyclopedic information about creatures and unlocks crafting blueprints, while the Biosampler extracts genetic material that feeds the DNA Adaptation System. Both tools reward exploration and creature interaction but feed different progression paths: the Scanner feeds crafting and resources, the Biosampler feeds genetic modification.