Scanner
Scan flora, fauna, and technology to unlock blueprints and complete database entries.
Quick Info
How to Craft
The Scanner is crafted at the Fabricator using Titanium and Copper. The Copper is used to craft a Battery, which powers the Scanner. Make sure you have already crafted a Survival Knife so you can harvest the necessary materials efficiently.
Materials Needed
- 1x Titanium
- 1x Copper (for Battery)
Both Titanium and Copper are obtained by breaking Limestone Outcrops in the shallows.
Crafted At
Fabricator
Open the Fabricator in your lifepod and navigate to Tools › Scanner. The Battery is crafted first from Copper, then combined with Titanium.
What it Does
The Scanner is your primary research tool. Point it at any scannable object — plants, creatures, technology fragments, wrecks, or databoxes — and hold to scan. Each scan fills in your PDA database, and scanning certain technology fragments is the main way to unlock new blueprints throughout the game.
Scan Flora & Fauna
Build your PDA database with detailed entries on every plant and creature you encounter.
Unlock Blueprints
Scan technology fragments and databoxes to learn new crafting recipes and vehicle blueprints.
Complete Database
Achieve 100% database completion by scanning every entity in the game world.
Upgrades
The Scanner itself does not have a direct upgrade path, but its effectiveness is tied to the battery powering it. Upgrading to higher-capacity batteries lets you scan more objects before needing a recharge or swap.
High-Capacity Battery
More scans per charge for longer expeditions.
Power Cell Upgrade
Advanced power source for extended scanning sessions.
Related Resources
Map Locations
The Titanium and Copper needed for the Scanner come from Limestone Outcrops in the shallows. Scannable technology fragments are scattered throughout wrecks and debris fields — use the interactive map to find the nearest wreck sites.
View on Interactive Map →Related Guides
Blueprint Unlock Guide
Learn which fragments to scan for each blueprint unlock.
Wreck Diving Guide
Find and scan technology fragments in underwater wrecks.
Crafting Calculator
Plan your total material needs for the Scanner and battery.
Survival Knife
The prerequisite tool — craft this first to harvest materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to get the Scanner?
Craft it at the Fabricator using 1x Titanium and 1x Copper (which is used to make the Battery). You should already have a Survival Knife to efficiently harvest materials from Limestone Outcrops. The Scanner is one of the first tools you should craft after the knife.
What can I scan?
You can scan flora, fauna, technology fragments, wreck components, databoxes, and even certain environmental features. A scanning prompt appears when you aim at a scannable object. Some objects require multiple scans to complete their database entry.
Do scans unlock blueprints?
Yes. Scanning technology fragments and databoxes is the primary method of unlocking advanced blueprints in Subnautica 2. Vehicles, base modules, and advanced tools like the Habitat Builder are all locked behind fragment scans. Prioritize exploring wrecks to find these fragments.
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