Subnautica 2 is an underwater survival game currently available in Early Access, and the Bioscanner is one of its most rewarding mid-game upgrades. It goes well beyond the basic Scanner, letting you uncover deeper details about the mysterious alien beings known as the Axum. If you are ready to push further into the alien unknown, here is exactly how to get it.
What Is the Bioscanner in Subnautica 2?
The Bioscanner is an upgraded version of the standard Scanner. However, it does far more than just identify man-made objects or basic lifeforms. It actually gives you insight into the Axum, the enigmatic alien entities inhabiting the world of Subnautica 2. Think of it as your key to understanding the deeper mysteries of the planet.
When Can You Get the Bioscanner?
The Bioscanner becomes accessible a bit later in your playthrough. You will need to venture far east of your Lifepod, past the Tadpole Pens, and into the Alien Ruins biome. So, if you are still exploring the starting area, hold tight because this upgrade requires some meaningful progress first.
Step-by-Step: How to Unlock the Bioscanner
Step 1: Reach the Alien Ruins
Head east of your Lifepod and make your way through the Tadpole Pens until you reach the Alien Ruins. This biome is a significant landmark in your progression, so take time to explore it thoroughly.
Step 2: Complete NOA Terminal Objectives
Once inside the Alien Ruins, interact with the NOA Terminal and complete a few objectives. Eventually, you will receive information about the Iso blackbox signal, which is your next target.
Step 3: Locate the Cicada Wreck
The Iso blackbox signal points you east-northeast of the Alien Ruins, positioned close to the large alien turbine. Look up toward the top of a nearby plateau and you will spot the Cicada Wreck (EVA Prep). This is where the Bioscanner is waiting for you.
Inside the Cicada Wreck: What to Do
| Location Inside Wreck | Action Required |
| Doorway entrance | Use your Repair Tool to fix the damaged door |
| Main room | Scan the Improved Fins inside the crate; observe the EVA Suit pods |
| Second room | Pick up the Iso blackbox; scan the Modification Station and the Photovoltaic Charger (Tadpole upgrade) |
| Shaft | Replenish your oxygen at the air tank before going deeper |
| Bottom of the shaft | Scan the Bioscanner to learn the crafting blueprint |
| Exit | Either backtrack or repair the exit door to leave |
Make sure you do not rush through the wreck. Every scannable item here adds value to your crafting knowledge.
Bioscanner Crafting Requirements
Once you have the blueprint, you need to craft the Bioscanner at a Modification Station. Here are the materials required:
| Material | Quantity |
| Scanner | 1x |
| Enameled Glass | 2x |
| Conduit Crystal | 3x |
Where to Find the Materials:
- Enameled Glass appears as clumps with multiple protruding segments and can be found in the Alien Ruins biome.
- Conduit Crystals resemble kelp-like growths and typically appear near corrupted Rockbore and Angel Combs within the same biome.
Both resources are local to the Alien Ruins area, so you should be able to gather them without too much backtracking.
What Does the Bioscanner Do Once Crafted?
With the Bioscanner in hand, you gain the ability to gather deeper ecological and biological data on the Axum, the alien lifeforms central to Subnautica 2’s story. It opens up new layers of understanding about the world you are surviving in and ties directly into the game’s ongoing narrative, which will expand further as the Early Access updates continue to roll out.
Quick Recap: Key Points to Remember
- The Bioscanner is found inside the Cicada Wreck, east-northeast of the Alien Ruins
- You must complete NOA Terminal objectives before the Iso blackbox signal appears
- Use your Repair Tool to access the wreck
- Scan the Bioscanner at the bottom of the shaft inside the wreck
- Craft it at a Modification Station using 1x Scanner, 2x Enameled Glass, and 3x Conduit Crystal
- All crafting materials are available within the Alien Ruins biome
Subnautica 2 is currently in Early Access on PC and Xbox Series X, with new biomes, story content, and systems expected to arrive through future updates. Keep an eye on official patch notes to stay ahead as the game continues to grow.
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