Territorial herbivore · Charging ram

Hammerhead

Hammerhead is an armored, herd-dwelling herbivore that defends its territory with a powerful ram. Its warning display is a reason to retreat: it spreads its pectoral fins and closes the protective head shield before attacking.

Quick read. Keep distance from the herd and leave a clear exit when scanning. Herbivore describes its diet; its territorial charge can still threaten a diver or vehicle.

Updated 2026-10-04.

Subnautica 2 Hammerhead creature render.

Core facts

Diet and behavior

Territorial, herd-dwelling herbivore

Main threat

Powerful charging ram

Warning display

Pectoral fins spread; head shield closes

Bioscanner reward

Homing Sense with Surge Jelly

Behaviour

Hammerheads live in herds and react to intrusions into their territory. Their armor and head shield support a forceful ram, so avoid lingering in front of an alert animal.

Hotfix 3 changed vehicle interactions: Hammerheads no longer attack unpiloted Tadpoles, but can still take an interest in Tadpoles. It also improved attraction to Flares. These changes do not make approaching the herd harmless.

Scan and sample tips

Keep enough distance to retreat if the pectoral fins spread or the head shield closes.
Avoid crowding the herd while finishing a scan; return later if the animal is already alert.
Bioscan Hammerhead and Surge Jelly for the Homing Sense research checklist, then review the ability at a Biolab.
Use the opening after retreating to regain oxygen and choose a safer approach.

Questions people ask

Is Hammerhead dangerous in Subnautica 2?

Yes. Hammerhead is a territorial herbivore with a powerful ram. Watch for its spreading pectoral fins and closing head shield, and move away before the charge.

How should I scan a Hammerhead?

Keep an escape route open and avoid crowding a herd. Back away when it displays a threat posture. Bioscan it and Surge Jelly for the Homing Sense ability checklist.

What does the Hammerhead warning display look like?

It spreads its pectoral fins and closes its protective head shield before an attack. Give it space as soon as this display begins.

What changed for Hammerheads in Hotfix 3?

Hammerheads no longer attack unpiloted Tadpoles, though they can still take an interest in Tadpoles. The update also improved their attraction to Flares.

All Creatures

Browse the rest of the confirmed creature roster.

Hotfix 3

Official patch summary for Hammerhead, Tadpole, flare, and creature tuning changes.

DNA Modification

Bioscanner research and active/passive loadouts.

Vehicles

Tadpole behavior, Haul Chassis and vehicle progression.

Beginner Tips

Prepare tools, oxygen and supplies before dangerous scans.

Bioscanner rewards and Biomod research

Bring the Bioscanner for biological research. These abilities include this species in their bioscan requirements. Visit a Biolab to review and equip the abilities you unlock.

Homing Sense Passive
Detects nearby bases that have electrical power.

Bioscan checklist: Surge Jelly + Hammerhead.

Ability requirements and additional passive slots are separate forms of progress. Use the Biomod bioscan checklist to choose the next species for your route. Reviewed for PC build 128456.