Primary use
Blueprint fragments, databank entries, resource identification, wreck checks, and upgrade-chain setup.
Starter scan tool
Scanner Guide
Inventory icon
Build the Scanner before searching for tools that unlock from fragments. The same starter trip can supply the Scanner and its battery: gather 2 Titanium, 2 Quartz, 2 Copper and 1 Acidic Raion Pouch, then make the battery before the tool.
Quick answer: Craft the Scanner with 2 Titanium, 2 Quartz and 1 Basic Battery at the Fabricator. Use it to turn fragments into blueprints before taking longer wreck routes. Since EA 1.2, acid sources also appear as green dots in its HUD, helping with the next battery-material trip.
Reviewed .
Route and unlock plan
First-hour route, Welcome Center prep, and early wreck scan loops.
Step 1
Build it early
Treat Scanner as a priority after basic survival and power planning, because it turns wreck pieces and tools into unlock progress.
Step 2
Scan fragments before deep detours
A shallow fragment route is usually more valuable than a risky material push with no new blueprint path.
Step 3
Separate Scanner from Bioscanner
Normal scans support blueprints and databank entries; biomod unlock rows need Bioscanner results.
Step 4
Use the green acid signals
EA 1.2 adds green dots for acid sources in the Scanner HUD. Use them to help gather battery inputs before a longer fragment swim.
Player decisions
| Question | Status | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| First priority | Starter tool | Build Scanner before chasing most wreck and fragment routes. |
| Best early use | Fragments and databank | Scan tools, base pieces, resources, and route objects that unlock new decisions. |
| Upgrade path | Bioscanner | The later Bioscanner handles alien and creature research; additional passive Biomod slots come from creature bioscans after EA 1.1. |
| Scanner and Flashlight together | Starter shopping list | Both tools together cost 4 Titanium, 3 Quartz and 2 Basic Batteries. Making both batteries adds 4 Copper and 2 Acidic Raion Pouches. |
Gameplay notes
Tracked
Item existence
The Scanner recipe uses 2 Titanium, 2 Quartz and 1 Basic Battery.
High confidence
Gameplay role
The Scanner role is central to fragment and databank progression.
Reviewed for build 128456
Recipe
The quantities remain 2 Titanium, 2 Quartz and 1 Basic Battery. The linked starter crafting screenshot was recorded in build 115506.
Official EA 1.2
Green acid dots
Buddy System adds acid-source signals to the Scanner HUD.
Useful links
Sub2Wiki starter crafting screen
The pinned Scanner ingredient quantities and the Basic Battery recipe used for the raw-material total.
Official Buddy System patch notes
The green acid-source dots added to the Scanner HUD in EA 1.2.
Sub2Wiki First Hour
Starter route context for tool order and early scans.
Sub2Wiki Bioscanner
Upgrade-chain boundary for normal Scanner versus biomod unlocks.
Sub2Wiki Items index
Current item row and related tool links.
Questions people ask
Should I build Scanner early in Subnautica 2?
Yes. Scanner is one of the strongest early tools because it turns fragments, resources, and databank objects into progression.
Is Scanner the same as Bioscanner?
No. Scanner handles normal scans and blueprint progress. Bioscanner is the later tool for biomod catalogue work.
What materials do I need for a Scanner?
The recipe takes 2 Titanium, 2 Quartz and 1 Basic Battery. To make the battery too, gather another 2 Copper and 1 Acidic Raion Pouch.
What are the green dots in the Scanner HUD?
EA 1.2 added green Scanner HUD dots for acid sources. These are useful when searching for inputs for your next battery.