Subnautica 2 Bioscanner — How to Get & Craft It
How to get the Bioscanner in Subnautica 2: scan a fragment in the Cicada Wreck, then craft it (Scanner + Enameled Glass + Conduit Crystal) to unlock Biomods.
Last updated: 2026-06-05
What Is the Bioscanner?
The Bioscanner is an upgrade of the basic Scanner that analyzes Axum alien technology and Protean biology to unlock alien blueprints and Biomods. It's a key mid-to-late game tool — many blueprints and abilities can only be obtained by scanning things with it.
Step 1: Unlock the Blueprint
Location: the EVA Prep room inside the Cicada Wreck
Direction: ~1,800m east of your Lifepod, or ~600m southeast of the Alien Ruins Signal
You only need to scan a single Bioscanner fragment to unlock the blueprint. Note: one internal door is charred shut, so craft a Repair Tool first to open it and get through.
Step 2: Craft the Bioscanner
Because it's treated as a direct Scanner upgrade, you craft it at a Modification Station by combining your equipped Scanner with materials:
| Material | Qty |
|---|---|
| Scanner | × 1 |
| Enameled Glass | × 2 |
| Conduit Crystal | × 3 |
Remember to unequip your Scanner before crafting. Conduit Crystal is gathered around the Alien Ruins — see the Conduit Crystal guide. Enameled Glass needs Creature Enamel — see the Creature Enamel guide.
What It Scans & Unlocking Biomods
With the Bioscanner equipped, you can scan advanced creatures and alien objects to unlock the blueprints and Biomods needed for mid-to-late game progression. At a Bio Lab you can view every unlockable Biomod — there are currently 5 active and 10 passive Biomods, each unlocked by scanning specific creatures.
⚠️ Important: even if you already scanned a creature with the standard Scanner, you must re-scan it with the Bioscanner to complete its Biomod research. See the Biomods guide.
Why It's Worth the Trip
The Bioscanner is the gateway to the game's genetics system. Scanning creatures with it feeds the Bio Lab, where you research the Biomods that grant new movement, defense and utility abilities — without it, that entire progression path stays locked, which is why so many players treat it as a mid-game priority.
Active Biomods are abilities you trigger on demand, such as a burst of speed, while passive Biomods are always-on traits like camouflage or extra oxygen. Each one lists the exact creatures you must scan, so keep the Bioscanner equipped and scan everything new on your dives.
One efficiency tip: the Cicada Wreck also holds Repair Tool fragments, so grab the Bioscanner fragment on the same visit. Once you can reach Conduit Crystal near the Alien Ruins, craft the upgrade and start re-scanning everything you meet.
FAQ
Q: Where do I unlock the Bioscanner blueprint?
A: In the Cicada Wreck's EVA Prep room, ~1,800m east of your Lifepod — scan one fragment. Bring a Repair Tool to open the charred door.
Q: What materials do I need to craft it?
A: 1x Scanner, 2x Enameled Glass and 3x Conduit Crystal, combined at a Modification Station.
Q: What is it for?
A: Scanning advanced creatures and alien objects to unlock alien blueprints and Biomods (5 active + 10 passive).
Q: Do I have to re-scan creatures I already scanned?
A: Yes. A standard Scanner scan doesn't count — you must re-scan with the Bioscanner to complete the Biomod research.
Q: When can I get the Bioscanner?
A: Mid-game — after you've built the Repair Tool to enter the Cicada Wreck, and once you can reach Conduit Crystal near the Alien Ruins to craft the upgrade.
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