Biomods

Biomod loadouts and scan requirements

Choose for the next trip, then check the species needed for your unlock.

Early Access 1.2 · Buddy System Hotfix 1, September 3 amendment · Updated 2026-09-12

The short answer

Choose Biomods for the problem on your next dive: navigation, escape, oxygen or supplies. Fill only the slots your Biolab has unlocked.

Before you start

  • Biolab access; Bioscanner for species research.
  • This is a verified selection of reported effects and scan pairs, not a claim that the current catalogue is complete.

Choose for the job

These are Kingy’s planning recommendations, based on the effects below. No single preset covers every dive.

TripConsiderTrade-off
Unfamiliar wreckPathfinderA trail helps you retrace the entrance; keep oxygen for the return.
Open-water escapeDash or Electric DischargeMovement or deterrence: select for the route and confirm your active binding.
Stationary explorationOxygen ControlIts benefit depends on remaining still; budget the swim home separately.
Long supply runDermal Garden or Water SecretionKeep packed reserves until you have observed production.
Cautious observationCamouflageStillness is the condition; a captured-player escape is not supported.
Sources for this section

Biomod effects and research targets

The four entries marked “Check Biolab unlock” were launch-era starter choices. Regional distribution changed in July; use your current lab screen. For a two-species requirement, complete both Bioscans.

BiomodTypeUnlock to checkEffect
DashActiveCheck Biolab unlockDirectional burst
PathfinderActiveCheck Biolab unlockReturn-trail navigation
Sea SkimmerPassiveCheck Biolab unlockFaster near underwater surfaces
Oxygen ControlPassiveCheck Biolab unlockLower oxygen use while still
Electric DischargeActiveElectric GeordiePredator deterrent
Sonic EchoActiveCollector LeviathanNearby resource detection
Chum CloudActiveToxic Sponge + HoundgarBait distraction
BioluminescencePassiveSandspear + Electric GeordieBody light
CamouflagePassiveBulletheadConcealment while still
Water RetentionPassiveCoral CrabMore water from sources
Homing SensePassiveSurge Jelly + HammerheadPowered-base detection
Threat SensePassiveHoverthornNearby threat detection
Dermal GardenPassiveNeedler MangoEdible algae production
Slow MetabolismPassiveNibbler MangoSlower food depletion
Water SecretionPassiveWater SlugWater-packet production
Sources for this section

Verify before a dangerous trip

  1. Inspect the equipped slots and confirm the active control in your settings.
  2. Test the selected ability near a reliable return point before relying on it in a wreck.
  3. Treat Camouflage as concealment before a grab. Buddy System fixed it releasing players during the Collector’s eating animation.
Sources for this section

Your checklist

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Research checked 2026-09-12. This is a source-based guide; Kingy has not independently play-tested these steps. Evidence and coverage.

Independent fan guide. Subnautica 2 belongs to Unknown Worlds and KRAFTON. Game imagery from the official Subnautica website.