Master waypoints, the compass, and the Scanner Station to explore Proteus systematically without getting lost.
Unlike its predecessor, Subnautica 2 does not include an in-game map. You navigate the vast waters of Proteus using a waypoint and compass system that overlays icons and distances on your HUD.
Mastering these tools—and the Scanner Station you can build—is required for locating resources and finding your way back to safety.
In this guide we’ll cover every navigation tool available, how to build a Scanner Station for local resource tracking, and which external mapping resources can help when all else fails.
Using waypoints and the compass
Your HUD displays a compass bearing and distance to active waypoints. To enable a waypoint, open your character menu and toggle landmark Signals for points of interest like your Lifepod, Alterra Bases, and discovered locations.
You can freely add, remove, or hide markers from the Signals menu to keep your HUD clean. This manual control is your primary orientation tool when exploring new biomes.
Building and using the scanner station
The Scanner Station is a base module that acts as a local radar. Once constructed, it reveals a 3D hologram of the surrounding terrain and lets you track resources like ores, Cicada Wrecks, Bloom Infestations, Anomalies, and abandoned habitats.
- Scanning radius: 300 meters, creating a 600-meter-wide detection sphere.
- Energy cost: 10 energy per second; shuts down if base power runs out.
- Blueprint fragments: Found at Camp One (240m NE of Lifepod, heading 60°) and the Old Habitat (375m North of Lifepod). Scan one with the Scanner tool.
- Construction: 3 Titanium, 1 System Chip, 1 Wiring Kit, using the Habitat Builder.
- Usage: Interact with the podium to see a terrain hologram. Click an orb to generate a persistent HUD signal guiding you to the resource.
External mapping tools
Several community-created interactive maps offer a satellite-like view of Proteus, pinpointing Lifepods, Supply Crates, Data Boxes, Black Boxes, and key resources like Necrolei Cysts, Conduit Crystals, and Celestine.
They also mark fish habitats to aid meal preparation and predator avoidance. While unofficial, these maps are a reliable supplement when you need a broad overview of a region.
Navigation strategies
Planting Scanner Stations at small outposts across multiple regions gives you local resource tracking without a world map. Manage your signals carefully—disable markers you aren’t using to keep your HUD clear.
Depth is just as important as heading. An unmodified Tadpole has a Crush Depth of 250 meters, limiting early exploration. Upgrade your vehicle’s depth module to reach deeper biomes safely.
Navigating Proteus without a map demands smart use of signals and scanner stations. For more survival tips, base-building blueprints, and vehicle upgrades, head to the Subnautica 2 hub on Solo Jugadores.
