Subnautica: Below Zero - How to craft a Scanner

Arguably one of the most important and essential tools in Subnautica: Below Zero is the Scanner, which you will use throughout your journey on planet 4546b. If you are diving into a Subnautica game for the first time with Below Zero, you might need some assistance. In this guide, we will tell you exactly how to craft a Scanner in Subnautica: Below Zero with step-by-step instructions to get you off to a good start.

How to craft Scanner in Subnautica: Below Zero

The Scanner is one of the quickest tools to craft in Subnautica: Below Zero. This important item can be used to scan tech, lifeforms, objects and fragments.

The latter is required to attain new Blueprints, which makes the scanner of the utmost importance. Further, the Scanner can be used to add entries into the PDA Databank, via scanning lifeforms and Harvesting Nodes.

While most of this might not make sense to new players just yet, be sure that the Scanner is an essential item that you need to craft right away.

(Picture: Unknown Worlds)

To craft the Scanner, you first need the recipe. Thankfully, you will attain it automatically once you enter the Drop Pod (your first home) near the start of the game.

To craft the Scanner, you will also need to follow materials:

• 1 Titanium
• 1 Battery

Finding the resources required to craft a Scanner in Subnautica: Below Zero is quite easy. They are all located in the starting area, Shallow Twisty Bridges. 

To get Titanium, you need to break open Limestone Outcrops (littered across the floor and walls of the area). The Limestone Outcrops also give you Copper Ore, which is required to craft a Battery.

The final piece of the puzzle is two Ribbon Plants. You can harvest these in any caves. They are small yellow and green plants, so keep a lookout for them as you explore.

Once you've found all the ingredients required, simply head back to the Drop Pod and interact with the Fabricator. First, craft a Battery using Copper Ore and Ribbon Plants. Then, craft the Scanner with a Battery and Titanium. 

(Picture: Unknown Worlds)

As an additional tip to craft the Scanner in Subnautica: Below Zero right away, you should collect resources right at the start of the game, even before you enter the Drop Pod for the first time.

Keep in mind a Scanner does require a charged Battery to use. Therefore, you will need to craft another Battery once the first one's charge depletes.

For more on Subnautica: Below Zero, check out our dedicated section.