Movement matters in Subnautica 2 more than many players expect. Almost every important activity in the game depends on it. You swim long distances while searching for resources, move through caves with limited oxygen, avoid aggressive creatures, and travel deeper into dangerous regions. Even a small increase in movement speed can save valuable seconds. Those seconds often become the difference between reaching an oxygen source and blacking out underwater.
Basic Fins are useful at the beginning of the game, but they eventually start feeling limited. Once the world opens up and exploration becomes larger in scale, Improved Fins become a meaningful upgrade. They provide better movement and help reduce travel time across the ocean.
If you are wondering how to get Improved Fins in Subnautica 2, the process is not completely obvious because you cannot simply craft them immediately after starting the game.
How To Unlock The Improved Fins Blueprint
Before you can craft Improved Fins, you first need to unlock the blueprint. Unlike early items that appear naturally in your Fabricator menu, this upgrade requires players to discover multiple blueprint fragments.
Current information shows that there are three blueprint pieces connected to the Improved Fins upgrade. These fragments are found around the area near the massive alien tower structure located far from your Lifepod.
The general area sits roughly east of your starting location. The fragments are not all placed directly beside the large structure itself. Instead, several are hidden within nearby abandoned underwater sections and deeper areas.
As you search, remember these points:
• Travel toward the alien tower region east of the Lifepod
• Explore abandoned underwater locations near the structure
• Continue checking deeper areas after finding early fragments
• Scan every fragment you discover
• Bring enough oxygen and supplies
Once all required blueprint fragments have been scanned, the Improved Fins recipe becomes available.
Prepare Before Starting The Search
Rushing into unknown waters early can create problems. The search area for the Improved Fins blueprint is not located right beside your starting zone, and deeper exploration becomes risky if you arrive unprepared.
Bring equipment that improves survival and mobility before leaving your base area.
Recommended items include:
• Basic Fins for faster movement
• A larger oxygen tank
• Scanner tools
• Medical supplies
• Extra food and water
• Portable storage if available
• Batteries or backup power items
A Rebreather can also help once you begin exploring deeper regions. Some areas become difficult to navigate because oxygen drains quickly when players move through underwater caves and structures.
Tips For Finding Blueprint Fragments Faster
Many players lose time because they swim randomly and hope to discover fragments by accident. A more organized approach works better.
First, scan anything that looks artificial. Abandoned structures, wreckage pieces, and unusual objects often contain useful technology. Second, keep visual markers active so you do not repeatedly search the same area.
Another useful strategy is to examine lower sections around major landmarks. Blueprint pieces are often placed where players naturally overlook them. Some people search only around the tower itself and completely ignore surrounding areas.
Take your time while exploring. Subnautica rewards curiosity more than speed.
Is Getting Improved Fins Worth It?
For most players, the answer is yes.
Improved Fins will not suddenly transform movement into something unbelievable, but the upgrade creates a noticeable difference during normal gameplay. Faster swimming means less wasted time during resource runs and safer movement during dangerous situations.
The advantage becomes easier to notice over long sessions. Saving several seconds on repeated trips eventually adds up. You may also find yourself escaping hostile creatures more comfortably or reaching oxygen sources with less panic.
Subnautica 2 constantly pushes players toward deeper exploration and larger distances. Improved Fins fit naturally into that progression system and feel like a practical upgrade instead of a luxury item.
If you already spend most of your time swimming instead of relying entirely on vehicles, unlocking Improved Fins should move near the top of your priority list.
