Mid-Game Guide & Priorities

Build the Tadpole

At mid-game, your first priority should be to unlock and build your Tadpole. Not only will it allow you to travel faster, it will also replenish your Oxygen and protect you from hostile sea creatures.

Tool	Description
Tadpole	Only available vehicle in game [Recipe]: - Titanium Ingot x 2 - Glass x 1 - System Chip x 1 - Power Cell x 1

Requires Moonpool & Vehicle Fabricator

In order to build a Tadpole, you will need both a Moonpool and a Vehicle Fabricator set up in your base. You will not be able to create a Tadpole without any of these.

Tool	Description
Moonpool	Moonpool of configurable size and shape. Allows entry/ exit of personnel and vehicles from a room [Recipe]: - Titanium x 5
Vehicle Fabricator	Atomically restructures raw materials into vehicles and chassis [Recipe]: - Titanium Ingot x 2 - Copper Ingot x 1 - Glass x 2

Always Dock to Charge

The Tadpole has a limited amount of power and will shut down when it fully depletes it. Prevent this from happening by always docking your Tadpole to a Tadpole Docking Station so it can charge whenever you are at your base.

Tool	Description
Tadpole Dock	Recharges vehicles while powered when habitat is powered [Recipe]: - Titanium Ingot x 2 - Silver Ingot x 1 - Copper Wire x 2

Upgrade the Tadpole

The Tadpole's Chassis can be upgraded to either the Scout or the Haul Chassis. You can only have one of them at a time. Generally, the Scout Chassis is recommended since it allows you to travel faster. It will also help you outrun Leviathans if needed.

Tool	Description
Scout Ray Chassis	Enhanced agility and speed chassis. Maximize acceleration, top speed, and turn rate [Recipe]: - Plastel Ingot x 2 - Advanced Wiring Kit x 1 - Dedicated Core x 1 - Strong Acid x 1
Haul Chassis	Dockable passenger and cargo chassis for the Tadpole [Recipe]: - Titanium Ingot x 4 - Strontium x 3 - Enameled Glass x 3 - Dedicated Core x 1

Unlock New Tools & Tech

As you are able to access more areas now, there are new tech and tools to be discovered! Some of these include essential items that will allow you to explore more comfortably.

Tool	Description
Sonic Resonator	Industrial phased-array amplifier used in mining and other applications [Recipe]: - Basic Battery x 1 - Titanium Ingot x 2 - Lead x 2 - Wiring Kit x 1
Repair Tool	Combination scanner and portable fabricator. Repair vehicles, bases, and systems [Recipe]: - Titanium Ingot x 1 - Wiring kit x 1 - Basic Battery x 1 - Sulfur x 1
Rebreather	Conserves Oxygen when diving deeper. Automatically adjusts gas pressure to help lung inflate [Recipe]: - Fiber Mesh x 2 - System Chip x 1
Wakemaker	Arm-mounted jets for underwater maneuvering. Risk of shoulder strain [Recipe]: - Silver x 1 Wiring Kit x 1 Grease x 1 Basic Battery x 1
Battery Terminal	Recharges Batteries [Recipe]: - Titanium x 2 - Quartz x 2 - Copper Wire x 1

Get the Heat Tolerance Adaptation

The Heat Tolerance Adaptation will let you explore high temperature areas in the world. Particularly, it will let you swim in the volcanic areas' waters where the Tadpole Sanctuary is.

Continue Collecting Blackboxes

Blackboxes offer lore that will clue you in as to what to do next and progress through the story. Collecting them is a must as they also have tech and fragments around them that you can scan.

Establish Consistent Material Locations

At this point in the game, you should be more familiar with your environment and the areas around you. Have a go-to location for specific materials so that if you need to get them, you can easily find them.

Scan Station can Still be Used

The Scan Station can still be used to easily find materials. However, keep in mind that you can only use it to look for materials that you have already scanned.

Scan All Flora Available

Although you can't farm yet, it's a good idea to scan all the flora you come across. This way, when you unlock the Grow Bed, you won't need to return to the Chasm to scan them.

Collect Plant Samples

You will also need samples to plant them, so be sure to collect at least two of each type. This will be helpful in the endgame once you are able to start planting.

Prepare to Cross the Chasm

Your ultimate goal in the mid-game is to be prepared enough to cross the Chasm to the east of the lifepod. Have enough food and water with you, as well as resources to set up a new base when you get there.

Be Prepared to Face the Collector Leviathan

The Collector Leviathan is found in the chasm you must cross to get to the Alien Ruins. Make sure to have the Scout Chassis installed and a Repair Tool with you to survive an encounter with it.