Unlocking a Fully Operational Fabricator in Subnautica 2

The Fabricator is your essential tool in Subnautica 2, enabling you to create a variety of useful gear and resources. However, you’ll soon hit a snag when certain items become inaccessible due to the need for a ‘fully functional Fabricator.’

Don’t let the terminology trip you up; this upgrade is crucial, and figuring it out is key. Here’s how to get it done.

To unlock a fully functional Fabricator, you simply need to access base building, construct a base, and install a Fabricator within it. The game doesn’t clarify that the Fabricator in your Lifepod, which you’ve been using, is just a basic version, even though it looks the same as the one you’ll build.

So, grab the Habitat Builder and set up a simple, sealed base wherever you prefer—consider one of the prime base locations for optimal benefits. Once your base is ready, head to the ‘interior facilities’ section, and you’ll find the Fabricator listed in the production category at the top, ready to be mounted on a wall.

To create your upgraded Fabricator, gather the following materials, which are all easily found in the caves near your Lifepod:

This upgraded Fabricator functions just like the basic one in your Lifepod, but now you can access all the previously restricted blueprints, including the Sonic Resonator, Repair Tool, High Capacity Air Tank, and the Wakemaker. With this upgrade, there’s little reason to return to your Lifepod unless you run low on power at night and need to whip up something quick, or until you craft a NOA in your base.