Tools
How to Get the Sonic Resonator in Subnautica 2
Sonic Resonator guide for Subnautica 2, including unlock checklist, likely recipe bottlenecks, and preparation notes.
Based on the current Subnautica 2 Early Access build. Routes, recipes, and balance may change in future updates.
Quick info
- Version
- Early Access, last reviewed May 18, 2026
- Scans needed
- 2 Sonic Resonator scans
- Fast route
- Old Habitat north of Lifepod or cave near Lifepod
- Crafting
- 1 basic battery, 2 titanium ingots, 2 lead, 1 wiring kit
- Use
- Mine large ore deposits and clear Bloom Biofilm
Quick answer
To unlock the Sonic Resonator, scan two fragments. Current launch-build reports list two inside the Old Habitat around 370 meters north of the Lifepod, plus another on a desk in a cave only a short swim from the Lifepod on a northward route.
Best scan route
Old Habitat is the cleanest route if you already have the Scanner and enough oxygen. Enter the building and scan the fragments before leaving the ruins. If you miss one, check the nearby Lifepod cave route or later black box routes.
- Old Habitat route: about 370 meters north of the Lifepod.
- Fragment cue: two Sonic Resonators inside the Old Habitat building.
- Backup cue: one on a desk in a cave close to the Lifepod, on a roughly northward heading.
- Extra route: one behind Wander-related black box routes near the Spider Dome area.
Crafting recipe
After unlocking the blueprint, craft the Sonic Resonator at a fully functional Fabricator. The basic Lifepod Fabricator may not expose every recipe.
- 1 basic battery.
- 2 titanium ingots.
- 2 lead.
- 1 wiring kit.
Missing ingredient routes
If the blueprint is unlocked but crafting is blocked, solve the missing ingredient directly instead of repeating the fragment route.
- Lead: use the northeast ravine route with the blue natural current.
- Wiring Kit: run the north silver caves near Old Habitat, then craft from silver.
- Titanium ingots: gather enough common titanium before using rare-route inventory space.
- Basic battery: reserve battery materials before spending them on secondary tools.
How to use it
Swim to a large ore vein, charge the Sonic Resonator, and break the deposit into collectible chunks. This turns silver, lead, titanium, sulfur, and other large deposits into practical farming targets.
What the Sonic Resonator unlocks next
The tool is more than a mining upgrade. It changes which blocked objects and resource deposits are worth revisiting.
- Large silver and lead deposits become practical repeat farms.
- Sulfur deposits near the southeast pillar become useful for Strong Acid and advanced chains.
- Bloom Biofilm blockers can be cleared when a route requires it.
- Long routes become more efficient because one trip can produce enough raw material for several crafts.
Common Sonic Resonator mistakes
Most failures come from trying to craft it at the wrong station or missing the lead/wiring chain.
- Use a full base Fabricator if the Lifepod Fabricator does not show the recipe.
- Do not mine every deposit you see; mine the material tied to your next unlock.
- Do not forget lead before leaving the northeast ravine, because it is part of the tool recipe itself.
References
Sonic Resonator FAQ
Why does the game say an unknown tool is required?
That message usually means you are looking at a large deposit that needs the Sonic Resonator rather than a hand pickup.
Do I need a base before crafting it?
Yes, in practice. Build a base and place a fully functional Fabricator there so the Sonic Resonator recipe is available.