Quick answer
Dexerto lists Improved Fins as feet-slot equipment crafted at the Fabricator from Basic Fins x1, Fiber Mesh x1, and Conduit Crystal x2, with a data card / scan unlock. GamesRadar+ says the blueprint comes from scanning three discarded pairs near the Alien Ruins route after mid-game story progress, and warns about Tadpole depth, Needlers, and needing a Rebreather for the area. Treat this as a Tadpole route: bring Repair Tool, Battery Terminal charged batteries, and enough oxygen to scan calmly.
Field notes for the Alien Ruins swim
This is a route, not a shopping list
The recipe is short, but the scan trip is the real cost. If you are not ready to leave the Tadpole, scan under pressure, and get back cleanly, the blueprint can wait.
The old fins are part of the plan
Improved Fins use the starter pair. Put Basic Fins in a known locker before the trip so the final craft does not turn into a second early-game material run.
Charge tools before chasing fragments
The scan route often stacks Scanner, Repair Tool, route markers, and a nervous Tadpole repair in the same outing. Weak batteries make the whole trip feel worse than it needs to.
Improved Fins route plan
Do not rush this before the story route opens
GamesRadar+ places the scan route after heat adaptation, the Tadpole Pens key code, and the Alien Ruins marker. If those words mean nothing in your save yet, keep this page bookmarked and finish safer oxygen and vehicle prep first.
Bring the right kit before leaving the Tadpole
The route asks you to leave the vehicle around deep water while Needlers are nearby. Bring a Rebreather, a repaired Tadpole, a Repair Tool, and enough oxygen margin to scan without panic.
Charge tools before the scan loop
Improved Fins runs often stack Scanner, Repair Tool, and route-marker use in the same trip. Put weak batteries through the Battery Terminal before you leave, and keep one fresh Basic Battery in the locker.
Scan the discarded fins, then check the recipe
Dexerto lists a data card / scan unlock, while GamesRadar+ points to three discarded Improved Fins pairs near Alien Ruins. Scan the nearby pairs, then open the Fabricator before farming the final crystal count.
Craft from your old fins instead of duplicating work
The recipe uses Basic Fins x1. Keep your early pair instead of rebuilding it later; this is why the Basic Fins guide tells you not to throw them away.
Pair Conduit Crystal collection with other mid-game goals
Dexerto lists Conduit Crystal in the recipe, and that same resource feeds other mid-game pages on the site. Do not swim out for only one crystal unless you are already close to the area.
Upgrade stack
Basic Fins
1
Keep the starter pair.
Fiber Mesh
1
Prep before the trip.
Conduit Crystal
2
Farm with a safe route.
Improved Fins checklist
| Need | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Unlock | Scan / data card route for Improved Fins. |
| Recipe | Basic Fins x1, Fiber Mesh x1, Conduit Crystal x2. |
| Station | Fabricator equipment craft. |
| Safety | Tadpole, Rebreather, Repair Tool, and oxygen margin. |
| Power prep | Charge Scanner and Repair Tool before the route. |
| Timing | Mid-game route after Alien Ruins access. |
Spoiler-light warning
GamesRadar+ ties the scan route to Alien Ruins and mid-game story progress. This guide keeps exact story wording light, but the practical takeaway is clear: do not chase Improved Fins until your save has the vehicle, oxygen, and route markers to survive the trip.
FAQ
How do you unlock Improved Fins in Subnautica 2?
Current sources point to scanning Improved Fins data. GamesRadar+ describes three discarded pairs near the Alien Ruins route; Dexerto lists scan / data card unlock requirements.
What is the Improved Fins recipe?
Dexerto lists Basic Fins x1, Fiber Mesh x1, and Conduit Crystal x2 at the Fabricator.
Do you need Basic Fins first?
Yes. Dexerto lists Basic Fins as part of the Improved Fins recipe, so keep your first pair instead of discarding it.
When should you go for Improved Fins?
After you have mid-game travel tools. GamesRadar+ warns that the route involves deeper water, Needlers, and a Tadpole safety check, so Rebreather and Repair Tool prep matters.