Quick answer
Current Subnautica2.gg blueprint data lists Beacon as crafted with Copper x1 and Titanium x1. PC Gamer recommends placing beacons because Subnautica 2 does not hand you a simple map for every useful spot, and Wand Digital currently describes the unlock as two scans. Use beacons to mark bases, deep entrances, rare material routes, safe return points, and any place you plan to revisit with Habitat Builder or Scanner Station support.
Field notes for cleaner markers
Mark the exit before the prize
A marker on a rare resource is nice. A marker on the cave mouth that gets you home is often better, especially before you know the route in both directions.
Use job names, not vibes
"Silver cave exit" beats "cool place". Name the beacon after the reason you will come back, and future you will spend less time guessing.
Hide retired errands
Old markers are useful until they are not. Once a route is solved or a base is moved, turn the signal off so emergency markers stay visible.
Beacon craft and placement plan
Scan the fragments first
Wand Digital currently describes Beacon as needing two scans. If the recipe is missing, stop hoarding Copper and go finish the scan route.
Keep the recipe cheap on purpose
Subnautica2.gg lists Copper x1 and Titanium x1. That is cheap enough to carry spares, but not so cheap that you should spend your last Copper before making batteries or wire.
Mark exits, not just discoveries
A beacon on the cool thing is helpful. A beacon on the way back out is often better, especially around caves, Lily Pads, and deeper routes.
Drop one before base work gets expensive
If you are about to place a starter base, Scanner Station, or repeated resource route, mark the approach first. A cheap beacon can save more time than the room you are trying to build.
Name it while the route is fresh
Rename the marker immediately: "Silver shelf", "deep cave exit", or "safe O2 return" beats three mystery dots later.
Turn old markers off
PC Gamer notes that signals can be managed, and clutter is real. Hide old errands once they stop helping so the next emergency marker is visible.
Navigation loop
Scan
2 fragments
Finish unlock before saving materials for it.
Craft
Beacon
Copper and Titanium in current blueprint data.
Mark
Routes
Use for exits, bases, and rare material spots.
Beacon checklist
| Need | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Unlock | Wand Digital currently describes a two-scan unlock. |
| Copper x1 | Subnautica2.gg lists it in the recipe. |
| Titanium x1 | Cheap, but still reserve one before base spam. |
| Placement | Use at exits, bases, rare resources, and route junctions. |
| Base routes | Mark starter bases, Scanner Station locations, and repeated resource loops. |
| Naming | Rename immediately so signals stay useful later. |
A bad beacon name is almost as bad as no beacon
If every marker is called Beacon, future you still has to guess. Name the route by the job it solves, not the emotion you felt when you dropped it.
FAQ
How do you craft a Beacon in Subnautica 2?
Current Subnautica2.gg data lists Copper x1 and Titanium x1.
How do you unlock the Beacon?
Wand Digital currently describes the unlock as two scans. If you do not see the recipe, keep scanning Beacon fragments.
Where should you place beacons?
Mark bases, cave exits, rare resource routes, deep entrances, and oxygen-safe return points. Exits are often more useful than the interesting object itself.
Can you hide old beacon signals?
Yes, current player tips describe managing signals. Turn off old markers so the important ones stay readable.