Quick answer
Hotfix 3 fixes Hammerheads occasionally not being attracted to Flares. That does not make Flares a panic button, but it does mean old launch-week advice can be stale. Use a Flare to pull attention away from your hatch, parking lane, or base entrance, then move. Do not throw one and wait around to see whether the creature likes the show.
What Flares are good for
They buy a little space
A Flare is useful when it creates a safer angle or a cleaner return line. The goal is not to win a fight. The goal is to stop making the creature and your exit share the same spot.
They are patch-sensitive
Hotfix 3 specifically mentions Hammerhead attraction to Flares. Any guide that tested them before June 1, 2026, needs a fresh note.
They pair with parking discipline
A Flare helps most when the Tadpole is already parked with room around the hatch. It helps least when the vehicle is wedged into a tight pocket.
Visual notes and source media
Original route art
Abyss Guides uses original chibi deep-sea art for page visuals instead of copying wiki screenshots or fan uploads.
Source: Abyss Guides original artwork
Official Subnautica 2 gameplay trailer
Use the trailer for mood, vehicles, and biome context. Do not treat trailer scenes as exact farming coordinates.
Source: Official Subnautica YouTube embedA cleaner Flare routine
Decide the exit before throwing
Pick the route back to oxygen first. If you do not know where you are going, a Flare just adds light to a bad decision.
Throw across the lane
Put the Flare to the side of the creature path, not directly on your return line. You want attention to move away from you.
Use the gap immediately
Once the lane opens, swim, enter, or reposition the Tadpole. The mistake is treating the Flare like a long timer.
Retest after every behavior patch
Creature attraction is exactly the kind of thing that can change during Early Access. Keep patch dates near Flare advice.
Do not stack risk
Low oxygen, a tight hatch, a bad base entrance, and a Flare test all at once is how a small problem becomes a restart story.
Flare field card
Patch note
Fixed
Hammerhead attraction to Flares was patched.
Best use
Space
Pull attention away from the exit.
Bad use
Panic
Do not wait beside the danger to admire it.
Flare decision table
| Situation | Better call |
|---|---|
| Hammerhead near parked Tadpole | Throw the Flare away from the hatch, then enter or move the vehicle. |
| Base entrance gets creature traffic | Use a temporary Flare only while you rebuild the safer approach lane. |
| Old guide says Flares do nothing | Check whether it was tested before Hotfix 3. |
| Tadpole is stuck in a tight pocket | Fix the parking first. A Flare cannot make bad geometry safe. |
| Co-op team splits up | Call out who has Flares and where the safe return line is. |
A Flare is not a shield
The safest Flare use still starts with boring route planning: oxygen checked, hatch clear, return line visible, and a reason to move right now. Treat it like a tool, not a dare.
FAQ
Did Hotfix 3 change Flares in Subnautica 2?
Yes. Unknown Worlds says Hotfix 3 fixes Hammerheads occasionally not being attracted to Flares.
Do Flares make Hammerheads harmless?
No. The patch note only supports retesting attraction behavior. It does not turn Flares into guaranteed protection.
Where should I throw a Flare?
Away from your hatch, base door, or return line. The point is to move attention away from the place you need to use.
Why does this page mention Tadpoles?
Because Hotfix 3 also changed Hammerhead behavior around unpiloted Tadpoles, so vehicle parking and Flare use now belong in the same route plan.