Quick answer
After Hotfix 3, Hammerheads no longer attack unpiloted Tadpoles, but they can still take an interest in Tadpoles. Hotfix 3 also fixes Hammerheads occasionally not being attracted to Flares. Hotfix 2 had already reduced Hammerhead attraction to Tadpole lights. The safe habit is simple: keep the Tadpole out of patrol lanes, do not park by a base entrance, and use Flares as a short distraction rather than a guarantee.
What changed in the patch notes
Unpiloted Tadpoles are less punishing
The biggest Hotfix 3 change is that Hammerheads should stop attacking Tadpoles when nobody is piloting them. That helps scanning, gathering, and quick base work.
Interest still matters
Unknown Worlds did not say Hammerheads ignore Tadpoles. The note says they can still take interest, which is enough reason to keep clean parking lanes.
Old Flare advice needs a second look
If a launch-week tip says Flares never work, check the date. Hotfix 3 fixed a case where Hammerheads were not attracted to Flares.
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 embedHow to route around Hammerheads now
Treat the first sighting as a route note
Do not only mark where the creature appeared. Mark where it crossed your path, where your oxygen was low, and where the Tadpole was parked.
Park outside the noisy pocket
If Hammerheads keep passing through a resource pocket, stop the Tadpole outside that pocket and swim in with a simple return line.
Keep lights and Flares separate in your thinking
Hotfix 2 reduced attraction to Tadpole lights. Hotfix 3 fixed attraction to Flares. Those are different behaviors, so do not mix them into one vague rule.
Move the base route before moving the whole base
A base can feel unsafe because the approach lane is bad. Try a different dock angle, beacon line, or storage stop before rebuilding everything.
Check co-op positions after rejoin
Hotfix 3 also mentions client rejoin position fixes. In multiplayer, call out where the vehicle and players actually loaded before assuming the Hammerhead lane is clear.
Hammerhead field card
Patch
Hotfix 3
Empty Tadpoles are safer than before.
Tool
Flare
Use it to buy space, not to act brave.
Habit
Route
Record the patrol lane, not only the creature name.
Hammerhead behavior table
| Question | Best current answer |
|---|---|
| Will Hammerheads attack an empty Tadpole? | Hotfix 3 says they no longer attack unpiloted Tadpoles. |
| Can they still notice the Tadpole? | Yes. The official note says they can still take an interest in Tadpoles. |
| Do Flares work? | They are worth retesting after Hotfix 3 because attraction to Flares was fixed. |
| Are Tadpole lights still a problem? | Hotfix 2 reduced Hammerhead attraction to Tadpole lights, but routes should still avoid repeated patrols. |
| Should I move my base? | Only after checking whether a safer approach lane solves the problem. |
Do not turn one patch note into a myth
Hotfix 3 reduces one type of vehicle punishment. It does not mean Hammerheads are harmless, that all old clips are useless, or that every parked Tadpole is safe. Use the patch note, then still make a clean exit plan.
FAQ
What is the latest Hammerhead change in Subnautica 2?
As checked on June 2, 2026, Hotfix 3 says Hammerheads no longer attack unpiloted Tadpoles and fixes a Flare attraction issue.
What did Hotfix 2 change?
Hotfix 2 adjusted Hammerheads so they were no longer as attracted to Tadpole lights, which could lead them back toward bases.
Should I trust old Hammerhead videos?
Use them for visual recognition, but recheck behavior claims if the video was recorded before Hotfix 3 on June 1, 2026.
Is this a full creature guide?
No. This is a Hammerhead behavior page. Use the creatures guide for broader creature and leviathan watch notes.