The investigation mission into the Tadpole Pens in Subnautica 2 begins after players receive a Noetic Advisor alert named "tadpole pens." This alert triggers once players find the Wander Blackbox and cure the Angel Comb, located 200 meters northwest of the Lifepod, which also unlocks the Heat Tolerance Adaptation needed for deep exploration [1, 2].
The Tadpole Pens lie roughly 675-690 meters east of the Lifepod in deep, heated underwater caverns. These caverns demand careful attention to oxygen and water supplies to survive the harsh environment [1, 2]. Recommended equipment includes food, water, distraction flares, a fully charged scanner, an air bladder for emergency oxygen, and at minimum a basic air tank. Upgrading oxygen tanks and using vehicles such as the Tadpole or Wavemaker help improve survival chances [1, 2].
Upon reaching the Tadpole Pens, players encounter a locked door requiring a keycode not found on-site. Pressing the red button inside the Pens triggers a new Noetic Advisor alert revealing the location of Zip's black box, which contains the necessary code [1].
Zip's black box is located in the Hot Caves south of the Tadpole Pens. Players must navigate through a lava ravine and cave system to reach the box, which rests on a large purple growth marked by a small human hologram [2]. Retrieving this black box provides the keycode to open the locked door inside the Pens.
The sequence of discoveries and locations reinforces the mission's challenge, demanding careful preparation and navigation through heated, dangerous environments. The mission's early steps occur today as players follow these alerts and directions in Subnautica 2 gameplay [1, 2].
