Games / Subnautica 2 / Thermal Reactor Module
1 Why Thermal Energy Means Never Charging Again
The Thermal Reactor Module converts heat from thermal vents into unlimited power for your Tadpole. Park near any lava geyser or thermal vent and your Power Cell recharges automatically — no sun needed, no resources consumed, completely free energy forever.
This is endgame power management. Combined with the Depth Module MK1, you can explore the volcanic depths indefinitely. The Thermal Reactor turns the most dangerous environments into your personal charging stations. No more rationing power on long expeditions.
2 Crafting Recipe
Final Craft
Magnetite x2 + Kyanite x1 + System Chip x1 + Titanium Ingot x1 → @ Vehicle Modification Station = Thermal Reactor Module
Complete Materials List
| Material | Qty | Source | Location | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thermal Reactor Fragment | 2 | Scan fragments | Lava Castle (~1200m) / Thermal Vents (~200-400m) | 100% (scan) |
| Magnetite | 2 | Magnetite outcrops | Jellyshroom Caves (~250m) / Mountains (~300m) | 100% (node) |
| Kyanite | 1 | Kyanite outcrops | Lava Zones ONLY (~900-1400m) | 100% (node) |
| System Chip | 1 | Craft | 1 Gold + 1 Copper Wire @ Fabricator | — |
| Titanium Ingot | 1 | Craft | 10 Titanium @ Fabricator | — |
3 Materials & Locations
Each material with exact location, drop rate, and farming tips.
⚒ Thermal Reactor Fragment
Location: Lava Castle (~1200m) / Thermal Vents (~200-400m)
Drop Rate: 100% (scan)
⚒ Magnetite
Location: Jellyshroom Caves (~250m) / Mountains (~300m)
Drop Rate: 100% (node)
⚒ Kyanite
Location: Lava Zones ONLY (~900-1400m)
Drop Rate: 100% (node)
⚒ System Chip
Location: 1 Gold + 1 Copper Wire @ Fabricator
Drop Rate: —
⚒ Titanium Ingot
Location: 10 Titanium @ Fabricator
Drop Rate: —
4 Optimal Collection Route
Follow this order to minimize backtracking and maximize efficiency.
① Scan Fragments (Deep/Dangerous)
Fragment 1: Lava Castle (~1200m) — INACTIVE LAVA ZONE, extremely dangerous. Requires Prawn Suit with Depth Module MK2 and thermal protection.
Fragment 2: Large Thermal Vents (~200-400m) — safer alternative, found in Grassy Plateaus borders and Blood Kelp edges.
② Get Kyanite (The Real Challenge)
Kyanite ONLY spawns in Lava Zones at 900-1400m depth. You need:
- Prawn Suit with Depth Module MK2 (900m+)
- Or Cyclops with Shield Generator
- Thermal protection (Prawn Suit has built-in)
Look for blue crystal outcrops on cave walls in the Inactive Lava Zone.
③ Gather Other Materials
Magnetite: Jellyshroom Caves or Mountains (see Engine Efficiency guide)
Titanium Ingot: 10 Titanium from Limestone Outcrops
System Chip: Gold + Copper Wire
④ Install
Craft at Vehicle Modification Station → Install on Tadpole
INFINITE THERMAL POWER
5 ⚠ Gotcha Tips — Don't Waste Your Time
Read this BEFORE you start.
You cannot reach Kyanite depths (900m+) without a Prawn Suit upgraded with Depth Module MK2. This is a major prerequisite chain. Plan accordingly.
The Inactive Lava Zone is patrolled by Sea Dragon Leviathans — the most dangerous predators in the game. Stay near walls, move quietly, and have a Shield Module ready.
Direct contact with thermal vent heat damages your Tadpole. Park at the edge of the heat radius, not directly on top of the vent.
The Thermal Reactor requires Prawn Suit, Depth MK2, and Lava Zone access. This is one of the last upgrades you should pursue. Get Depth Module MK1, Engine Efficiency, and Photovoltaic Charger first.
6 🎁 Free Benefits — Loot Along the Way
Don't leave empty-handed.
While hunting Kyanite: The Lava Zones contain precursor technology, data terminals with critical story information, and unique resources like Crystalline Sulfur and Nickel Ore.
While building up to this: You'll need to build a Prawn Suit anyway, which gives you drilling capability for large resource deposits and combat options against Leviathans.
While scanning the safer fragment at 200-400m vents: These areas have unique flora, precursor scans, and sometimes hidden supply caches from other survivors.