The Prototype Expansion
🟡 Updated this year⚠️ Install Order · 2 steps
Install in this order, then this mod last — most mods fail to load without their framework and dependencies in place.
Preview
🔍 Analysis
- 👍 0.9% endorsement rate
- ✅ Updated 287 days after the latest game patch — actively maintained
- 🏆 #7 of 124 Vehicles and Upgrades mods in this game by downloads
📋 About This Mod
The Prototype features an all-new additional storyline to the Subnautica base game and is designed to be played on a fresh save file. The story takes the player through the highest quality precursor facilities in Subnautica modding, all to create the most advanced vehicle in the Subnautica franchise.
Content
-
[]A new submarine, The Prototype[/]
[]Multiple new items for progression[/]
[]Multiple new precursor facilities to explore[/]
[]Many upgrades to install on The Prototype that allow for various playstyles[/]
A NEW SAVE IS REQUIRED WHEN UPDATING TO TPE 2. 0. 0
USING AN OLD SAVE CAN CAUSE BUGS
How to install
-
[]Download the mod from this mod page[/]
[]Unzip the file[/]
[]Place the "PrototypeSubMod" folder inside your plugins folder
Example folder structure:
BepInEx/plugins/PrototypeSubMod[/]
NOTE:
You may notice a "TerrainPatches" folder inside the main mod folder. Please do not remove this folder from the main mod folder or move the files inside to the Terrain Patcher folder. Terrain patcher works for files not inside its patches folder so this is not necessary.Dependencies
-
[]Nautilus[/]
[]Sub Library[/]
[]Terrain Patcher[/]
[]Suit Library[/]
[]Epic Structure Loader[/]
Join our discord
https://discord.gg/EjF7Mvhn4Z
Support the developers
Note: Does not grant special development access or increase mod contenthttps://ko-fi.com/prototechmodteam
Interested in the code?
https://github.com/Indigocoder1/PrototypeSub
Questions about translations?
Contact one of the Prototype developers via our Discord (linked above).
-
[]Download the mod from this mod page[/]
The Prototype Expansion is a story-driven vehicle mod for Subnautica that adds new precursor facilities, equipment, and expands on the Architects' lore. It lets players pilot and upgrade a highly customizable prototype vehicle. With over 1,000 endorsements and 117k downloads, it's a popular choice for lore-focused players.
✨ Key Features
📊 Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Huge community trust (1,023 endorsements) — this mod is proven.
- Massive download count (117,978) shows it's widely used and tested.
- Story-driven content adds real depth for Subnautica veterans.
⚠️ Cons
- Description is cut off — unclear on exact vehicle capabilities and facility details.
- No explicit compatibility notes for current Subnautica versions (last updated July 2026).
- May require starting a new save to experience the story properly — not stated but typical for story mods.
For Subnautica players who want more lore and a new vehicle to master. If you're into the Architects' backstory and enjoy exploration with a purpose, this is a must-try. Skip if you prefer pure survival or building without narrative.
💡 Beginner Tips
- Back up your save before installing, as story mods can alter world generation.
- Check the mod's page for any required dependencies like QMods or BepInEx — not listed here but common for Subnautica mods.
- If you're new to modding, use a mod manager like Vortex to avoid manual file placement errors.
📊 Mod Details
- Game
- Subnautica Mods
- Author
- Prototech
- Version
- 2.0.4
- Downloads
- 117,978
- Endorsements
- 1,023
- Category
- Vehicles and Upgrades
- Created
- 8/1/2025
- Updated
- 7/17/2026
🔗 Required By 2 Mods
These mods list this mod as a dependency.
🧩 Commonly Used Together
Users add these mods to the same collections — a real compatibility signal, not an AI guess.
🔧 How to Install Subnautica Mods
Download from Nexus.
📖 Full step-by-step install guide for Subnautica →
Visit the official mod page for specific installation instructions for this mod.
🎮 Need cheat codes or console commands? Check ur gaming wiki for Subnautica commands, item IDs, and more.
Keep browsing — more Subnautica mods await