The Easiest Way to Kill a Reaper Leviathan in Subnautica
The daunting Reaper Leviathan is one of the most feared creatures in Subnautica, and for good reason. Its terrifying roar and aggressive nature make early encounters particularly nerve-wracking. However, with the right strategy and equipment, even these apex predators can be dispatched relatively easily. So, what’s the easiest way to kill a Reaper Leviathan? The answer lies in a combination of the Stasis Rifle and a Thermoblade, or even more simply, using the Prawn Suit’s Drill Arm.
The most efficient method for dispatching a Reaper involves using the Stasis Rifle to immobilize the creature and then delivering repeated blows with the Thermoblade. This method, while requiring some bravery and precision, is significantly faster than other methods. Here’s the breakdown: First, equip the Stasis Rifle and charge it fully. Next, find a Reaper and when you have a clear shot, deploy the stasis bubble. When the Reaper is immobile, switch to your Thermoblade and begin attacking its body. Repeat the stasis and attack pattern, ensuring the reaper stays within the stasis field. It only takes approximately 120 cuts with the Thermoblade to kill a Reaper using this method. The trick is to be quick between shots and not get caught in its powerful bite attack.
While this method is efficient, it does require close-quarters combat which many players find unnerving. Thankfully, there is also a much safer alternative: the Prawn Suit with a Drill Arm. While slower, this method allows you to deal consistent damage while being well-protected. Simply engage the Reaper and begin drilling with the Prawn Suit. Let the Reaper attack you head-on, and continue to drill it. Repeat this attack pattern for around 6-7 rounds to eventually eliminate the Reaper. This method also allows you to take advantage of the Prawn Suit’s durability and reduces the need to get close with the Thermoblade.
Mastering the Stasis Rifle and Thermoblade Method
Preparing for the Hunt
Before venturing into Reaper territory, ensure you have the following:
- Stasis Rifle: Obtain the blueprint and craft this essential tool.
- Charged Power Cells: Keep your Stasis Rifle fully charged.
- Thermoblade: A high-damage melee weapon crafted with a knife and a heat source.
- Repair Tool: To quickly mend any damage from the Reaper attacks.
- Medical Kit: To heal any damage.
Executing the Kill
- Locate a Reaper: Reapers are found in the Crash Zone, Dunes, and Mountains areas.
- Charge Your Stasis Rifle: Fully charge the rifle for maximum duration on the stasis bubble.
- Stasis the Reaper: Aim at the Reaper and deploy the stasis bubble, immobilizing it.
- Switch to the Thermoblade: Quickly select the Thermoblade in your inventory hotbar.
- Attack: Repeatedly slash the Reaper with your Thermoblade while the stasis effect is active.
- Reapply Stasis: If the stasis field fades, quickly reapply the stasis bubble and continue to attack.
- Repeat: Continue until the Reaper is defeated.
Utilizing the Prawn Suit’s Drill Arm
Preparing the Prawn Suit
- Prawn Suit: A necessary vehicle to get the Drill Arm.
- Drill Arm Module: Craft this module and install it on the Prawn Suit.
- Power Cells: Make sure your suit is fully charged.
- Repair Tool: If you take too much damage you will need to repair.
Executing the Kill
- Engage a Reaper: Get in your Prawn suit and drive towards the reaper.
- Initiate Drilling: When close, allow the Reaper to come close and use your drill arm to inflict damage.
- Repair and Repeat: After the Reaper has pushed you away, repair your Prawn Suit as needed and repeat the same pattern until defeated.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many cuts does it take to kill a Reaper Leviathan with the Thermoblade?
It takes approximately 120 cuts with a Thermoblade to kill a Reaper Leviathan, assuming each hit makes the full 40 damage.
2. How many gas pods does it take to kill a Reaper Leviathan?
It takes around 13 or more gas pods dropped rapidly in the face of a stasised Reaper to kill it. Time the drop so that the first one detonates just as you drop the last.
3. Can you kill a Reaper with the Prawn Suit’s normal arm?
Yes, you can. However, it’s extremely slow and inefficient compared to using the Drill Arm, which has a larger target area and the same amount of damage.
4. How much damage does a Reaper Leviathan do?
A Reaper Leviathan can inflict 80% damage with each bite and can instantly kill you if you are already weakened.
5. Can the Reaper Leviathan destroy the Cyclops?
Yes, a Reaper can do considerable damage to the Cyclops if it attacks it, even potentially destroying it if the player doesn’t make repairs and/or move away.
6. Do Reaper Leviathans heal or regenerate health?
No, no creatures in Subnautica regenerate health. Once you damage a Reaper, that damage is permanent until it is defeated.
7. What is the scariest thing in Subnautica?
The Reaper Leviathan is consistently ranked as the scariest creature in Subnautica due to its aggressive behavior, terrifying design, and the fear it instills in players.
8. How big is a Reaper Leviathan?
A Reaper Leviathan is approximately 55 meters long, making it a very large and imposing creature. It’s about the size of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
9. Are Reaper Leviathans friendly?
No, Reaper Leviathans are not friendly. They are extremely aggressive creatures that will attack on sight.
10. Can a Seamoth outrun a Ghost Leviathan?
It depends on the distance. If the Ghost Leviathan is close, it’s impossible to outrun it. If you have a head start, you have a better chance of escaping.
11. Can you kill a Ghost Leviathan?
Yes, you can kill Ghost Leviathans. Those within the Crater will not respawn, but those on the Crater Edge will.
12. Do Reaper Leviathans respawn?
Yes, Reaper Leviathans will respawn after being killed, usually after some time or after restarting the game.
13. Can a Reaper Leviathan kill you in creative mode?
No, Reaper Leviathans cannot harm you in creative mode. No creatures can damage you. However, they will still try to attack and grab you.
14. What is the largest aggressive creature in Subnautica?
The Sea Dragon Leviathan is the largest aggressive creature in Subnautica, dwarfing the Reaper Leviathan significantly.
15. Do Sea Dragons eat Reaper Leviathans?
Yes, it is believed that Sea Dragons can eat Reaper Leviathans. There are instances of the Sea Dragon killing a Reaper and carrying it off in the game’s lore.