Can You Save the Sunbeam in Subnautica?
The burning question on many Subnautica players’ minds is: Can the Sunbeam be saved? The straightforward answer, unfortunately, is no. Despite your best efforts, the Sunbeam’s rescue attempt will always fail, either by being shot down by the Quarantine Enforcement Platform or being unable to land due to debris, which means the crew is lost. The game’s narrative is designed to lead you on a specific path, and the Sunbeam’s tragic fate is a crucial part of that story.
The Sunbeam’s Doomed Mission
The Sunbeam is a rescue vessel that arrives on 4546B following a distress beacon sent out by the player. Its purpose is to evacuate any survivors on the planet. However, upon its arrival, it attempts to land on the Mountain Island. What the Sunbeam doesn’t know is that the Quarantine Enforcement Platform, a massive alien defense system, is still active. The platform mistakes the Sunbeam for a threat, much like it did with the Aurora and the Degasi, and fires a massive energy blast, obliterating the ship and killing its crew.
This event is a pivotal moment in the game. It reinforces the idea that you are truly alone on this hostile planet, and it underscores the urgency of finding a way to disable the alien defenses yourself.
Disabling the Quarantine Platform: A Pyrrhic Victory
Many players discover that they can disable the Quarantine Enforcement Platform before the Sunbeam’s arrival by using a purple tablet to gain access to the control room. While this prevents the platform from firing the energy blast, it doesn’t save the Sunbeam. Instead, the captain of the Sunbeam, Avery Quinn, will inform you via radio that the rescue attempt must be aborted because of a massive debris field orbiting the planet. This debris field is presumably a result of the destruction of the Aurora, Degasi and other unknown space vessels. Despite being spared from the platform’s energy blast, the Sunbeam still cannot land, and the rescue mission fails.
This mechanic serves as a critical plot point, demonstrating that the game isn’t always about winning but rather navigating a set, and often heartbreaking, narrative.
Why Can’t the Sunbeam Be Saved?
The developers designed the game with the knowledge that the player would see the Sunbeam’s demise. This event is crucial to the pacing of the game and encourages the player to take their fate into their own hands and start to advance the story. Saving the Sunbeam would deviate from the intended progression, eliminating a crucial emotional turning point that compels you to pursue the main objective: finding a cure to the Khaaraa bacterium and escaping the planet.
The failed rescue also forces the player to reckon with the futility of waiting for outside help. It propels them forward, making them realize they are responsible for their own survival. This also brings up the themes of despair and isolation that are present throughout the game.
What to Do After the Sunbeam’s Demise
The destruction of the Sunbeam can be a disheartening experience for many players. However, it is an event that ultimately spurs you on to explore more of the game. Here are some suggested steps to take:
- Explore Mountain Island: Head to the island where the Sunbeam attempted to land. There, you can find the alien structure and start to uncover the secrets of the Precursors. You will need to find a purple tablet to access the structure.
- Locate the Deep Grand Reef Degasi Base: This base is a critical location in the game and serves as an important story point. It will eventually lead you towards the alien facility in the Green River area.
- Continue to Advance Through the Main Quest: Focus on your main objective, and find a way to cure yourself from the Khaaraa bacterium and eventually escape the planet.
The death of the Sunbeam and its crew does not mean all hope is lost in the game, but rather is an event that is designed to spur you on to progress with the main objective of the story.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens if I don’t go to the Sunbeam landing spot?
If you’re not on the island when the Sunbeam arrives, but you’re still within visual range, you’ll still witness its destruction. The game renders the Sunbeam at a massive scale to make sure you can view its final moments.
2. Is it possible to beat Subnautica before the Sunbeam arrives?
Yes, it is possible. If you do not read any radio messages, the arrival of the Sunbeam will be delayed until you are ready. This gives you more time to explore the planet without having to adhere to the in-game timer.
3. Can you get on the Aurora after it explodes?
Yes. After the Aurora explodes, you can access it for the purposes of exploration. However, you will need a radiation suit to protect yourself.
4. How long is a day in Subnautica?
An in-game day lasts 20 minutes of real time, with 15 minutes of daylight and 5 minutes of night.
5. Can you get infected by the bacteria in Subnautica?
Yes, you are infected from the moment you enter the water or consume any food/drink. It is not possible to avoid the infection altogether, but through knowledge of the game you can lessen the effects of the infection to an extent.
6. Can you avoid the disease in Subnautica?
No, you cannot avoid the disease completely. The infection is a set part of the narrative, but there is a set of actions you can take to slow it’s progression.
7. What is the most powerful monster in Subnautica?
The Sea Dragon Leviathan is generally considered the most powerful monster, second only to the Sea Emperor. Its ability to launch fireballs and destroy precursor facilities makes it a major threat.
8. What is the most annoying creature in Subnautica?
The Bleeder is considered the most annoying. It is relentless and aggressive, causing damage if not noticed attached to the player.
9. Why does Subnautica not have guns?
The developers chose not to include lethal weaponry due to the timing of the game’s release being shortly after the Sandy Hook shooting. This was a purposeful decision to add a peaceful element to the game.
10. Does the gargantuan leviathan eat the Sunbeam?
There is a loading screen that shows the gargantuan leviathan eating the Sunbeam. However, the creature is not physically encountered in the game.
11. What is the goal in Subnautica?
The main goal is to explore, survive, and complete tasks to advance the plot. This involves gathering resources, crafting equipment, building bases, and interacting with the wildlife. You must also cure yourself and find a way off the planet.
12. What is the rarest thing in Subnautica?
The Cuddlefish egg is often considered the rarest item.
13. Are there NPCs in Subnautica?
Yes, there are survivors who are considered NPCs. The player can command them to help for a certain number of times per in-game day.
14. How do you stop the quarantine in Subnautica?
You must gather materials to create the Hatching Enzyme and hatch the Sea Emperor’s eggs. Doing so will cure you of the disease, allowing you to disable the Quarantine Enforcement Platform.
15. Does cured food last forever in Subnautica?
Yes, cured food, made by using salt on cooked food, lasts indefinitely, making it ideal for long expeditions.
While the fate of the Sunbeam might be a bitter pill to swallow, it’s a necessary plot element in the compelling narrative of Subnautica. By understanding the game’s narrative choices, players can appreciate the impact of the Sunbeam’s demise and fully embrace the adventure that awaits them on planet 4546B.