Can You Go Too Far in Subnautica? Exploring the Edges of an Alien Ocean
Yes, you absolutely can go too far in Subnautica. While the game offers a vast and mesmerizing underwater world to explore, it is not limitless. Subnautica features a defined map with boundaries, and venturing beyond these limits results in specific consequences, creating a unique experience for adventurous players and those who accidentally stumble too far. The game cleverly incorporates these boundaries into the narrative, adding to the sense of the alien and the unknown. Let’s dive into what happens when you push the limits of Subnautica’s world.
The Lure of the Void: What Happens When You Go Too Far
The edge of the playable area in Subnautica is often referred to as the Void or, more recently, the Dead Zone. This area is designed to discourage players from straying too far, and it does so through a combination of environmental changes and increasingly hostile creatures.
Beyond the Map’s Edge
The game’s map isn’t infinite; it’s a carefully crafted space, a few square miles in size. If you attempt to move beyond approximately 8192 meters in any direction from the game’s origin point, you’ll reach the edge of the world. Instead of a hard wall or invisible barrier, you’ll encounter the Void, characterized by an abrupt change in the environment. This desolate zone is devoid of plant life, inhabited only by microscopic organisms and the terrifying Ghost Leviathans.
The Dangers of the Dead Zone
The Void isn’t merely a void, it’s a hostile environment. As you venture into it, the Ghost Leviathans will relentlessly pursue and attack you, attempting to destroy your submersible and kill your character. These leviathans are among the most dangerous creatures in the game, capable of inflicting significant damage, making exploration of the Void a high-stakes endeavor.
Teleportation Back to the Origin
If you manage to survive and continue pushing the boundaries beyond that 8192 meters mark, the game won’t let you completely escape. You’ll be automatically teleported back to the origin point of the map. This reset mechanism ensures that you don’t fall off the map or encounter any game-breaking glitches. It’s a stark reminder that Subnautica, for all its freedom, has defined limits.
The Significance of Large Resource Deposits
Intriguingly, the developers have placed several Large Resource Deposits along the edges of the world. These deposits often contain valuable materials that can’t be found in other parts of the game, creating an incentive for more daring players to explore these risky zones. It’s a reward for braving the depths of the void, though not without its dangers.
The Depth Factor: Going Down, Not Out
While there isn’t a strict depth limit where the player character takes damage from the pressure, the game does factor in depth. Oxygen consumption increases the deeper you go, becoming more rapid below the 99-meter mark, where you lose 1 oxygen every second. This depth mechanic adds another layer of challenge, forcing players to consider their resources and limits as they descend into the abyss.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Subnautica’s Boundaries
To help you further understand the limits and exploration aspects of Subnautica, here are 15 related FAQs:
1. Is Subnautica’s Map Infinite?
No, the map in Subnautica is not infinite. It’s a designed play area spanning a few square miles. The game’s boundaries are clearly defined, and the Void lies beyond them.
2. What is the Deepest Point in Subnautica?
While the terrain extends beyond 8192 meters, you won’t actually hit a “bottom”. At that depth, the player is teleported back to the surface. The Crater Edge is the deepest biome you can reach before that teleportation.
3. How Deep is the “Dead Zone”?
The term “Dead Zone,” now used to describe the area previously known as the void, begins well below the depth limit of any submersible at around 3000 meters, encompassing the outer border of the map.
4. Is the Map Randomly Generated?
No, the map in Subnautica is static and handcrafted. While your starting point can have a few spawn locations, the layout of the biomes and features remains the same in every playthrough.
5. Can You Avoid the Disease in Subnautica?
No, the protagonist is infected from the start, either when they hit the water or from the first food/drink consumption. You can try to manage the infection’s progression to maintain certain “flags”, which requires specific spoilers and can change the first time experience.
6. What are the Scariest Zones in Subnautica?
The scariest zones are subjective to each player’s experience, but commonly feared areas include: the Blood Kelp Zone, the Lost River, and most notably the area past the Crater Edge, especially when confronting Ghost Leviathans.
7. What is the Biggest Threat in Subnautica?
The biggest threats are the Reaper Leviathan, Ghost Leviathan, and Sea Dragon Leviathan, all of which have a maximum threat level. These are the most aggressive creatures in the game.
8. Do Ghost Leviathans Respawn?
Yes, Ghost Leviathans do respawn. Multiple Ghost Leviathans will appear when you venture into the Void. If killed, they will respawn. They will relentlessly pursue you until you return to the playable map.
9. Is Subnautica 1 and 2 on the Same Planet?
Yes, both Subnautica and Subnautica: Below Zero are set on the same planet, Planet 4546B. Below Zero is set about a year or two after the events of the first game.
10. How Long Does it Take to 100% Subnautica?
Completing Subnautica by focusing on the main objectives takes about 30 hours. Achieving 100% completion will generally require around 53.5 hours of gameplay.
11. How Long is One Day in Subnautica?
One in-game day in Subnautica consists of 20 minutes of daylight and 15 minutes of night. You can adjust this using console commands.
12. Can You Skip Night in Subnautica?
Yes, you can skip night by using a bed in your base. Sleeping advances the game’s clock and time-based actions.
13. What Year is Subnautica Set In?
Subnautica takes place in the late 22nd century, when humanity has begun colonizing space, and its setting on planet 4546B.
14. Can You Have Multiple Worlds in Subnautica?
Yes, you can save multiple worlds in Subnautica. This allows for multiple playthroughs or different approaches to the game.
15. Is Subnautica: Below Zero Harder Than Subnautica?
While the game itself isn’t necessarily harder, Subnautica: Below Zero can be more challenging in terms of navigating quests and story progression. This can sometimes lead to an impression of higher difficulty.
Conclusion
Subnautica offers a unique and compelling gameplay experience that balances freedom and limitations. While you can go too far, encountering the Void and its dangers is all part of the game’s carefully designed system. The consequences of venturing too far add to the game’s mysterious atmosphere, making the vast alien ocean even more fascinating. Remember, the edges of Subnautica’s world are just as much a part of the experience as the areas within its boundaries. Whether you’re a daredevil exploring the outer limits or a cautious survivor exploring the familiar biomes, Subnautica offers an exciting adventure for everyone.