Can You Tame Creatures in Subnautica: Below Zero? Exploring the Limits of Domestication
The question of whether you can tame the diverse and often terrifying creatures of Subnautica: Below Zero is a common one among players. While the game offers deep immersion and unique interactions with its alien fauna, the ability to truly tame creatures, in the traditional sense, is not present. Instead, the game provides for nuanced interactions that can give the illusion of domestication, particularly with certain species. This means you can’t make a creature permanently your pet, but you can encourage specific behaviours and form relationships with some.
Nuances of Creature Interaction and “Domestication”
Stalkers: A Case Study in Temporary Docility
The closest you’ll come to ‘taming’ a creature is with the Stalkers in the original Subnautica. As stated in the provided article, Stalkers become docile temporarily. Feeding them fish and dropping scrap metal near them can encourage them to be less aggressive towards you. This behaviour is not permanent and will revert over time. This type of interaction doesn’t truly constitute taming, as the creatures’ underlying behavior remains unchanged. It’s more of a brief state of tolerance. This interaction was present in the original Subnautica, and similar patterns of interaction carry over, in some cases, to Below Zero.
Creature Tolerance After Alien Containment
Certain creatures, especially those hatched from eggs within the Alien Containment, can exhibit tolerant behaviour. Notably, creatures like the Sea Monkey can be “adopted” as a pet upon hatching. They are not tamed in the sense of changing their fundamental nature but rather become a passive entity that you can interact with, similar to the Cuddlefish in the original game. They will follow you, play with you and are not a threat. This is not true taming, but a unique form of bond creation through the game’s systems. This is one example of a more interactive, less hostile relationship you can develop with some of the aquatic life of 4546B
Understanding Behavioral Patterns
The key takeaway is that interactions in Subnautica: Below Zero are based on pre-set behavioral patterns and the game’s mechanics. You’re not changing the creature’s wild nature, but rather triggering specific responses. For example, feeding fish to certain creatures may temporarily affect their aggression towards you, but their inherent predatory instincts remain. This is crucial to understand as, if you stop providing the expected resources, the behaviours are likely to be unpredictable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Creature Interactions
1. Can You Permanently Tame a Stalker?
No. While feeding and providing scrap metal can make Stalkers docile, this effect is not permanent. They will eventually revert to their original aggressive behavior.
2. Are There Any Leviathans You Can Tame?
No. Leviathans, by their very design, are some of the most fearsome creatures in Subnautica: Below Zero. They cannot be tamed, and any interaction with them beyond avoidance is typically dangerous.
3. Can You Breed Creatures in Subnautica: Below Zero?
Yes. Placing two creatures of the same species in the Alien Containment for a while can lead to breeding, resulting in a new creature of the same species. This is a game mechanic and not true domestication.
4. Are Reaper Leviathans Present in Below Zero?
No. The Reaper Leviathan from the original Subnautica does not appear in Below Zero. Its counterpart in the game is the Shadow Leviathan.
5. What Is the Scariest Creature in Subnautica: Below Zero?
The Shadow Leviathan is often considered the scariest creature, followed by the Chelicerate, Squidshark, and Ice Worm. All are challenging and present significant threats to players.
6. Can a Ghost Leviathan Hurt You?
Yes. Both adult and juvenile Ghost Leviathans can deal significant damage to players and their vehicles. An adult Ghost Leviathan can inflict 84% damage, while a juvenile causes 55% damage.
7. What Is the Rarest Leviathan in Subnautica?
The Sea Dragon Leviathan is one of the rarest and most dangerous leviathans, making it good that it is not often encountered.
8. Can You Kill a Ghost Leviathan?
Yes, Ghost Leviathans and other leviathans can be killed using crafted weapons, though it takes considerable effort and resources.
9. Are Reaper Leviathans Blind?
While not explicitly stated, the Reaper Leviathan’s lack of pupils and reliance on echolocation strongly suggest they are primarily, or entirely, blind.
10. How Rare Is the Ghost Leviathan?
There are six Ghost Leviathans in the game: three juveniles in the Lost River, two adults in the Grand Reef, and one adult in the Northern Blood Kelp Zone. Additional ones will spawn in the Crater Edge.
11. What Is the Most Powerful Creature in Subnautica?
The Sea Dragon Leviathan is arguably the most powerful and aggressive creature, with its immense size, teeth, claws, and magma-based attacks.
12. Can You Have a Pet Leviathan?
In the game, no, you cannot have a pet Leviathan. The mention of a pet Leviathan in the provided text refers to an actual snake, Dumeril’s Boa, named Leviathan in real life.
13. Can You Tame a Sea Monkey?
While you cannot ‘tame’ a Sea Monkey in the classic sense, you can raise them in the Alien Containment. Hatching a Sea Monkey egg will result in a baby which can then be ‘adopted’ as a pet, and it will interact with you. This offers a unique player-creature relationship.
14. What is the Bloop in Subnautica Below Zero?
The Bloop is a large, spherical leviathan class organism that can instantly kill players, regardless of if they are in a vehicle.
15. What Is the Most Dangerous Area in Subnautica: Below Zero?
While there are multiple dangers, the Crater Edge, Dunes, and Blood Kelp Zone are some of the most dangerous, housing multiple lethal enemies and hazards.
Conclusion: Relationships, Not Domestication
In summary, while Subnautica: Below Zero allows you to interact with its wildlife in interesting and nuanced ways, true taming is not a mechanic within the game. You can foster temporary docility, adopt hatched creatures, and observe behavioral patterns. The game is more about forming temporary relationships with these alien creatures. The goal is to survive in a hostile environment and not build a zoo of tamed creatures. The beauty of Subnautica: Below Zero lies in understanding and navigating these diverse interactions, rather than bending the creatures to your will.