Do Leviathans Lay Eggs in Subnautica: Below Zero? A Deep Dive
The question of leviathan reproduction in Subnautica: Below Zero is a complex and intriguing one. While the game presents us with a variety of fascinating creatures, not all of them procreate in the same way. The short answer is: not all leviathans in Subnautica: Below Zero lay eggs. In fact, only one leviathan species is confirmed to lay eggs that can be found and hatched by the player. Let’s delve into the details of leviathan reproduction in the game and clarify which species are egg-layers and which are not.
The Glow Whale: The Sole Leviathan Egg-Layer
The Glow Whale stands out as the only leviathan in Below Zero that has a known egg-laying life cycle. These gentle giants can be spotted gracefully gliding through the East Arctic and around the Lilypad Islands. Interestingly, their eggs are specifically found in the caves within the Lilypad Islands biome. This makes them a valuable find for players looking to add unique creatures to their bases through the use of Alien Containment units. The Glow Whale’s eggs are also the only ones capable of hatching inside a contained environment within the game, further adding to their uniqueness.
Leviathans That Do NOT Lay Eggs
While the Glow Whale is the exception, most other leviathan-class organisms in Subnautica: Below Zero do not reproduce through egg-laying. This fact introduces a layer of mystery to the game’s lore and suggests that these creatures may have alternative reproductive methods. This also adds an element of challenge, as it means you won’t be able to collect eggs for these creatures to hatch.
The Enigmatic Case of the Reaper Leviathan
The Reaper Leviathan, despite being a menacing presence in the original Subnautica, is absent from Below Zero. Its absence raises further questions about the narrative consistency between the two games, and even in the original Subnautica the Reaper Leviathan eggs are never seen in the game. It is theorized, for example, that this species, along with the Sea Treader Leviathan from the original game, may have different reproductive methods that do not include egg-laying. The lack of observable eggs for these creatures suggests a reproductive strategy that remains a mystery for players, even with the help of console commands.
Ghost Leviathan Eggs and Their Unique Placement
While not readily available to hatch, Ghost Leviathan Eggs are indeed present in the game. However, they are not freely collected for containment. Instead, these eggs can be seen in the Giant Cove Tree within the Lost River biome. They’re notably protected by the tree branches and are viewable but not accessible for the player to interact with. This unique placement suggests that their lifecycle and hatching process are tied to the tree’s ecosystem.
The Majestic Sea Dragon Leviathan: Not An Egg-Layer
The enormous and powerful Sea Dragon Leviathan makes its return in Below Zero, but remains a leviathan that does not use egg-laying for procreation. This is a critical element of the game’s design, making these large creatures, along with most of the others, non-renewable. The fact that their eggs are not present or hatchable contributes to their rarity and the feeling that these leviathans are indeed a unique and valuable part of the game’s ecosystem. Sea Dragon Leviathans are considered to be among the rarest creatures in the game and thus add to the feeling that they are a one-of-a-kind experience for the player to encounter.
The Absence of Shadow Leviathan Eggs
The Shadow Leviathan, considered the analogue to the Reaper Leviathan in Below Zero, does not have any observable eggs. This again supports the premise that some leviathans do not reproduce through egg-laying, which also is important for the design choices to maintain a certain ecological balance within the game. The same is true for other creatures such as the Ice Worm, where the game does not hint at a method of reproduction in the form of eggs.
The Value of Hatchable Eggs
The few creatures with obtainable eggs offer an opportunity to observe the life cycle of these animals within the confines of a base. This option to hatch them using an Alien Containment module makes these animals valuable. As the player progresses, hatching these creatures becomes less about resource management and more about completing the various aspects of the game, specifically the aquarium portion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help you better understand leviathan reproduction and eggs in Subnautica: Below Zero.
1. Can you get a Reaper Leviathan egg in Subnautica: Below Zero?
No, you cannot get a Reaper Leviathan egg in Subnautica: Below Zero. They do not exist within the game, as they are not native to this part of the planet. The game implies this leviathan and others may have reproductive methods outside of the egg-laying process.
2. Can you get a pet in Subnautica Below Zero?
Yes, you can get pets! You can hatch or spawn several different creature types to keep in your base, including Pengling Babies, Pengling Adults, Snowstalker Babies, Pinnicarids, and Trivalves. These pets add a unique level of fun and interaction to the game.
3. What is the rarest egg in Subnautica: Below Zero?
The Squidshark egg is considered the rarest. There are only 2 of them available in the game world. Trivalve eggs, while being more plentiful (6 in total, split between blue and yellow), are not quite as rare. The two Squidsharks can also reproduce if kept together in the same alien containment chamber.
4. Can you find Ghost Leviathan eggs?
Yes, Ghost Leviathan eggs can be seen in the Giant Cove Tree at the Lost River but they are not obtainable. They are protected by the tree branches and are part of the environment rather than something to be hatched by the player.
5. Can you get a Sea Dragon Leviathan egg?
No, it is not possible to get a Sea Dragon Leviathan egg. This species does not use egg-laying, which is also crucial to the game’s lore, and these magnificent creatures’ rarity is maintained by not allowing them to be bred in containment.
6. What is the scariest creature in Subnautica: Below Zero?
The Shadow Leviathan is often cited as the scariest creature in Subnautica: Below Zero, followed by the Chelicerate and the Squidshark. Different players have various fears, but these are the most commonly mentioned creatures in terms of intimidation.
7. What is the rarest animal in Subnautica: Below Zero?
The Sea Dragon Leviathan is often considered one of the rarest animals. Its sheer size and destructive power make it something players tend to avoid, thus making it a rare encounter indeed.
8. What is the scariest thing in Subnautica?
The Reaper Leviathan is considered to be the most terrifying creature in the original Subnautica. This is due to its aggressive nature and intimidating appearance.
9. Is the Seamoth faster than a Reaper?
The Seamoth is a fast vehicle, but it cannot outrun a Reaper Leviathan. It is still possible to kill a reaper with the Seamoth but it is difficult due to its fragility.
10. Do you get anything for killing a Reaper Leviathan?
No, killing a Reaper Leviathan does not provide any specific rewards beyond the opportunity to scan it. It is generally better to avoid and outmaneuver them rather than try to fight them.
11. What is the blue and yellow egg in Subnautica: Below Zero?
These are the Trivalve eggs. Blue Trivalves are found in the West Arctic and Arctic Spires caves, while Yellow Trivalves are exclusive to the Deep Lilypads Cave. They can be used to produce biofuel in a Bioreactor.
12. How do you hatch a Cuddlefish?
Cuddlefish eggs can be found hidden throughout the world and hatched using an Alien Containment module. Once hatched, the Cuddlefish can follow the player around as a pet.
13. What is the best fuel for the bioreactor in Subnautica: Below Zero?
Arctic Peepers are one of the most reliable fuel sources for the Bioreactor. They provide a good amount of energy and are common throughout the game world.
14. Is the Ice Worm in Subnautica: Below Zero?
Yes, the Ice Worm is a significant creature in the Arctic Spires biome. It acts as an environmental threat, which can be easily avoided.
15. Can the Ghost Leviathan hurt you?
Yes, both adult and juvenile Ghost Leviathans can damage the player and their vehicles. Adult Ghost Leviathans inflict more damage than juveniles.
By exploring the various intricacies of leviathan reproduction, players of Subnautica: Below Zero gain a better understanding of the game’s rich and mysterious world. While many leviathans do not reproduce via eggs, the ones that do provide unique interactions and add another layer to the overall depth of the game.