How Aggressive Are Reaper Leviathans in Subnautica?
The Reaper Leviathan is, without a doubt, one of the most terrifying and iconic creatures in the underwater survival game, Subnautica. Its aggressive nature is a core element of the game’s tense atmosphere, and understanding just how dangerous it is can be crucial for survival. The simple answer? Reaper Leviathans are extremely aggressive. They are apex predators, designed to instill fear and challenge players. These massive creatures actively patrol their territories, reacting swiftly and violently to any perceived threat or even just something that catches their attention. Their aggression isn’t passive; they will actively seek out and pursue the player and their vehicles, making them a formidable foe that demands respect and caution. If you enter a Reaper’s territory, you can expect a relentless pursuit with potentially lethal consequences.
Understanding Reaper Leviathan Aggression
Territorial Predation
Reaper Leviathans are not simply randomly hostile creatures; they are highly territorial predators. They claim vast open areas as their hunting grounds, such as the Crash Zone, the Dunes, and the Mountains. Their aggression is closely linked to the defense of their territories. Any intrusion, regardless of the player’s intentions, is met with an immediate and forceful response. This means simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time can trigger their attack.
Active Hunting Behavior
The aggression of a Reaper Leviathan isn’t limited to territory defense. They are active hunters, using their powerful sensory capabilities to locate prey, including the player and their vehicles. Their method is not one of a patient ambush, but rather a direct charge with the intent to seize and damage or destroy. Once they detect a target, they pursue with impressive speed and tenacity. If you encounter one, it’s less of a ‘will it attack’ scenario, but more a ‘when will it attack’ one.
Damage and Lethality
The damage inflicted by Reaper Leviathans is considerable. A direct attack can deal a significant 80% damage to the player. For those already injured, a single attack can be instantly fatal. They are also capable of severely damaging vehicles, including the Seamoth and even the Prawn Suit, with just a few hits leading to their destruction. They treat even the larger Cyclops submarine as a target, although not necessarily for destruction, making the vehicle a big beacon to the predator’s attention. The Reaper’s aggressive behavior coupled with its potent attacks makes it one of the deadliest threats in Subnautica.
Strategies to Manage Reaper Aggression
While they are formidable, their aggression can be managed to an extent. Using stealth tactics, staying out of their patrol zones, and employing defensive technologies like the perimeter defense system on the Seamoth can mitigate the danger. If pursued, escaping and creating a large distance between yourself and the creature are key. Utilizing the environment to avoid being in open areas they patrol can be an effective strategy.
While killing a Reaper Leviathan is possible, it is not a practical survival tactic, with it being more of a challenge or for bragging rights. It is also important to note that killed reapers respawn, so eliminating them does not make the game permanently safer. Ultimately, understanding their aggressive behavior and respecting their capabilities is the most effective way to survive in Subnautica.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much damage can a Reaper Leviathan do?
A single attack from a Reaper Leviathan can inflict a massive 80% damage to the player, and even instantly kill the player if they are already injured. It can also severely damage vehicles, including the Seamoth and Prawn Suit, which can be destroyed within two or three hits.
2. Where are Reaper Leviathans typically found?
They are typically found in large, open areas like the Crash Zone, the Dunes, and the Mountains. One can also be found near the base of the Mountains island.
3. Are Reaper Leviathans the largest predators in Subnautica?
No, the Sea Dragon Leviathan is the largest predator in the game, not the Reaper Leviathan. However, the Reaper is the third-largest aggressive creature and fifth-largest overall, but it is often the more encountered predator.
4. Can the Cyclops be harmed by Reaper Leviathans?
Yes, the Cyclops can be targeted and attacked by Reaper Leviathans. However, Reapers tend to view the Cyclops as a target of attack rather than something to destroy. This means they can use the Cyclops as a big beacon, drawing them to it to attack, rather than being able to destroy the vessel.
5. Can Reaper Leviathans be killed?
Yes, Reaper Leviathans can be killed, although it is often a challenging task requiring considerable preparation and strategy. However, killing a Reaper does not provide any in-game benefits other than bragging rights, and they will respawn eventually.
6. Is the Seamoth fast enough to outrun a Reaper Leviathan?
The Seamoth is indeed fast but is not necessarily capable of consistently outrunning a charging Reaper. While speed can help you avoid encounters, you can’t rely on speed alone to always avoid a Reaper.
7. Can the Prawn Suit survive a Reaper Leviathan attack?
The Prawn Suit can withstand a few hits from a Reaper Leviathan before being destroyed. It is more durable than the Seamoth, but not invulnerable.
8. Can you avoid Reaper Leviathans?
Yes, it is possible to avoid Reaper Leviathans by using stealth, staying out of their patrol areas, and utilizing defensive tools. If you hear a loud roar, it indicates the presence of a nearby Reaper, suggesting you should retreat or proceed with extreme caution.
9. Are Reaper Leviathans blind?
It is likely that Reaper Leviathans are mostly, if not entirely, blind. They rely on echolocation and their four jaw mandibles to feel and sense their environment, rather than their eyes.
10. What is the scariest creature in Subnautica?
Many players consider the Reaper Leviathan the scariest creature in Subnautica, while others find the Sea Dragon or Ghost Leviathans to be more terrifying, highlighting how diverse player experiences can be.
11. What is the deadliest Leviathan in Subnautica?
The Sea Dragon Leviathan is arguably the deadliest due to its massive size, ability to destroy precursor structures, and use of fire-based attacks, followed closely by the Reaper in terms of aggression and encounter rates.
12. Do Reaper Leviathans follow players?
Yes, Reaper Leviathans can follow players if they remain within the creature’s detection range. If you’re escaping from a Reaper, you must move a significant distance and ensure you no longer hear it before stopping.
13. Do Reaper Leviathans damage bases?
Yes, Reapers can cause damage to player bases if they get too close. They can sometimes clip inside the base (due to a bug) and cause leaks or if they see the player, they will attack it deliberately.
14. How can you kill a Reaper Leviathan?
Killing a Reaper can be done using methods like stasis rifles and firing multiple torpedoes from the Prawn Suit. Other methods include using the Cyclops ramming method or Seamoth Torpedoes, all of which require skill and precision.
15. Can a Seamoth outrun a Ghost Leviathan?
Outrunning a Ghost Leviathan in a Seamoth depends on the initial distance. If the leviathan is very close, escape is unlikely, but if you are a greater distance away when detection happens, you have a chance.