How to Hatch a Cuddlefish in Subnautica: A Comprehensive Guide

Hatching a Cuddlefish in Subnautica is a unique and rewarding experience, granting you a friendly and loyal companion to explore the depths of Planet 4546B. The process involves finding a rare Cuddlefish Egg and incubating it within a specialized structure. In short, you must locate one of the five hidden Cuddlefish Eggs scattered across the game world and place it within an Alien Containment module in your base. After about 20 real-life minutes of incubation, your egg will hatch, revealing a juvenile Cuddlefish ready to join you on your underwater adventures.

This guide will detail the entire process, answer common questions, and offer insights to help you successfully hatch and care for your Cuddlefish.

Locating Cuddlefish Eggs

The Scavenger Hunt Begins

The first and arguably most challenging step is finding a Cuddlefish Egg. Unlike many other creatures in Subnautica, Cuddlefish cannot be found fully grown in the wild. Instead, they exist only as eggs hidden within specific locations:

• Deep Grand Reef Degasi Base: Located within the abandoned Degasi Seabase in the Deep Grand Reef biome.
• Dunes Sinkhole: Found within a deep sinkhole in the dangerous Dunes biome.
• Lost River Laboratory Cache: Discovered within a research facility hidden in the Lost River biome.
• Mushroom Forest Caves: Two eggs are located in the caves of the Mushroom Forest, one in the northeastern and one in the northwestern area.

These locations often pose unique dangers, requiring advanced equipment like the Seamoth, PRAWN Suit, and possibly the Cyclops to reach them. Prepare well before embarking on your egg hunt!

The Incubation Process

Utilizing the Alien Containment Unit

Once you have a Cuddlefish Egg, you must return to your base and place it into an Alien Containment unit. This large, cylindrical structure can be built using your Habitat Builder after obtaining the necessary blueprints. The Alien Containment module can be constructed within any base structure.

Simply enter the module, approach the base, and interact with the space to add the egg to the incubator. Be patient because the incubation process can not be hurried. It takes around 20 real-time minutes for the egg to hatch. There is no in-game mechanic to speed up this process.

The Hatching

After the 20-minute waiting period, the egg will hatch, and a juvenile Cuddlefish will emerge. This small, friendly creature is immediately ready to interact with you. It will follow you around your base, unless you command it to stay put.

Caring for Your Cuddlefish

Companionship, Not Necessities

Unlike many other creatures in Subnautica, the Cuddlefish does not require feeding. They don’t need a specific food source, and will simply exist as a companion. There is no mechanism in the game to feed the cuddlefish, and any “biscuits” that appear are part of their animations. However, they are susceptible to damage and death. Cuddlefish can be harmed and even consumed by predators.

Interaction and Commands

The Cuddlefish is designed to interact with the player. By right-clicking on your Cuddlefish, you can tell it to follow you. You can also right-click again to tell it to stay put. When you command it to stop following, a patrol radius is created, where the Cuddlefish will wander and roam until you interact with it again.

Keeping Them Safe

Once they are released from the Alien Containment, you cannot place them back without glitches. It’s important to take care when traveling with your Cuddlefish. The easiest way to keep your cuddlefish safe is to keep them inside a base, or to tell them to stay around your base.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many Cuddlefish Eggs are there in Subnautica?

There are only five Cuddlefish Eggs available in the base game of Subnautica. They are considered one of the rarest items.

2. Can Cuddlefish reproduce?

No, the Cuddlefish cannot reproduce in the game. You are limited to the five that can be obtained from the eggs. There is no mechanism for captive breeding in the game.

3. What happens if my Cuddlefish dies?

If your Cuddlefish is attacked and killed by another creature or from another means, it is permanently gone. This can be avoided by making sure to keep your Cuddlefish in a safe environment such as in your base.

4. Can I put my Cuddlefish back in the Alien Containment after it’s been released?

No, you cannot place a released Cuddlefish back into the Alien Containment unit without resorting to glitches. Once hatched, they are considered free-roaming creatures.

5. Can the Cuddlefish get infected with the Kharaa Bacterium?

Yes, the Cuddlefish can get infected. Therefore, it is essential to ensure their safety in your base, especially if you are exploring dangerous areas.

6. Is the Cuddlefish a leviathan?

No, the Cuddlefish, as we interact with them in-game, are not leviathan class creatures. There is a mention of a “cuddlefish leviathan” in a lore entry; however, this creature is not in the game and exists only in the lore.

7. How do I keep Cuddlefish safe when exploring?

When exploring, it’s best to have your Cuddlefish stay at your base. Tell it to stop following and stay put in a safe area. This way, they won’t be vulnerable while you are away.

8. Can Cuddlefish get lost?

Yes, Cuddlefish can get lost if left to wander outside of a base. It is best to keep them within your base or to ensure they are following you. They will follow you wherever you go unless told to stop.

9. Can I eat a Cuddlefish?

No, the Cuddlefish cannot be eaten. There is no function to “cook” or otherwise consume the Cuddlefish, and doing so would probably break your heart.

10. Do Cuddlefish need specific water parameters?

Cuddlefish do not require any specific water parameters, oxygen levels, or food to survive.

11. Can a Seamoth outrun a Ghost Leviathan?

It depends on the distance. If the Ghost Leviathan is very close, you will likely not be able to outrun it. If the Leviathan begins pursuit from its maximum detection distance, you may be able to escape using the Seamoth’s speed upgrades.

12. Is the Ghost Leviathan killable?

Yes, Ghost Leviathans can be killed by the player using weapons that can be crafted in the game. This is a very challenging task, however.

13. What are the scariest creatures in Subnautica?

The scariest creatures are generally considered to be the Reaper Leviathan, Sea Dragon Leviathan, and Ghost Leviathan, which can be found in various biomes.

14. Are Ghost Leviathans rare?

There are six Ghost Leviathans on the map. Three are located in the Lost River, two in the Grand Reef, and one in the Northern Blood Kelp Zone. An additional Ghost Leviathan will spawn if the player enters the Crater Edge.

15. Can a Ghost Leviathan hurt you?

Yes, adult Ghost Leviathans deal 84% damage to the player, and juvenile Ghost Leviathans deal 55% damage. They can also damage vehicles, especially the Cyclops.

Hatching a Cuddlefish is a memorable milestone in your Subnautica journey. It is a symbol of companionship and hope, providing solace amidst the dangers of Planet 4546B.