How Many Vortex Torpedoes Does It Take to Kill a Reaper Leviathan in Subnautica?
The short answer is: Vortex torpedoes cannot directly kill a Reaper Leviathan. While they are useful for immobilizing the creature, they do not inflict damage. To take down a Reaper, you’ll need a different approach focusing on direct damage-dealing methods. This article will delve into the mechanics of vortex torpedoes, their applications, and effective alternative strategies for dealing with Reapers in the deep.
Understanding Vortex Torpedoes
The Purpose of Immobilization
Vortex torpedoes in Subnautica aren’t designed for damage; they are specifically made for crowd control. When a vortex torpedo is fired, it locks onto nearby creatures and creates a swirling vortex. This vortex effectively immobilizes enemies, including aggressive ones like Stalkers, Sand Sharks, and even the formidable Reaper Leviathan. This temporary paralysis provides the player with a brief window to escape or switch to a more offensive tactic.
Why They Don’t Damage Reapers
Unlike other torpedo types such as gas torpedoes (which deal damage based on gas cloud explosions), vortex torpedoes operate by altering the surrounding water, causing the aforementioned immobilization effect. There is no damage component to their attack. Therefore, you can fire an infinite number of vortex torpedoes at a Reaper, and it will simply remain trapped in place but unharmed, waiting for the effect to wear off.
Effective Reaper Leviathan Elimination Tactics
If you are looking to eliminate a Reaper, you cannot rely on the vortex torpedo for damage. Here are some proven alternatives:
Stasis Rifle and Thermoblade
This is the most effective and arguably the most accessible method. First, use the stasis rifle to freeze the Reaper in place, then follow up with repeated slashes from the Thermoblade. While it might seem nerve-wracking at first, mastering the timing and range makes this the fastest way to kill a reaper. The Thermoblade inflicts 40 damage per hit, and it takes roughly 125 hits to kill the Reaper (though the actual number may vary slightly due to damage inconsistencies).
Gas Torpedoes
Gas torpedoes deal damage via clouds of explosive gas, however it can be very difficult to keep the reaper in the gas, making this a less ideal method, but could work if the reaper is also immobilized.
PRAWN Suit Drill Arm
Using the PRAWN suit is also an effective alternative, however, it requires the player to be close to the Reaper Leviathan and takes time. You have to let the Reaper attack you directly, by using his head. After he leaves you, repair the PRAWN and repeat the process until the Reaper is dead. This takes around 6 to 7 “rounds” of direct combat.
Crashfish Torpedoes
These are potent explosives you can use with the propulsion cannon to launch at your enemies. However, this method requires more skill and precision.
Understanding Reaper Leviathan Behavior
Reaper Leviathans are notorious for their aggressive behavior and significant damage output. They patrol large, open areas like the Crash Zone, Dunes, and Mountains, making encounters challenging. They deal a substantial 80 percent damage with each attack and can even kill players outright if they are already weakened. This is why it’s crucial to understand how they function and how to avoid, immobilize, and ultimately defeat them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much health does a Reaper Leviathan have?
Reaper Leviathans have 5000 health.
2. Can Reaper Leviathans regenerate health?
No, Reaper Leviathans, like all other creatures in Subnautica, cannot regenerate health. Once damage is dealt, it remains.
3. What is the best way to dodge a Reaper Leviathan?
The most effective method is to outmaneuver them. Use strafing keys (A and D) in combination with mouse movement to make tight turns that the reaper cannot follow. This allows you to avoid their attacks and escape.
4. Can a Seamoth outrun a Reaper Leviathan?
While a Seamoth is relatively fast, a Reaper Leviathan is typically faster in direct pursuit. It is better to rely on evasive maneuvers rather than trying to outrun them in a straight line.
5. Can a Reaper Leviathan destroy a Seamoth?
Yes, Reapers can easily grab and destroy Seamoths, sometimes even flinging them through the ocean floor. The Seamoth is quite vulnerable in an encounter with a reaper.
6. Can the PRAWN suit be destroyed by a Reaper?
The PRAWN suit is significantly more durable than the Seamoth. While a Reaper can damage it, the suit is armored enough to withstand a few attacks without being destroyed, giving the player an opportunity to fight back with the drill arm or use other tools.
7. What is the scariest creature in Subnautica?
The Reaper Leviathan is widely considered the scariest creature in Subnautica due to its imposing appearance, aggressive behavior, and the sheer dread it inspires.
8. Are Reaper Leviathans blind?
It is theorized that Reaper Leviathans are mostly blind, relying heavily on echolocation and their four jaw mandibles to sense their environment and capture prey. This is partly why they can be outmaneuvered using turning.
9. Can I kill a Reaper Leviathan in Creative Mode?
While Reapers can still grab and try to attack you in Creative Mode, they will not inflict any damage. Nothing can damage you in creative.
10. How many stabs does it take to kill a Reaper with the Thermoblade?
It takes approximately 125 hits with the Thermoblade at 100% efficiency to kill a Reaper Leviathan. The number can vary slightly due to damage inconsistencies.
11. Are Vortex Torpedoes useful against all aggressive creatures?
Vortex Torpedoes are indeed useful against many aggressive creatures such as Stalkers and Sand Sharks, making it easier to maneuver around them or to hunt them for food. However, they do not cause damage, so they are only effective when used in conjunction with other strategies.
12. What is the largest creature in Subnautica?
The largest confirmed creature in Subnautica is the Sea Dragon Leviathan, with a length of 112 meters. However, the Gargantuan Fossil Leviathan is a skeletal remain and estimated to be 1100-1500 meters in length.
13. How big is a Ghost Leviathan?
Adult Ghost Leviathans are approximately 107 meters in length, while juveniles are around 65 meters long.
14. Do vortex torpedoes immobilize Ghost Leviathans as well?
Yes, like all creatures, Ghost Leviathans are also affected by vortex torpedoes and can be temporarily immobilized, providing a window for other strategies, but dealing no damage.
15. Can I kill the Sea Dragon Leviathan with the Thermoblade?
Yes, The Sea Dragon Leviathan is killable using the normal knife, and also other methods, such as gas pods or crashfish. They are immune to the thermoblade however.
Conclusion
While vortex torpedoes serve a crucial role in controlling enemy movements, they are not a viable tool for inflicting damage on a Reaper Leviathan. For effectively eliminating this fearsome predator, you will need to rely on damage-based techniques like the stasis rifle and thermoblade, the PRAWN Suit, gas torpedoes, or propulsion cannon-launched crashfish. By understanding their behavior and employing the correct methods, you can navigate the treacherous depths of Subnautica with confidence and survive your encounters with the Reaper Leviathan.