What Do I Do With the Cuddlefish in Subnautica?
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The Cuddlefish in Subnautica is more than just a cute addition to your underwater adventures; it’s a unique pet that adds a layer of charm and companionship to the game. Unlike other creatures, the Cuddlefish is entirely non-aggressive and exists solely to interact with and entertain the player. Once hatched from its egg, the Cuddlefish becomes your loyal companion, able to follow you on your explorations or stay in place, patrolling the area as you choose. You can interact with it through left clicks, which it will respond to with delight, and feed it “biscuits” that seemingly appear out of nowhere. Caring for your Cuddlefish becomes a fun objective within the game, providing a relaxing alternative to the usual survival challenges. They are a source of entertainment and a rewarding experience for any player who enjoys having a friendly companion in the deep.
Interacting with Your Cuddlefish
Following and Staying
The primary functions for the Cuddlefish are controlled with the right mouse button. A right-click prompts the Cuddlefish to follow you around, tagging along as you explore the vast ocean. Another right-click will tell it to stay put, causing it to patrol a designated radius around that specific location. This feature is particularly useful when you have a base or an area you want your Cuddlefish to remain within.
Direct Interaction
Left clicks allow you to directly interact with your Cuddlefish. This is where you will see many different animations and reactions, as the Cuddlefish happily responds to your attention. The Cuddlefish enjoys playing and will often accept “snacks” that appear to make it happy, even if they aren’t tangible items you can collect. This form of interaction emphasizes the pet-like aspect of the creature, making your bond even stronger.
Protecting Your Pet
Cuddlefish, while adorable, are not invincible. They can be eaten by other creatures, so you must be careful when taking them outside. Using the Propulsion Cannon to gently lift your Cuddlefish into a safe place like a Moonpool is a recommended method to move them securely, especially if you don’t want them to venture too far from your base and potentially become a snack for a hostile predator. It is absolutely crucial to not shoot your Cuddlefish with the Propulsion Cannon; the goal is to carefully manipulate it with the magnetic pull to move it. This is a careful balance of the use of tools to keep the little guy safe.
Locating Cuddlefish Eggs
The only way to acquire a Cuddlefish is by finding and hatching its egg. There are a total of five Cuddlefish eggs scattered throughout the game:
- Deep Grand Reef Degasi Base
- Dunes Sinkhole
- Lost River Laboratory Cache
- Mushroom Forest Caves
Once you locate an egg, you must take it back to your base and place it inside an Alien Containment unit to hatch. It takes a few in-game days for the eggs to hatch, adding another level of anticipation for new pet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can Cuddlefish Die?
Yes, Cuddlefish can die if they are eaten by other creatures. It’s essential to keep a watchful eye on them when exploring and to ensure you are keeping them safe by keeping them around your base or areas with minimal aggressive predators.
2. Do Cuddlefish Need to Be Fed?
No, Cuddlefish do not require traditional feeding, they are not like a fish that you need to keep in an aquarium. While interacting with them, they will often accept “biscuits” that seem to appear out of nowhere. These interactions are part of the game’s design for engaging with your Cuddlefish pet.
3. What Happens When I Tell My Cuddlefish to Stop Following?
When you command your Cuddlefish to stop following, it will patrol the area around that location. It won’t wander off too far and will stay there until you ask it to follow you again. This allows you to leave your pet in a safe area of your base, while you’re out on adventure.
4. Can Cuddlefish Get Infected?
Yes, unfortunately, Cuddlefish can get infected. This adds to the care you may need to take with them. Keeping them in a safe base can reduce their risk of infection, or consider building a hospital for your Cuddlefish if you are concerned about their health!
5. Is the Cuddlefish a Leviathan?
No, the Cuddlefish is not a leviathan. While there is a fictional concept of a “Cuddlefish leviathan” in the game, this is not something the player will encounter directly. The actual Cuddlefish is small and non-threatening.
6. Will My Cuddlefish Run Away?
No, your Cuddlefish will not run away. It will either follow you or stay in place, patrolling the area as you’ve directed it. It will stay until you tell it to follow you once more.
7. How Do I Prevent Losing My Cuddlefish?
To avoid losing your Cuddlefish, it’s best to tell it to stay near your base. This ensures that when you return from your expeditions, your pet will be waiting for you. Avoid letting them stray too far from safe areas.
8. How Do I Put My Cuddlefish Back in Alien Containment?
Once a creature is released from the Alien Containment, it cannot be put back inside without glitching. Your Cuddlefish will remain free, so try not to let them get too far from your base or safe areas.
9. Does the Cuddlefish Grow?
No, the Cuddlefish does not grow. It hatches from its egg at its final size and remains the same size throughout the game. They are the pet they were meant to be once hatched.
10. Can I Take My Cuddlefish on the Rocket?
Yes, you can take your Cuddlefish on the rocket when you complete the game. However, you won’t be able to interact with it or see its animations until you’ve released it into the water of the new environment.
11. Can You Eat Cuddlefish?
No, you cannot eat Cuddlefish in the game. The game is designed around them being friendly companions and not a food source. This may be confusing because of their name as they are a creature that some people in the real world do eat, but in Subnautica that is not the case.
12. Where Can I Find Cuddlefish Eggs?
As mentioned earlier, Cuddlefish eggs can be found at:
- Deep Grand Reef Degasi Base
- Dunes Sinkhole
- Lost River Laboratory Cache
- Mushroom Forest Caves
13. What Are the Biggest Enemies in Subnautica?
The biggest and most dangerous enemies are the Sea Dragon Leviathan, the Reaper Leviathan, and the Ghost Leviathan. These creatures will actively hunt you if you venture too deep into their territories, unlike the harmless Cuddlefish.
14. Can You Get a Leviathan Egg in Subnautica?
While you find 17 alien eggs in total, only 14 can be hatched. The other three are Leviathan-type eggs and cannot be hatched or collected. These are part of the game’s world lore.
15. How Do I Hatch Eggs in Alien Containment?
To hatch eggs, you need to physically enter the Alien Containment and place the eggs in your inventory. Eggs will hatch after a few in-game days, which means you just need to wait and see the new life in your base.
By understanding these mechanics and taking good care of your Cuddlefish, you will find it a rewarding and enjoyable addition to your Subnautica experience, adding more fun to the game, and keeping the sometimes lonely depths of the ocean just a little less lonely.