Will Your Cuddlefish Run Away in Subnautica?
The adorable and seemingly innocent Cuddlefish in Subnautica is a beloved companion for many players. However, a common concern arises: will your precious pet suddenly decide to abandon you? The short answer is: Yes, your Cuddlefish can “run away,” but not in the way you might initially fear. They don’t possess a sense of wanderlust and won’t deliberately leave you behind. Instead, they can get lost due to a combination of factors related to their limited navigation skills and environmental hazards. This article will explore why a Cuddlefish might seem to disappear, and provide a deeper dive into these endearing creatures.
How Cuddlefish “Run Away”
Navigation Challenges
The primary reason a Cuddlefish may seem to “run away” is its limited navigational awareness. Unlike the player character, Cuddlefish aren’t adept at navigating complex terrains or avoiding obstacles. If you take them to areas with tight passages, intricate cave systems, or densely populated environments, they can easily become disoriented and wander off. They simply aren’t as smart as you are when it comes to swimming around things.
Patrol Radiuses and Getting Lost
When you command your Cuddlefish to stop following, a patrol radius is created around that location. The Cuddlefish will then roam within that defined area. While this system ensures it doesn’t wander off too far, if that radius is near a dangerous area or a complex environment, they can get lost and swim out of sight. It’s important to remember, the Cuddlefish will remain in that general area; the problem is that this general area can sometimes be extremely hard to navigate or find again.
Environmental Hazards
The underwater world of Subnautica is teeming with life, and unfortunately, not all of it is friendly. The Cuddlefish, despite having a surprisingly high amount of HP (10,000 HP), is not invincible. Predators can and will eat them, especially if they stray into dangerous territories. A sudden attack could quickly lead to the tragic loss of your Cuddlefish. You will not get to retrieve your cuddlefish if a predator eats them.
Accidental Command Changes
In the heat of the moment during explorations, you might accidentally toggle the follow or stay command. This could lead you to believe your Cuddlefish has run away, when in reality, they are simply staying put where you last left them. Always be mindful of your actions when interacting with your Cuddlefish.
Protecting Your Cuddlefish
To minimize the chances of losing your Cuddlefish, consider these strategies:
Base Defense
Keep your Cuddlefish close to your base, ideally within a safe zone where predators are less likely to venture. The Moon Pool is an excellent spot, since you can transport the Cuddlefish into it using your Propulsion Cannon, which can help in the movement of your Cuddlefish, ensuring its safety. Once inside the moonpool, put the Cuddlefish in “non-follow” mode so they don’t try to follow you out the moonpool.
Controlled Environments
Avoid taking your Cuddlefish on excursions into dangerous or complex areas. When you do, be sure to make sure the Cuddlefish is following you or is in sight at all times. The open ocean is far more dangerous for your pet than you.
Constant Supervision
Keep a watchful eye on your Cuddlefish, even when they are on stay mode. Be aware of your surroundings and be ready to react to threats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cuddlefish
How do you get a Cuddlefish in Subnautica?
Instead of finding them in the wild, Cuddlefish are obtained by finding their eggs and hatching them in an Alien Containment Unit.
Where can I find Cuddlefish eggs?
There are only 5 Cuddlefish eggs to be found in the base game. Their locations are:
- Deep Grand Reef Degasi Base
- Dunes Sinkhole
- Lost River Laboratory Cache
- Mushroom Forest Caves
How many Cuddlefish can you have?
You are limited by how many Cuddlefish eggs you can find, which is a total of 5 in the base game. Therefore, you can theoretically have a total of 5 Cuddlefish.
Can I re-capture a released Cuddlefish?
Unfortunately, no. Once you have released the Cuddlefish from the alien containment unit, you cannot put it back in without the use of glitches.
Do I need to feed my Cuddlefish?
No, Cuddlefish do not need to be fed. However, if you play with them, you may randomly give them biscuits that appear out of nowhere.
Can Cuddlefish be infected with the Kharaa bacterium?
Yes, unfortunately, Cuddlefish can be infected. It is advisable to keep your Cuddlefish in a safe area at your base when you are exploring new biomes.
Do Cuddlefish have any special abilities?
Other than their cuteness, they do not have any special abilities. They do not possess any abilities to hypnotize or any other powers in game.
Are Cuddlefish blind?
While they possess complex eyes, Cuddlefish, like other cephalopods, are believed to be colorblind. They can only see in black and white.
How intelligent are Cuddlefish?
Cuttlefish in real life are intelligent creatures that exhibit social awareness, complex group interactions and social intelligence. They have cognitive abilities that are comparable to non-human primates. Cuddlefish in Subnautica are very similar to these real-life cuttlefish.
Can Cuddlefish be taken on the rocket?
Yes, you can take Cuddlefish on the rocket. However, the adorable interactions can’t be seen until they are released in open waters.
How do I keep Cuddlefish healthy?
Keep Cuddlefish in clean, well-oxygenated water and avoid heavy metals, especially copper, in their environment. Aquarium-safe metals like stainless steel and titanium are ok if kept to a minimum.
Can Cuddlefish be eaten by other creatures?
Yes, Cuddlefish can be eaten by other creatures, which is why you need to protect them from the dangers of the environment.
Is a Cuddlefish considered a leviathan?
No, while there are references to a hypothetical Cuddlefish Leviathan, in the lore of the game, the Cuddlefish in the game are not leviathans themselves. They are generally a smaller, non-hostile, creature.
How much health does a Cuddlefish have?
Cuddlefish have a surprisingly high health pool, with 10,000 HP, making them much more durable than they appear.
Can Cuddlefish die?
Yes, despite their high HP, Cuddlefish can die. Predators can kill them, and if they are lost to environmental hazards, you might not be able to retrieve them again. They are mortal and should be protected.
Conclusion
While the Cuddlefish might appear to run away, they are simply lost due to their limited navigation abilities, and the dangers of the surrounding environment. By keeping a watchful eye on your Cuddlefish and using the tips described, you can ensure that your adorable companion stays safe and happy in the world of Subnautica. Enjoy the unique and enriching experience that comes from having one of these amazing creatures as a pet.