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#4474654 - 05/19/19 04:28 AM Subnautica is amazing and frightening  
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Does anyone else here play it?

At first I was treating it like a sandbox game and just checking youtube for hints on where to find stuff. Not anymore. The story is unbelievably good.

There are so many frightening things that occur during the game. The number of lifeforms is astounding and some of them are mindbogglingly terrifying when you first come across them. And the awesome equipment you make when you put your mind to it.

What a great game.

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#4474689 - 05/19/19 01:58 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Yeah, I really like this game, and although I never do early access am tempted to get Subnautica Below Zero. But so far I am holding out for the full release. Same tack I took with the first.

We had a thread about it some time back and you can see more of my thoughts there

http://SimHQ.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/4427075/1


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4474729 - 05/19/19 06:35 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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i'm waiting untill epic store is safe enough for me to install their app......every week i get a suspecious activity warning on my email.
btw they are having great promotions now, those EX-exclusives ps4 titltes become human, heavy rain, and the beyond two souls can be got for only 10 dollars each. only reason i dont get them is the dollar spiked here,so while cheaper eeeeeeehm, i can wait till they come to steam.

Last edited by Blade_RJ; 05/19/19 06:37 PM.
#4474735 - 05/19/19 06:49 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Reading longbows post got me to re-install this title I played awhile back and re-install it..I liked it before but lost it in a computer crash


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Semper Fi
#4474739 - 05/19/19 07:27 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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I've played on it since Early Access but never got to far in the story. Right now I'm stuck and don't know what quite to do. I finally got the 300m module for the sea moth so I can go deeper. I've made a little base that I'm adding on to a little at a time so that I no longer have to run to my original escape pod for stuff. I already visited that Island and got into the alien base and went through some elevator but there looks to be a stargate that I don't know what it does. I suppose it becomes a portal eventually?

I'm just kind of stuck in one of those, "what do I do know". Is the best thing to do is to just keep exploring? Even though I just got the sea moth upgrade that's almost not enough as there seems to be more and more, deeper and deeper ocean to explore and I don't have all the parts for a cyclops yet which I've never had. I also got stuck in a real grindy mode for awhile combined with the not knowing where to go or what to do made me take a break from it. Any suggestions would be appreciated because I'd love to start getting more story out of it.


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Romans 10:1-13

#4474768 - 05/20/19 12:04 AM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Coot, you're just scratching the surface of things. I won't say more as this game has spoilers galore. Keep trying to get PDA's. Explore all the beacons that get displayed after you receive radio messages. If there are no more radio messages left and you're stuck with nothing left to do, go deeper..never stop going deeper. Won't say anything more.

I have the Cyclops and it is pretty interesting. It's like a portable base, the only downside is that you can't put a nuclear reactor inside it. Don't waste your time just trying to get the cyclops, it's an awesome toy but you can live without it. It's mainly just a way to speed up transport of your PRAWN or Seamoth to certain locations, or have a central storage area so you can shuttle back and forth with your other vehicles loaded with materials.

Try the PRAWN suit and upgrade the depth module for it, as well as the jetpack upgrade so you can move around more quickly.

Use your scanner to scan random fragments left around the bottom, you'll often find new technology blueprints that way. Build yourself a nice base with lots of modules inside it, reactors, mod stations, moon pool etc. All of this will help you feel like you're working toward something. Some of the vehicles you can build are out of this world.

Make sure you've updated the game as it's changed a lot since I first got it in 2016. It is really well polished now and I don't notice any bugs at all, and the story seems to have been developed more.

The alien stuff...is more complicated than you are thinking. Just keep exploring the deep, follow the beacons and eventually you'll start coming across stuff that blows your mind or browns your underpants.

#4474792 - 05/20/19 03:51 AM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Stop exploring and get out of that game as i have a feeling something bad is waiting for you down there


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#4474824 - 05/20/19 01:22 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Good advice by Longbow. Keep at it is the best advice. It's very difficult to say more without spoilers. The Mk 2 seamoth depth upgrade is good, but there is far deeper sea to explore. You'll need to continue to upgrade it (or get the Cyclops/Prawn). I agree with Longbow that the Cyclops isn't needed, but you will want one of you build a Prawn.

I'll put this in spoilers, and I encourage you not to look. These sorts of games are better if you find your own way, and solve things, without hints in my view. But if you are truly stuck maybe it will get you on your way.


Have you visited the Aurora? Get onboard and explore the decks.

Find the other lifepods. Some are rather difficult and require a dedicated search. Finding Lifepod 7 was a rewarding moment for me.

There is more to the alien base. It should lead to an 'event'. Even in the spoilers I don't want to reveal spoilers

Have you learned of the Degasi? If not, perhaps what you seek is in the clouds smile

Investigate every debris field, and use the laser cutter to cut through the doors to find what's inside




Well, I kept the spoilers brief. Just a nudge. Of course we can give more detail if needed, but better to start off on the safe side. You need to continue to develop gear that will allow you to dive deeper. I mentioned in the thread I linked to in the second post that as much as I like the game, I eventually grew weary of continually needing to chase the upgrades that would allow me to go ever deeper and pursue the storyline.

"I have grown a little weary of upgrading my vehicles. I need to do so to go ever deeper and handle the flora, fauna and hdyrospheres that the player encounters as he pursues the storyline. Crafting isn't difficult in Subnautica, but as you know you'll need the materials and with the extensive options it can be time consuming to track it all down and get it all to your base to build the stuff. No one is forcing my pace or choices, but the sense of wonder and discovery is a little intoxicating and to pursue it I need to build more and better equipment. "

It's not that bad, especially compared to other games I have played. But depth capability is key to making progress. The fact that your Seamoth can now dive deeper is good. It opens a whole new strata of the game world. Use that new capability to go places you could not before. This in turn may lead to new discoveries and blueprints that will lead to others down the line.



No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4474826 - 05/20/19 01:35 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Originally Posted by VF9_Longbow
Coot, you're just scratching the surface of things. I won't say more as this game has spoilers galore. Keep trying to get PDA's. Explore all the beacons that get displayed after you receive radio messages. If there are no more radio messages left and you're stuck with nothing left to do, go deeper..never stop going deeper. Won't say anything more.
...

As Longbow says, PDAs and radio messages are the main tools driving the story for a while. On top of that, random exploring may take you to various sites or apparent dead ends where you can't get any further. It might be worth having some beacons handy to drop (and give reasonable names - that's possible!) at such locations to find them again later wink
There is also an option to manage which signals are shown in your nav panel (or whatever it was called…) to prevent cluttering.

#4474984 - 05/21/19 08:28 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Over the past couple of months I thought about giving Subnautica another run. I had lost my progress with a system failure. This thread and talking about it again made me install it on the new box. I don't think a whole lot has changed in that year, it was full release by then anyway. But a few touches here and there seem new.

Anyway, things go a little more swiftly having done it once. You know what to prioritize, where the best stuff is, what's dangerous and what merely appears so. Less time spent aimlessly, though there's nothing wrong with that in an exploration game. Less time spent hoarding stuff you won't need right away.

Still a lot of fun. I'm 10 hours in to the second run, and this is what I've managed to cobble together.


[Linked Image]


I restarted the game five or six times until my pod splashed down in an appealing location. No scanner room yet, I didn't make much use of them the first time, so no rush. This base is built 75 yards from the pod. Moonpool is over deeper water, but would probably be a challenge to navigate a Cyclops to it. So like last time I will most likely start a second base for that later on. I like the base building. Or maybe more accurately, I like looking at what I have built smile

The first run I did in Freedom mode, with no hunger or thirst. This one is Survival. At first I felt the meters decayed too quickly, and I still think they do. But after a while you fall in to a routine. And it opens up the whole farming and filtration aspects that I didn't need the first time. A minor thing but adds a new facet to the gameplay.

Attached Files 2019-05-21_00006.jpg

No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4475053 - 05/22/19 02:43 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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So switching to Survival mode has caused me to essentially deplete the fishery around my home. Ate 'em all smile

So I undertook a restocking program designed to get my food back. I captured a number of bladderfish, peepers and imported some reginalds from a different biome, and released them around my base. I want to see if they will 'breed' or repopulate. Will they?

The other thing I've done for food is plant a couple of bulbo trees in pots. One in my fabrication room and one in the moonpool. They aren't as nutritious as some other things I could have planted, but they don't require re-planting. Just slice a couple off and on your way. For folks that play Survival, what's your food plan?

Still using bladderfish for water. I seem to recall a filtration gizmo from my first run. Hoping I don't misremember as that would simplify things considerably.

Eventually I'll have the alien containment to breed the fish for a more reliable source. But for now I am still gathering them.

Edit: The next day....

Well, two things I've learned. It seems the fish don't breed. The three Reginalds are still three Reginalds. Maybe they just don't like each other, but it seems that it doesn't work that way. I'll give it more time to see.

The second thing is that the bulbo tress only have so many slices in them. After a certain number the tree is gone and requires replanting. Not a problem as long as you have another growing nearby.

Last edited by DBond; 05/23/19 07:32 PM.

No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4475665 - 05/27/19 06:12 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Glad I decided to give Subnautica another run. Thanks for the thread Longbow. I've essentially gotten back to the point I had reached before my progress was clipped by a system death. And did so in half the time it took in the first run. I've played more efficiently which is to be expected having done it once. And I've found some things I had missed as well.

The game is beautiful, and for me quite amazing. The environment is stunning. I talked about it in the thread from last year, but I feel that the devs did a wonderful job re-imagining the ocean. Every plant and creature is fictional, but seem evolutionarily plausible. If only Crashfish didn't evolve! smile Lots of bioluminescence which looks fantastic at night.

Gameplay is fun, performance is smooth and stable. Sounds are superb. Initial load times are a bit long, but not that bad, less than a minute anyway. But it's all seamless inside, no loading screens or that sort of nonsense.

The gameworld is divided up in to a number of very distinct biomes, which are intertwined with one another. There are a large number of cave systems to explore, but get your O2 squared away first! From shallow, colorful areas, to extremely deep and dark locations and all sorts of places in between. It's a game that expertly rewards exploration. I always say this, but it's particularly true in Subnautica. Do not resort to guides and google. Infinitely more rewarding when you discover something yourself and see it live for the first time.

It's not a game for everyone though. It requires both imagination and self motivation. There isn't much to guide you. It's the sort of game where you get out of it what you put in to it.

And it can be frightening. The combination of darkness, depth and seen and unseen dangers can raise the hackles. Imagination plays a part here of course, but there are dangers at nearly every turn in Subnautica. The effect will depend on the player, but it has the potential to scare your socks off.

I've been building a second base in a distinctly beautiful biome. It's a place I wanted to build in during my first run, but never got around to it. I'll post a shot of it when I get a chance. Hopefully it won't be too much of a spoiler. And then a third base, in a very deep, amazing location. Players getting near the end will know of it, but I don't even want to post the name of the biome so I don't spoil it by revealing it's existence. I feel my experience is much better for having gone in blind and it won't be me that ruins it for someone else smile

Subnautica is a game that's worth your time. It's reasonably priced ($25 full price) and goes on sale often. The new Subnautica is right around the corner (in early access now) so it's a good time to check this game out and then be ready for Below Zero full release.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4475668 - 05/27/19 06:25 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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I haven't been creeped out yet in quite awhile as I've gotten used to most things I see. However I've not hardly explored the world yet so I know there are things to come. At the beginning when I first got the game in EA the Stalkers scared me. Now they are no so bad. smile I will free swim with them now and if they get cranky with me, I give them a whack with my knife. I've actually killed them with my knife along with another similarly sized creature. I love the underwater environment of the game and things like the sound of your Seamoth hitting something. Sounds just like when I would play with big heavy metal pots in the pool as a kid.

I know I'm in for way more but thinking about the creepiness angle, I think it would be cool if someone made a game that combined Subnautica, Soma and Alien Isolation. A survival/horror game set in mood and feel of The Abyss. That is a game that would be neat but one I would likely struggle with. As it is, I barely have been able to finish Soma because of how creepy it is. I loved Alien Isolation and its the superior game in my opinion but Soma maintained its dreadful scary factor. The Xeno did too but I developed coping mechanisms and techniques to help me eventually. I've never been able to come up with copy mechanisms for Soma lol. behindcouch


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Romans 10:1-13

#4475682 - 05/27/19 07:31 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Yeah Coot, repeated exposure to certain threats can mitigate the sense of fear. Your stalker example is a good one. It's probably a large part of the reason the first run took so much longer haha. And of course it's only a game, and those are pixels arranged to look threatening really. This is the imagination thing I was speaking of. If one suspends their disbelief and gets in to their character, it can have that effect. I think I have now seen all possible creatures, but I don't know for sure. I've reached a point where I have respect for these threats, even if the fear has subsided. Circumnavigating the threat is what I do. And I run. I run away a lot biggrin


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4475688 - 05/27/19 08:11 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Try going to the other side of the aurora..heh. Save your game before you try it.

Playing on hardcore mode might make things a bit more edgy as well.

#4475706 - 05/27/19 10:08 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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I have never ventured east of the Aurora. I've spent some time off the stern, and off the bow, but not much! Sammy doesn't like me.

I thought about doing hardcore mode this run, but with a year away I decided to try Survival, since the first run was in Freedom. I'm 35 hours in and have yet to die. Been close a number of times. But yet to actually punch my ticket. Kiss of death I reckon. There is lots of danger in this game, but most of it isn't lethal. And what is, I try to stay away from.

Here's my second base. If you haven't seen this biome maybe here's a reason to keep exploring smile I like thermal power in this game and this is a good spot. You can see the three thermal generators at the bottom of the shot astride the lava geyser. Two are in 74C water and the center one in 75C. Good, reliable energy source that requires no upkeep. Plug and play. The base is still in the early stages. Bottom multipurpose room is the fabrication and filtration room and the top floor has the observatory to soak in the magnificent views. I couldn't find a good way to attach a moonpool, and you see it has the stumpy leg that looks crap. As the base gets it's sprawl on perhaps I'll eventually find a better spot for the moonpool. I now have three bases, one near the lifepod (shown above), this one and another down deep for easy access to late game stuff. So resources and time are split between them all and this base is coming along slowly. It sits at 230m.


[Linked Image]

Attached Files 20190527174703_1.jpg

No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4476067 - 05/30/19 12:29 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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This is my third base. Late game stuff is centered around a couple of quite deep locations, and this base provides easier access to these spots. Pressure from depth (500m) means an extensive use of reinforcements, but it's easy to maintain integrity provided you don't make it entirely of glass.

The nearer stack of multipurpose rooms has a two-story alien containment, home to two Cuddlefish and a number of Reginalds. Moonpool in the center with scanner room jutting out from there. I have built a Prawn and a Cyclops, but they are still in Safe Shallows as I am struggling to find the grappling hook arm. I'll bring both down here eventually. I plan to add a second moonpool to support the multiple vehicles (I have two Seamoths as well).

The far stack of MP rooms has fabrication and water filtration on the bottom floor, and my quarters are on the top with the observatory to soak in the views. A third stack of MP rooms is planned as a farm. Don't need another source of food, but more a roleplay thing.

A shot with the HUD elements

[Linked Image]



Attached Files DGRBase.jpg
Last edited by DBond; 05/30/19 12:30 PM.

No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4476068 - 05/30/19 12:30 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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All of these underwater screenshots remind me of that game "Soma" that I played a couple years ago.


“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”
#4476071 - 05/30/19 01:22 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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There are similarities no doubt PM. Subnautica doesn't bill itself as a horror game, though it has these elements. Soma definitely is a horror game, much more of a psychological trip than Subnautica is. Subnautica is a survival game, with the scares springing from nature, or the fact that alien creatures are inherently frightening. There is danger, in spades, but no scripted.jump scare sort of stuff.

It can also be scary since depths, darkness and sounds can all combine to put your mind in a state of apprehension and anxiety. I think the natural human base reaction to things like darkness, the unknown and unseen, as well as the fear of drowning are what makes Subnautica frightening.

Compared to Soma, Subnautica is open, brighter and much more peaceful. There are places that don't fit this description of course, but the threats are mostly avoidable if you're paying attention.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4476089 - 05/30/19 03:43 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Subnautica is easily one of the best games I have ever played. Can't wait until the expansion is finished. Have purposely avoided reading or seeing anything about it since I want to go into it blind like I did Subnautica.

#4476120 - 05/30/19 08:11 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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I know the feeling Rambler. While playing through Subnautica's story I became more and more paranoid about accidentally spoiling the storyline when looking up how to do certain things in the game. I eventually just stopped searching and resigned myself to figuring out all the mechanics without help.

Definitely looking forward to the next instalment.

#4476121 - 05/30/19 08:48 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Same here, and glad I did so with Subnautica as well.

How is it freakin' possible that the new one isn't called Sub Zero. I mean really


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#4476139 - 05/31/19 03:21 AM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Sub Zero is such a better name than Below Zero!

So, the next obligatory question. What did everyone name their watercraft? My names:

Seamoth - Peeper Creeper
Cyclops - Aletheia
Prawn - Deimos
Rocket - Astraeus

#4476153 - 05/31/19 10:28 AM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Sub Zero!! Finish him!!!


“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”
#4476166 - 05/31/19 01:38 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: Rambler]  
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Originally Posted by Rambler
Sub Zero is such a better name than Below Zero!


I know, right?

Quote
So, the next obligatory question. What did everyone name their watercraft?




One Seamoth is named Longbow, since I pilot it like an attack helo, nap of the seafloor. Legacy name from my first run

Second Seamoth is Dauntless

Prawn is XO, which is a double entendre for Exo suit and for second in command. Hey it's lonely on this planet, so the Prawn is like my version of Tom Hanks' Wilson in Castaway

Just built the Cyclops a couple days ago and have yet to name it. Probably Proteus


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4476181 - 05/31/19 03:41 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Is it true you can't play this game with Touch controllers? That seems to be the biggest gripe in the reviews.

#4476182 - 05/31/19 03:44 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Well, sort of, as it appears.

https://steamcommunity.com/app/264710/discussions/4/1693788202024251269/

Works, but with limited functionality, at least according to that thread.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4476220 - 05/31/19 07:47 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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I've stopped and started the games numerous times but this is my first serious play through. I've only ever had one seamoth and every time I name it:

TUNA 1



Its funny you mention "Wilson" from Cast Away Dbond. I remember a couple of years ago or so back when around the game came to Early Access, in the suggestion area of the forums, and this was before the game was really fleshed out, I had suggested that the developers create some sort of talking robot, something akin to Wilson from Cast Away to keep the player from getting lonely and to give them some company.

I remember seeing a game update where you're supposed to be able to acquire a pet but I'm not sure how to go about doing that unless its related to the story which I haven't been exposed to much yet.

Attached Files 20190401173605_1.jpg
Last edited by Coot; 05/31/19 07:51 PM.

John 10:1-30
Romans 10:1-13

#4476224 - 05/31/19 08:02 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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There is a pet, which I have in my alien containment smile

I'll spoiler it

I believe you are talking about the Cuddlefish. It can respond to commands, and if released in the 'wild' will follow the player around, until it either disappears or dies a gruesome death. Because I don't want the cute little things to die, I keep mine in alien containment in my Deep Grand Reef base. I have two in there, and more eggs in storage

If you have picked up any creature eggs from one of the Degasi bases they are Cuddlefish eggs. I think I also found them in alien structures

From the wiki:

The Cuddlefish will either follow the player around or stay in one area when told to. The player can tell it to stop/start following them using RMB.

The player can play with it using LMB. It has various play actions, such as high fives, magic tricks, or cuddles, and will display various emotions depending on said action.


That's a fine looking Seamoth Coot.



No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4476231 - 05/31/19 09:07 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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I got this free from Epic a few months back, reading through the thread makes me think I may have to give it a go, esp after getting a taste of No Man's Sky and finding it quite enjoyable, this seems like something in
that same vein.


Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4476240 - 05/31/19 10:46 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Yeah JC, you should give it a go. Give it 10 hours and you'll know if you like it or don't. Those early hours go fast, and as long as you're a little adventurous, you'll make great progress through that stage of the game. That's enough time to see a number of biomes, build a modest base and a Seamoth. I think if you like No man's Sky, Subnautica will be a good game to try. Especially as you already have it and for free! smile


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4476250 - 06/01/19 01:57 AM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: DBond]  
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Quote


One Seamoth is named Longbow, since I pilot it like an attack helo, nap of the seafloor. Legacy name from my first run


I'll have my secretary contact you to collect the royalty check on that one. wave

Johnny, definitely give it a try. Do NOT read spoilers or watch youtube guides that will hold your hand on everything unless you're absolutely stumped on a specific thing like how the interface works (I couldn't figure out how to install modules in some of the equipment despite having everything in my inventory).

Just go through the game. There is a little bit of grinding if you play in survival mode, but I think that it adds to the tension and adrenaline you feel when you enter a new and risky area. It's like playing DayZ for hours to find the best gear for your character and then hear a shot whiz by from an unknown direction and land a few feet from you. The adrenaline gets pumping.

#4476274 - 06/01/19 12:59 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Check's in the mail smile

There are a few modes to play in, if someone isn't keen on the hunger and thirst mechanics you can play without those, in Freedom mode. There is also Survival, with those mechanics, hardcore, with a single life and creative mode with no resource cost for building items.

My first run was in Freedom, and the second in Survival.

Good advice to avoid spoilers, unless you get well and truly stuck. Especially spoilers for locations and story elements. I said earlier that the game expertly rewards exploration, and it does. Everywhere you venture, each cave you decide to spelunk, every wreck you investigate yields something valuable. My starter advice is to have a Seaglide on speed dial as a crash fish evasion technique biggrin


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4476279 - 06/01/19 01:48 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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You guys playing in VR or no?


"In the vast library of socialist books, there’s not a single volume on how to create wealth, only how to take and “redistribute” it.” - David Horowitz
#4476285 - 06/01/19 02:38 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Not me, but I bet it's wicked cool in VR.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4476330 - 06/01/19 10:10 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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I was going to play it in VR last night, but spent most of the night trying to get the Oculus software updated instead! I'll give it another go tonight when I get home from "work." (Band gig)


Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4476356 - 06/02/19 03:47 AM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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I found out if you have the heat knife you can kill those fish before they explode on you.


John 10:1-30
Romans 10:1-13

#4476391 - 06/02/19 02:44 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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I like running from Crash Fish. Can you grab 'em like food fish? I suppose not and it'd be like a fireworks accident anyway.

But as soon as I hear them I hit the 1 key and zip away, hearing them blow themselves up in my Glidewash never gets old biggrin

In my first run in Subnautica I blindly blundered in to a cave intersection, triggering three at the same time. I died in a hail of exploding crash fish.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4476523 - 06/03/19 02:21 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Hey JC, were you able to give it a go? What did you think?

I've now made it beyond the point where my first run ended. Can't really say much about it without spoilers. I could/should have looked up where I was going, as I spent probably two hours wandering around at 1300m looking for the entrance, all the while hounded by warpers and leviathans. Warpers suck. I built the repulsion cannon so when they remove me from the Prawn I can send them flying away, which buys time to get back in and move on.

Speaking of the Prawn, I am really enjoying it this time. I am doing late game stuff, looking for a way to get off the planet, and I am going everywhere in this thing. In the first run, I mostly used the Cyclops to transport the Prawn to wherever I wanted to use it, then would deploy it, use it, and return to the sub. But this time around my Cyclops is just sitting at my DGR base while I play an underwater exo-Tarzan. With the right modifications, and once you get the hang of it, the Prawn can move very quickly, at times faster than even the Seamoth. It's just a lot of fun navigating the gameworld in this thing.

I don't know how close I am to finding a way off, but I am now seeing the things I had not gotten to before. The story has gained momentum and it's cool stuff. Looking forward to seeing the rest of it.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4476547 - 06/03/19 04:18 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Couldn't do it Saturday night, I got home later than anticipated was just too tired to try something new. I did get into it for a little bit last night, though. Swam around a little bit, found a little something just under the surface and dove to go get it. Apparently I was under water too long and died. So I tried some more. This time I starved to death. But, I did manage to make an O2 tank so I could swim under water a little longer. It's pretty cool in VR, everything is all around you, some of the underwater plants were huge! I'm going to keep at it for a bit, but I'm interested.

I do wish there were some direction given for new players, maybe some missions to accomplish to learn some of the basic tasks of the game, or some sort of basic tutorial tasks to accomplish. It seems to literally drop you in the middle of the ocean and leave you be.


Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4476550 - 06/03/19 04:39 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: JohnnyChemo]  
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Originally Posted by JohnnyChemo
It seems to literally drop you in the middle of the ocean and leave you be.


True enough, though I find that part of Subnautica's charm. Repair your radio if you haven't already. Radio messages will give you some guidance in the form of new biomes to check out.

Another player here was sort of stuck and we have been PM'ing back and forth with tips and pointers, so feel free to do the same if you want.

At this stage I'd say just keep exploring. Find ways to increase your mobility and depth capability. Keep an eye out for brain coral, which I find awesome in the early game to help you explore deeper water, it replenishes your oxygen to extend your dives before you have a submersible.

At the start I prioritize these items

Scanner
Fins
Sea Glide
Knife
Repair Tool
High Capacity tanks

Swim around with your scanner out and scan everything.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4476557 - 06/03/19 04:58 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Repair tool was my top priority (well, after food!), I figured there are some handy items in the escape pod that needed to be repaired, and the pod can be a base of sorts until I can fabricate something better. I was also thinking I would try to see if I can get into the Aurora and find some useful bits there as well, so crafting some sort of radiation protection gear would be something to do as well.


Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4476561 - 06/03/19 05:07 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Yep, that's the way to do it. Just keep going at things and you'll find your progress starts to improve exponentially. I think the lack of tutorials or handholding is one of the things that keeps the game fun. While it's a lot to take in at the start, you'll soon get used to how things work (Maybe a few hours of gameplay). Then you'll start figuring out what tools you need and what you don't. You'll figure out where to get materials to turn into components, or what materials can be converted into other materials in order to turn into resources/equipment/tools you need.

Just keep at it and the pace picks up.

#4476569 - 06/03/19 05:30 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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I will say this again - it looks fantastic in VR! Swimming on the surface is a bit meh, but under water is fantastic looking!


Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4476591 - 06/03/19 07:10 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: JohnnyChemo]  
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Originally Posted by JohnnyChemo
the pod can be a base of sorts until I can fabricate something better.


For sure, it can serve you well for a long time. But before too long you'll want more storage than you can manage there. And eventually you'll want to build things that cannot be in the lifepod. Plus, building a base is fun. But for now, all you need is the pod




No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4476683 - 06/04/19 03:54 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Finished the game. A cool ending. I found the late game challenging, as the locations you need to go are not easy to find, the clues you are given are cryptic at best. But the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph, or something like that smile

I really like this game, how it does not hold your hand. It more or less forces you to figure it out. I know I have to find a certain location, but no clue where it is. That not only means all points of the compass, but the whole vertical component as well. Is it north, south or down? The only way to know is to keep looking. And when you do find it, it's very satisfying. Just about every game these days has quest markers of some sort, pointing the way to the next objective. In this game, I sometimes wondered what the objective even was, not to mention where it is. But I kept at it, and went places I really would have preferred not to, in search of whatever it was. The pieces began falling in to place, things I had encountered that remained a mystery were taking a shape, it all started to fit together and it propelled me through the late stages. It's not an easy game if you avoid spoilers. But when it ended, I felt good that I had seen it through.

If I had one tip it's to use beacons extensively. Seems obvious, but it's such a time saver when you can precisely navigate. Biome transitions, cave entrances and exits, thermal vents, resources, wrecks and whatever else you want to mark. Not only to find them again, but to mark routes to other locations, or to avoid threats. The lifepod beacons are useful too, after you've located the pod, to use as signposts, just turn 'em back on as needed.

Subnautica is an interesting game. It's really the only survival game I've played. It's part exploration game, part basebuilder, part resource gathering and management. It's beautiful underwater, and so foreign and fantastic. For me it was a treat, as it's entirely different from anything I've played. I found it engaging and interesting, fun and at times frightening. It's not for everyone, I've mentioned self motivation a few times in my comments. You need to pull yourself along. I found plenty to do, as aside from pursuing the story, I also spent time building four complete bases, and at times just going for a swim to check things out. But after finishing I checked the Steam achievements and only 6% of players have finished the game. So Subnautica manages to lose a high number along the way. I would suspect that the lack of tangible progress at times plays it's part.

I found it suited me, the sense of challenge pulled me along, as I wanted to see where it went. Deeper, yes, ever down smile


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4476685 - 06/04/19 04:21 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Wow, you're right. Only 6% have beat the game. Crazy. Would have thought it was more than that judging by all the time capsules in queue at the capsule voting site. Anyway, welcome to the finishers club! Quite the experience huh? Hopefully you watched through the credits, as at the very end there's a joke that goes back to one of the first things you hear.

#4476687 - 06/04/19 04:35 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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I did watch the credits, and I seem to be a bit short at the mo as stranding doesn't pay well smile

I didn't know the capsules get voted on. Mine will never pass as it contains too much good stuff I reckon. Just thought I'd help out the next guy. But my capsule was better than any I found in the game. Didn't even know that was how it worked honestly.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4476699 - 06/04/19 05:31 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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How cryptic! That certainly makes me want to dig a little deeper in! biggrin

I managed to spend a little more time in game, and wound up being able to find adequate food and water, as well as some other odds and ends. I crafted a scanner, I see its value. I've got a few items on my list I'd like to build, but need to find the mats for first (ie fins, bigger capacity O2 tank, repair tool, radiation suit), so more exploring is on the list. Found I had the items needed to make a battery, so I did. I can't use it for anything yet, but its a thing I have in my inventory now.

I don't know if its the event you alluded to, but there was an explosion on the Aurora. Not sure what that means overall, but it happened.

I'm glad this thread popped up, the game has been on my list of things I wanted to get to, and it gets a lot of love in VR circles (with good reason), so I'm glad this gave me the impetus to jump in, so to speak!


Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4476709 - 06/04/19 06:55 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Aurora explosion is basically the beginning of the first part of the game smile You're on your way to a good start. Keep exploring, make equipment as you need it to explore different areas. The Aurora is a good start, but take a few moments to look through the list of different things that can be made at the fabricator and see if there's anything you think you'd like to have or might need before you wander too far.

If you get bored with mission grinding you can always start setting up a base somewhere that's convenient. They tend to start pretty small in the beginning but as you get more mobile your bases will grow and become more spectacular.

#4476715 - 06/04/19 07:19 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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That's the plan. I've looked through the fabricator for items to craft and then my blueprint list on how to produce some of the components to those products. Now its just hunting time.


Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4476772 - 06/05/19 12:53 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Yes JC, that's what I was alluding to, though I removed that comment as perhaps it's a bit spoilerish. But yes, that opens a way in. Good luck and keep us updated on your progress.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4476788 - 06/05/19 03:11 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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I think I've found what I could in the shallower areas around the pod so I've been venturing into deeper waters. I found the creeper parts I needed for silicone rubber, so now I have a knife and fins. I'm starting to accumulate more than I can hold or store in the pod so I've started making storage lockers and stashing them around the pod. I also found out how to use the brain coral to replenish O2.

I still need to find silver so I can make a higher capacity O2 tank. I know what to look for, just gotta find it now.

Question - can I equip something in both hands, or just one? I've got something in my right hand but thought it would be nice to be able to put something in the other one as well.


Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4476794 - 06/05/19 03:53 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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No just the one hand. You swim faster with nothing equipped as well.

Yes, brain coral is good as I said for extending your dives before you build a submersible. Like an air ladder..

You want to start a base soon as you can line the walls with lockers. Mine filled an entire multipurpose room, every space had a locker on it, all for different mats and labeled. Usually several for titanium. And each of my four bases had locker storage of course. I built a second seamoth with three storage racks just to use to transfer stuff to new bases under construction.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4476796 - 06/05/19 03:56 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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You can usually find silver by looking around caves. You'll find other good resources in the same areas but the risk is higher so be careful out there.

Agree with DBond on the base building, you'll want to start building wall lockers inside a base as soon as possible so you don't have to rely on those floaty lockers anymore. You'll soon be accumulating a massive amount of stuff.

#4476798 - 06/05/19 04:05 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Yep, and a base can be as simple as a tube or two with a solar panel for power. Of course once you see how it works you'll want to design more ambitious habitats. But that's enough to get started. If you see the first screenshot I posted, that's a decent sized one, but more than you need really. The mutlipurpose rooms (the round ones stacked together) are the best, but the blueprint is harder to find.

That base has 5 solar panels (each can store 75 power). You just want enough panels to keep the base from powering down while the sun is set. But even if it does power down for a bit it's really no trouble. It will come back online when the sun comes up. It has a moonpool, which can dock a Seamoth or a Prawn, and recharge it. A fabricator, a radio and maybe a battery charger when that was taken, about 10 hours in.

Alternatively, you can build near the thermal vents. There is one in the SW corner of the Safe Shallows and one on the north side of that biome, near where it joins with the Kelp Forest and the Grassy Plateau. Thermal plant blueprint can take some searching. But it's my favorite type of power since it's plug and play. Or is it fire and forget smile

In the Safe Shallows though, solar is fine. Once you go deeper you'll want an alternative.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4476799 - 06/05/19 05:11 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Those bases look pretty cool, esp the 2nd one. I'll have to make sure I'm scanning debris as much as possible. I've only run across a few items that have given me any progress towards blueprints.


Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4476801 - 06/05/19 05:24 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Wrecks and debris fields are the best spots for finding habitat-related blueprints, both inside the wreck and scattered on the seafloor around the wreck. As a bonus, if you scan a piece you've already acquired the blueprint for, you get two titanium for your efforts.

Yeah, that second base was cool. Neat location. I didn't show my fourth base, which I built in a singularly stunning location at 940m. But a screenshot would reveal too much and I thought it best that players discover it for themselves.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4476813 - 06/05/19 07:04 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Fair enough.


Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4476822 - 06/05/19 08:40 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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A bit later in the game, it can be useful to build "scanner outposts" further out. Such outposts can be as simple as thermal plant + scanner module + entrance. Benefit of those outposts is, that they help you find resources, wrecks and components, etc...

#4476825 - 06/05/19 08:51 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Originally Posted by WhoCares
A bit later in the game, it can be useful to build "scanner outposts" further out.




That's good advice, they can be very useful, especially with the HUD link.

In my first run I used them, but in the second only one of my bases had one and I never used it smile But that doesn't mean they won't help.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4477011 - 06/07/19 02:22 AM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Getting farther along now....I've gotten the higher capacity oxygen tank, repair tool, and habitat tool, and I'm thinking about spending some of my materials to make a base. My inventory is getting full too often, and the floating storage lockers don't hold much. That and I have to leave the pod, grab materials from the storage lockers, and re-board the pod build things. Just gotta pick a good spot to do so. I've also repaired the radio, so I've gotten a few messages from other pods. I may go and them down before I do any building, just to keep my options open.


Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4477041 - 06/07/19 12:59 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Yes, investigating the other lifepods is a good idea. Might gain a blueprint or two along the way. It's a mechanic to introduce you to various biomes, so new places to see, new creatures and most importantly, new resources!

Picking the first base location... so many possibilities. In both of my playthroughs, I built the first base close to the pod. First one directly below it, and the second about 50 yards away. As long as you stay in the shallows anywhere is fine, as you can easily get solar power. Any deeper though and you'll need a different power type, and since those blueprints probably haven't been located yet, the shallows makes sense.

I tend to look for some sort of shelf with deeper water next to it. Eventually you'll want to build a moonpool, and having it over a bit of water is good. If you plan to build a single base, consider building near a thermal vent. You can use solar now, and add thermal later to support all of the whizbangs your base will have.

A good view is paramount for me. The vista is a primary consideration. To the northwest there are nice cliffs beside the mushroom forest, with a thermal vent nearby. Never built there myself. Or to the SE where the Grassy Plateau, Kelp Forest and Shallows meet is another (with thermal vent) This was the spot where I built my second and main base in the first run. A nice location with deep water access for late game. I also built here in the second run, but then disassembled it to rebuild in the pink cave shown in the second shot. I try to choose a spot not near any stalkers or gasopods.

If you do build with a view to thermal, be aware that there are power relays that can be built, so the base can be quite some distance from the actual vent.

This was my first base (run #1) before the renovation and expansion smile

Quaint, innit?

[Linked Image]

And this was the main base from the first run. More was added after this shot, including a second moonpool. This is close to the SE Shallows thermal vent.

[Linked Image]

It has all of the stuff you can build, plus two separate stacks of multipurpose rooms on the top level, each with one room completely above the water so I could dry out from time to time smile

Another shot, along with the toys, from the other side in daylight. The second moonpool had been added by then

[Linked Image]



No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4477072 - 06/07/19 03:10 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Looks cool. I'm thinking about something overlooking the kelp forest. The idea was to be able to have access to air without having to go all the way to the surface as well as having a place to store my stuff (which is getting to be an issue.)

What structures can I put wall lockers into? I tried to put one in the pod, found out that was impossible. Right now it looks as if all I have available to build are the connecting tubes (going from memory, I unlocked the habitation tool just before I called it a night) and a few other parts, nothing looking like the bigger spaces I see in your builds. I could be wrong, and I'll have more time to get into it tonight.

One of the escape pods mentions having issues with their SeaGlide. I've already scanned one of the pieces for that so I'm hoping going to that pod will give me access to it (don't tell me!). I got a message from another pod, but that one didn't give me a beacon, just a location relative to an as yet unfound pod.

Gasopods - are those the guys that emit the toxic yellow gas? They got me last night, I thought I was far enough away but apparently not!


Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4477079 - 06/07/19 03:35 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Lockers can be attached to the walls of all of the base parts as far as I know. They can be installed in the tube-like section, the X-section and the rest. Never tried to put them on glass though. Anything you build can be quickly undone and you recover the mats. So you're free to experiment, or to build in one place, then pack it up and build it somewhere else.

Gasopods are those manatee-looking things yes. If you're quick you can simply grab their gas sack before they explode. Once you have a Sea Glide you can just zip away at the first sign of trouble. Crash fish evasion.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4477084 - 06/07/19 04:29 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Good to know about building/recovering. I'll definitely be experimenting with that soon. I'll have to post some pics when I do.
Crash fish don't worry me too much, they don't deal enough damage to kill you, so as long as I don't have to deal with too many of them I don't worry. I've tried to kill them with my knife before they go off but either I'm not fast enough or it isn't possible to do.


Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4477089 - 06/07/19 04:44 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Yeah, if only Elite engineering worked the same way!


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4477097 - 06/07/19 05:07 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Yes if only! I hope the mats here are easier to find!


Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4477149 - 06/07/19 08:37 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: JohnnyChemo]  
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Originally Posted by JohnnyChemo

Crash fish don't worry me too much, they don't deal enough damage to kill you, so as long as I don't have to deal with too many of them I don't worry.


True, usually. I mentioned earlier that I blundered in to a cave intersection that triggered three crash fish at once. That IS enough to kill you, as I can attest.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4477218 - 06/08/19 12:47 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Got a lot of time in last night and made some good progress. I went to three other life pods, got the needed SeaGlide part scanned, and started a base a few hundred meters from my pod. I’ve also transferred all of my mats from the pod and storage lockers to the new base. I didn’t grab a screenie yet because it’s not quite done.

After getting the SeaGlide from the first pod, I did a little scrounging and got radio. Calls from another pond which sank near an underwater cave. Shortly after, I got another call from the First Officer of the Aurora, mentioning a rally point. The rally point was garbled but I was able to get the location of the pod it was sent from.

I travelled to the first pod and retrieved a PDA and scanned a few parts laying around then made my way to the second pod. This one was located in a very deep breath underwater cave. It was more than 200 meters down, so far down that my O2 supply wasn’t sufficient to get me down, look around briefly, and get back to the surface. I died and returned to me new base. I did scan a new higher capacity air tank, which I will at temp to build as soon as I can lay my hands on the Lithium needed. So far I haven’t found any in my scrounging, but I haven’t spent as much time searching around my base as I would like to.

My base so far consists of a couple of tube compartments, a fabricator, a radio, and storage lockers. It’s powered by a couple of solar panels, and it’s located just past the border between the Shallows and the Kelp Forest on an outcropping of rock about 40 meters down. Oh and I put in a window, it does have a rather nice view!


Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4477223 - 06/08/19 01:53 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Good progress JC. Thanks for updating, it's fun to follow. The pod you mentioned in the spoilers is probably #19? That was my signpost on my route to and from my deep bases, so I know the trench it had fallen in. By the way, you can carry extra O2 tanks and swap them out. Be sure to equip and surface with each to ensure they are filled with air before diving.

Now that you have a Sea Glide your depth capability is increased. The speed will allow you go up and down much faster. And once you have a Seamoth your mobility is greater again.

And about your base... yes, lots of glass! They look so much better that way, for me anyway, especially at night. Gotta get your integrity up if you use glass. I liked the reinforcements, but foundations and bulkheads work too.

You're making good progress. How do you like the game?


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4477247 - 06/08/19 09:09 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Yes, pod #19 was the deep one, I think the other two I found were 6 & 3. I was going to experiment with bringing an extra O2 tank and see if I could swap them out in the water.

The game is keeping my interest so far (definitely worth what I paid, LOL). I think my plan for now is to do some more exploring and material gathering as well as revisiting all three pods I've been to for some more exploration. I didn't spend much time looking around in any of them (esp. the last one!) I'll take a picture of my base tonight regardless of its form and post it.


Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4477306 - 06/09/19 02:35 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Focused on base building last night, and found a few new things along the way. First, the base in its current form.

[Linked Image]

A slightly different angle.

[Linked Image]

From above

[Linked Image]

...and coming home

[Linked Image]

Some details...

I found out the hard way that too much glass weakens the structure. The original base had a vertical tube leading to a glass compartment for the view. I also had 1 window in each of the solid tubes after the glass angled pieces. The base ruptured and began to leak. I quickly deconstructed all the glass pieces and repaired the damage (once I realized the repair tool just might do that!). I then pieced together the structure as you see it now, with two glass angled parts looking over the dropoff and entrances on each side of the base. I also put a beacon on it to make finding it easier. I can't use the keyboard in VR (I mean it won't work, not that I can't do it) so I may have to jump into the game in pancake mode and rename the beacon (and lockers too while I am at it).

Along the way, I picked up the blueprint for fabric mesh, so now I can make a radiation suit and head to the Aurora. I also crafted a rebreather, which I found will help mitigate faster O2 depletion when diving below 100m, and I figured out how to switch air tanks too. Now I travel with 2 high cap tanks. I noticed that when I put a fresh tank on, even if it was filled, it is never at full capacity when I switch tanks under water.

I also discovered a better water source than bladderfish. Bleach makes bigger bottles and they are the same size in the inventory, so now I've stocked up on those.

I also made a compass, which should make navigating using the map much easier.



Next up for me is to re-visit the pods I've already been to so I can make sure I've thoroughly exploited all there is there, being very careful with 19 (the one in the trench.) I may make a test dive down to it and back up to see how much air that takes so I can better gauge how long I can explore down there.

Attached Files 2019-06-08_00004.jpg2019-06-08_00003.jpg2019-06-08_00002.jpg2019-06-08_00001.jpg

Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4477320 - 06/09/19 06:31 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Johnny the O2 tanks don't stack if I'm reading your post correctly. Its just one high capacity or whatever kind of O2 tank that you can use at a time. The one you're carrying around in your inventory to switch out with the one your wearing, it doesn't work that way. Unfortunately its not an extra resource so to speak that you can use. Its just a redundant item taking up space in your inventory. You can only use one O2 tank of whatever version at a time and you'll only have as much air as the version type gives you until you go to the surface to get them refilled. When you get a Seamoth, jumping in the cockpit recharges your personal O2 tanks too. Its a little, mobile atmosphere and safe spot for when you really get to exploring deeper areas. But unfortunately you can't just carry extra O2 tanks with you like you are thinking, which is a good, sensible idea but the game doesn't let that tactic work in this world.

That being said, I never tried it so maybe they do let you do that and there's a way to do it? I don't think its the case though knowing how intricately designed the game is around the balancing of O2 needs with exploration/underwater risk taking and challenge.


John 10:1-30
Romans 10:1-13

#4477329 - 06/09/19 08:28 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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You can only use one at a time, but you can switch them out. So if the tank I'm wearing runs low I can equip the tank in my inventory and I've got more. Like I mentioned, even though I fully tank up each before going under water, when I switch to the second tank it isn't full. I imagine the act of switching tanks causes some loss, so that could be the reason why.

I've only got one part of the SeaMoth scanned so far, so I'm still doing things the hard way.


Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4477425 - 06/10/19 12:42 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Nice base JC. Futuristic. Looks like the base itself could take off and drive around with a bit of propulsion. For integrity I used reinforcements anywhere I didn't want to put a window or glass. Moonpools are good for this as I usually had no more than a single window, if that, and that leaves a number of spots for reinforcements. And if I did a stack of multipurpose rooms I would line the bottom one with reinforcement panels and that meant the upper floors could be all glass. Be sure to place the reinforcement before attaching lockers to that wall section, otherwise you have to unload the lockers, disassemble them, and then rebuild them after the panel is in place.

Sea Glide is handy, and I kept it on me throughout the whole game, ready to go on speed dial. But the Sea Moth is the thing that really opens up the map. If you can spare the space for a storage box or two it is even more useful.

I wish I could play this game again new.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4477457 - 06/10/19 04:40 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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LOL you're right, it does look like a vehicle of some kind! My first reaction to the structural issues was to put in some reinforcements, but I don't have a source for one of the components yet (can't remember which one.)
The base is going to be slightly remade very soon, I've unlocked the scanner room and want to put one up. I also unlocked the laser cutting tool and found another piece of the Sea Moth - one more left to unlock it.

I was on my way to one of the pod signals to check it out when I ran across a debris field I hadn't found before. I spent some time poking around and found a big section that I could get into. It seemed like there was another room to it, but I couldn't access it. I'll return with the cutting tool and see if I can get in that way. Some of the debris was tough to get to, there were a few sand sharks flopping around in the area. They got me once or twice, but I think I managed to scan everything in the field.

I'm really enjoying the game, I'm glad I jumped into it.



Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4477462 - 06/10/19 06:08 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Must be lithium you're short of? Those are required for the reinforcement. Lead for foundations and silicone rubber for bulkheads, and all need titanium of course.

I mostly just used reinforcement, but would sometime use a foundation for a Seamoth dock outside the hatch (see first base screenshot, second one has it as well) As long as it's touching another part of the base it will add integrity. I should have used some bulkheads, now that I've seen what they look like. Each time you add or remove a piece of the base the integrity flashes on the upper left of the screen, which I am sure you've seen.

Good to see you're enjoying it. I said give it 10 hours and you'd know. You're probably just a bit past that now eh? It seems you are making great progress.




No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4477506 - 06/10/19 11:11 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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I used the air bladder early on which is kind of fun while you don't have good O2 tanks or vehicles yet. That way you can zoom to the surface with that air balloon. Unfortunately I don't find it useful anymore once you get some of the other gear. It also would have been kind of cool if they had a diver weight belt system to do the opposite. With your O2 full, be able to quickly fall like a rock to the bottom of where you want to explore with relatively full O2, giving you back the wasted time it takes to swim to the bottom, then drop belt and deploy your airbag when its time to go back up for air.


John 10:1-30
Romans 10:1-13

#4477509 - 06/10/19 11:35 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: DBond]  
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Originally Posted by DBond
Must be lithium you're short of? Those are required for the reinforcement. Lead for foundations and silicone rubber for bulkheads, and all need titanium of course.

I mostly just used reinforcement, but would sometime use a foundation for a Seamoth dock outside the hatch (see first base screenshot, second one has it as well) As long as it's touching another part of the base it will add integrity. I should have used some bulkheads, now that I've seen what they look like. Each time you add or remove a piece of the base the integrity flashes on the upper left of the screen, which I am sure you've seen.

Good to see you're enjoying it. I said give it 10 hours and you'd know. You're probably just a bit past that now eh? It seems you are making great progress.




Yes, I thought it was lithium but wasn't sure - I haven't seen it in game yet. I noticed the integrity flashes briefly, it would be nice to be able to look that up when I want to.

I have a little over 9 hours (9:13 to be precise), and you did call it. I know I'd like to finish it too, so I look forward to the rest of the story unfolding.


Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4477510 - 06/10/19 11:36 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: Coot]  
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Originally Posted by Coot
I used the air bladder early on which is kind of fun while you don't have good O2 tanks or vehicles yet. That way you can zoom to the surface with that air balloon. Unfortunately I don't find it useful anymore once you get some of the other gear. It also would have been kind of cool if they had a diver weight belt system to do the opposite. With your O2 full, be able to quickly fall like a rock to the bottom of where you want to explore with relatively full O2, giving you back the wasted time it takes to swim to the bottom, then drop belt and deploy your airbag when its time to go back up for air.



I saw that bit of kit, wasn't sure if I wanted to have it, but I can see the usefulness on a deep dive. I'm going to be doing some more deeper exploring very soon, I may bring one along just to see how it works.


Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4477520 - 06/11/19 01:40 AM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Its a pretty fun tool for free diving at deeper depths. I'm also loving the trail making device. Awhile back in early access it used to be like a tape rule but now it shoots out little lighted "bread crumbs" and you can have up to twenty lights I think and reload them at any time.

Last edited by Coot; 06/11/19 01:40 AM.

John 10:1-30
Romans 10:1-13

#4477730 - 06/12/19 12:54 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Never used the air bladder myself, though the utility of the thing is plain. I did use the Pathfinder tool in my first run, and built it in the second, but didn't actually use it. I did use a lot of beacons however. For example with extensive cave systems I would drop and name a beacon at the exit. Jellyshroom cave for example. Cave exit markers used their own color to make them easy to find quickly. I had so many beacons out that it was a bit of a mess in the HUD at times.

Bases and vehicles used yellow beacons
Exits used red
Entrances (and lifepods) used orange
Points of interest above the LR* used blue
Below and including the LR* used green

* I used LR as I reckon if you haven't found it you won't know what it is, so no spoilers. But if you have you'll know what I am referring to.

How'd your deep dives go JC?


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4477756 - 06/12/19 05:17 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Didn't get a chance at them yet. I had a little time to play the other night, and on my way to the pod I was going to check out I passed over another debris field I hadn't investigated yet, so I checked it out. Turned out to be quite worth it - I got the last piece of SeaMoth I needed to scan to unlock the blueprint. Of course, after searching around and finally getting back to my base I looked at the time and I had to call it a night. Didn't even build one yet.

But that will be first on the list of things to do when I get back in! Looking at the bp, I know I have the mats for it. I've already built a mobile vehicle assembly thingy (hoping it would grant a piece of a bp to something when I did so, no luck.) so I should be able to make that happen straight away. Then to pod 17 for sure this time. At least I think so. After checking that out it will be on to pod 19 and the deepest of the dives I've had so far.

I also did some work on the base, I pulled off two of the tubular sections, replaced one with a 3-way, and added on a scanner room and another tube. So the base now looks much less symmetrical and has a rather large growth protruding out of one side.

I've picked up a few mods too, thought it seems not all of them are compatible with the Epic version of the game. I have an "Easy Build' mod which will assemble components into final products, skipping some of the clicking you'd have to do. Example would be making disinfected water when you have the items needed for bleach - all you do is make the water and the bleach is assemble and consumed for the water automatically. It will also take mats from nearby storage, saving the need to go back and forth to the lockers to swap out items.

I was hoping the clock mod (you can build a couple different types of clocks into your base) would work but sadly it doesn't. I'd like to be able to glance at the time periodically but with the HMD on it makes it tough. So I set an alarm on my phone and keep it in my pocket.


Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4477776 - 06/12/19 06:56 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Do mods disable achievements? Just curious. Subnautica is one of the very few games I've ever played where I got 100% (there are just 17)


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4477780 - 06/12/19 07:11 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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I don't know if mods disable achievements or not. I have the game through Epic, which doesn't have achievements that I'm aware of.


Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4477783 - 06/12/19 07:30 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Yeah, makes sense. Seamoth eh? Nice, that thing is awesome.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4477799 - 06/12/19 08:54 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Can't wait to find out!


Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4477898 - 06/13/19 11:30 AM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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I managed to squeeze a little play time in last night with the SeaMoth. First, in VR it's a little VR-Sickness inducing! Not as bad as tooling around the surface of a planet in Elite, but it's noticeable. I'll have to build that tolerance back up again for prolonged sessions! I basically spent the night flying around and seeing what it could do.


First thing I found out is I could use it to slap around stalkers, which I did a few times as payback (but they got me back somewhat, more on that later). I cruised to pod 17, which was near some caves and had been broken open. Spent a bit of time there, but didn't find anything I hadn't already scanned. So I walked away with a bit of titanium for that. I tried slapping some sand sharks around too, but they can actually deal a little damage to the SeaMoth. Not enough to worry about, but it brought the integrity down a few points. I'll probably not bother with them too much.


I returned the base and tried using the repair tool on the SeaMoth to bring it back up to 100%, and it worked - yay! Looks like it's charge lasts a good while, so I'll make a backup power cell for it but I won't travel with it until the charge gets much lower. DB, I see what you mean about the SeaMoth opening things up. You can travel pretty much with impunity so far (though I'm sure there are some bigger nasties that will find it a tasty morsel) and it generates it own O2, so surfacing is less of an issue. I figure I can use it for the deeper dives as a sort of base, at least to replenish my oxygen between scavenging expeditions.

I went into my scanner room and started playing around with that a bit more, specifically using the camera drones. I brought up wrecks on the scanner and attempted to fly a drone to the wreck on scanner to see if I could then use the drone as a marker for the wreck location. I got close but never actually found the wreck site I was looking for. Of course, the stalkers decided the camera drone was a toy and began swimming around with it (their revenge for me and the SeaMoth I guess!). As I said I didn't have much time to mess around with this, so I'll be looking into it a bit more when I have more time available, hopefully this weekend.

I also got a new pod location via radio. Pod 7 sent some coordinates, so I'll go and check them out. First, though, I want to get back to pod 19 and the deeper areas to see if some of the materials I've been looking for are there. I'd like to get some lithium and diamonds. Diamonds specifically for the laser cutter. I want to use it to try and cut into the areas of wreckage I can't access yet. The tool description seems to indicate this is possible, and if so I'm confident there are some juicy bp's available inside.


Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4477926 - 06/13/19 02:58 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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I hadn't considered that as I don't use VR. Hopefully you get accustomed to it.

Thanks for the update in the spoilers, I like following your progress.

Finding Lifepod 7 was a great moment for me in this game, as it's one that you just get a clue or two, no beacon, and at that stage it was daunting going there, as I didn't know what foul creatures may dwell there. I did a sort of grid search (as accurately as I could considering I was always under the feeling I was being hunted smile ). And when I found it I was pleased with myself lol. Then I got the hell out of there.

And yes, the fact the Seamoth has it's own air supply is great. Really extends your deeper water exploration ability. Once you get some depth modules for it it'll be even better. Don't want to spoil the other modules for you, but I had my favorites so if you have any questions feel free. I've tried most of them, but really only used a few after experimenting with the others. I built two Seamoths as mentioned. One was used for cargo, to run between bases, and the other was outfitted for exploration.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4477928 - 06/13/19 03:07 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: DBond]  
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It will take some getting used to, but I got to the point I was pretty comfortable driving on planets in Elite (and it was ugly at first, let me tell you!) so I'm not too worried about it.

I'll keep this going as a blog of sorts, I find it kinda fun to sum up my game experiences, and I always look forward to your commentary as well!

Your comment about Lifepod 7 is interesting, I got the radio call just before I called it a night, so I didn't look at my beacon list to see if it was there or not so I didn't realize it was going to be hunt. I'm looking forward to that.


Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4477929 - 06/13/19 03:19 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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There should be a clue or two on Lifepod 7 in your PDA under Codes and Clues that will help a bit.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4477931 - 06/13/19 03:21 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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First place I was gonna look! thumbsup


Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4478365 - 06/16/19 01:19 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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It’s been a busy few days but I finally managed to squeeze in a little gaming time last night. The plan for the evening was to checkout the lost lifepod 19 which was deep in a trench to my South east, and depending on time maybe check out the crash site of the Aurora. That has been a goal for a while, and now that I have a radiation suit I’ll go ahead and check it out.

First, here's an updated picture of the base. There's a scanner room addition on the right and SeaMoth parking on the left.

[Linked Image]


Enroute to 19 I found another unexploited debris field, so the pod would have to wait. It wound up being a nice treasure trove , including blueprints for the moon pool (1 part anyway), thermal generator (complete), the multipurpose room (1 part) and a few other odds and ends. In the midst of this, a leech-like critter latched onto my arm and wound up killing me before I was able to get it off. I respawned in my base, but my SeaMoth remained at the debris sight, so it was a slow swim back. I completed my investigation, and discovered the current depth limit of the SeaMoth is 200m, I started getting warnings and damage when I attempted to go lower. When I get all the pieces for the moonpool I’ll be able to upgrade it, but for now it’s going to be limited to 200m.

I got as close as I could to the site of pod 19 in the ‘Moth and set out to checkout the pod. I picked up another piece or two of blueprint but nothing else of mind-blowing value was found. I poked around the caves a bit and found some lithium and a diamond, both of which were first time finds. I see now the value of the flashlight (boy is it dark down there!) and the pathfinder tool. I had used the pathfinder as a way to mark bits of ship items I had already scanned too. I found the caves a bit disorienting in the dark so the pathfinder will be helpful in helping me get back out. I decided I’d seen enough and went back to my base.

Hey Nineteen....
[Linked Image]

Into the deep, dark.....
[Linked Image]
I deposited my new finds. Finding the diamond triggered a recording to be played which stated that all items I found were property of the company and that would have to reimburse them full market value for any found items not returned. Apparently I’m into them for a cool 3 mill right now. They can deduct it from the settlement of the lawsuit I’m gonna file against them for getting me lost here!

Heading to the Aurora, again I hit a debris field enroute. No good finds here though, sadly As I got closer to the ship, I started coming across storage lockers and grabbed a few items of use from them. I also started finding Cyclops bits. Apparently this is one big ship, as there seem to be sub components you have to have before being able to build it. I got 2/3 pieces for the engine and scanned another piece only to find out it was piece 1/3 for the bridge. So I’ve got some collecting to do.

I went around the back of the ship and the atmosphere became much different. It was very dark, even in daylight. I heard the roar of...something...and it sounded big. I found some more debris but before I could get out and scan it, the something grabbed the ‘Moth! I got a look at a long snake like body with tentacles coming off the face - I think, I mean he didn’t exactly sit still for a picture, and teeth. Lots of teeth. He managed to destroy my SeaMoth but I was able to get away safely.

I’m not going to lie - that freaked me out a little bit. I got back to my base and crafted a new ‘Moth. I was getting low on food and water, so I went out and did a little fishing and gathering to get a little inventory up. Once I got my food/water full again I decided to call it a night.


There were a few items I wished to make which I needed more supplies for - primarily copper. I’m going to have to spend a little time doing some gathering before my next exploration expedition. In looking though some of my log entries, I saw a reference to a land mass that was to be used as a survivor rally point. I’ve got a general distance and direction to that point, so I’m going to see what’s there before heading back to the Aurora. And I’ve still got some pods to find, but those are low on my priority list right now.

Attached Files 2019-06-15_00004.jpg2019-06-15_00001.jpg2019-06-15_00002.jpg
Last edited by JohnnyChemo; 06/16/19 02:18 PM. Reason: added pictures

Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4478401 - 06/16/19 07:03 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Excellent stuff! Glad to see you seem to have made it out of the grinding phase to understand the controls and basic game mechanics. You're well on your way now. I would recommend not trying to blast through the main storyline too quickly, take your time building stuff to your satisfaction, consider starting some grow beds outside or inside your base, etc. Remember you can stack vertically on your base and use ladders to connect the pods together.

#4478415 - 06/16/19 10:03 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Thanks! I think I'm getting the idea behind the game now. I'd love to start making my own food instead of fishing for it all the time, but I don't seem to to have access to any blueprints for any type of growing facility yet.
I've been thinking about expanding the base a little, and "up" seemed like a good place to go. I may throw another tube or two onto the new platform I put in for the SeaMoth as well.


Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4478485 - 06/17/19 12:25 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Good stuff JC. The thing you found off the Aurora's stern (or maybe found you smile ) is Sammy.

Looking at your third screenshot you'd think the most obvious thing would be the lifepod. But all I see is resources smile Huge lithium deposits, quartz, limestone/sandstone with probably a chunk of copper in it, a creature egg. The brain gets programmed to notice this stuff doesn't it? The cave entrance shot is cool too, it shows another side of this great game.

I like the Seamoth dock too. Nice touch.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4478525 - 06/17/19 04:05 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Sammy the Reaper? Not a very friendly fellow, is he.

I'm going to be heading back to that pod to do a little resource acquisition. I spent last night in the Kelp Forest doing that, but the pod area has the lithium and diamond I want.


Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4478530 - 06/17/19 04:45 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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No, he is rather inhospitable. I remember when I first encountered him. I heard him, and stopped dead. I peered in to the distance, and saw something. Large. He roared again. I turned around and left. He got me later though. I also need a new Seamoth at that point smile


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4478537 - 06/17/19 05:45 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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I may have also soiled my radiation suit when he grabbed my Moth!


Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4478539 - 06/17/19 05:56 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Did you already know such things existed in the game or was it a total surprise?

One of the scariest parts of this game for me was receiving the following message from the computer. You may not have heard this yet so proceed with caution

No that's not it, it is....

Scans indicate multiple leviathan class lifeforms in this region. Are you sure what you are doing is worth it?


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4478544 - 06/17/19 07:00 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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I knew nasty things were in the game, I had heard of leviathans, and I had even run into the docile ones earlier. I ran across a picture of the Reaper but didn't expect to run into him yet.
My son also played this game for a while, and when we talked about it a couple of weeks ago he told me that it was scary around the Aurora but he didn't say why.

I wasn't expecting to get attacked at that point, I didn't think I was in a dangerous area but my guard was up.

I think I did get that warning when I encountered the harmless ones, but never had any issue with them so I wasn't worried.


Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4478638 - 06/18/19 11:48 AM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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So my next adventure in our little game/temporary obsession involved some deep dives, material gathering, landfall, and a permanently parked SeaMoth.


I decided to head out in the direction of pod 19, as that biome was where I had found diamonds, and I needed one more to make a laser cutter. I spent some time finding shale outcrops in the underwater spires in that area and just cruising around in general. At one point I surfaced, and lo and behold - LAND!! My list of things to do involved investigating reports of land situated south of the Aurora wreck, so while it wasn't completely a surprise, I wasn't actually looking for it. Since I had found enough diamonds to make a cutter, I figured I would go and check out this new discovery.

I beached my SeaMoth (in retrospect I have no idea why, it's not like it would float away...) and started down a path I found. Little crab-like things were there and being annoying. I don't think they are dangerous, but they kept jumping and nipping at me. I pulled out my knife but it didn't seem to have any effect. I did some walking around and scanned this and that...very little of what I scanned seemed useful, though one plant did provide water and a small bit of food. I spotted some sort of technology on top of a nearby hill, but didn't actually get to it. I also found a cave which had some alien technology in it - alien arches, to be specific. They may be related to the alien vents I had found on the sea floor nearby.

I also noted that pod 19 seemed to be directly under this floating rock...interesting but I don't know if it means anything yet. At this point, my food and water were running low. Even though I could get some from the plant I found earlier, I chose to head back (and make the laser cutter, among other things). I jumped into a small lake, and as I suspected, it was a "hole" in the island that led to the deep. Interesting! I also found some giant creatures that apparently latched onto the rock and caused it to float. I found all that fascinating, but my stomach was still growling so I found the marker for my vessel and made my way towards it. I hopped into my trusty SeaMoth, hit reverse, and....nothing. In beaching my 'Moth, apparently I stranded it as well! It's hung up on the beach, and no amount of bouncing, pushing, or harsh language would persuade it to budge. I guess the good news is that I've got a beacon to the island now, but I'm out one SeaMoth. I guess I'm not really OUT one, I mean I can still sit in it and all, but its value to me is now significantly less than it was.

So it was a long SeaGlide back to my pod, as that was the nearest port, with a quick stop to catch a few fish along the way. After gorging myself on some seafood, I headed back to my base and built my shiny new laser cutter. Oh and a new SeaMoth.

I was getting ready to call it a night, so instead of heading back to the island I decided to check out a few nearby wreck sites to see if I could get any goodness from within. Of course, the stuff closest to me contained items I've long since acquired, so while I was able to access the inside of wrecks, nothing of value was gained. I did acquire a data pad, which talks about a member of the Degasi team. I've got a couple of messages regarding them in my log, so I expect to run into something from them at some point. I wonder if the structure on top of the island is theirs?

When I got back into my base, I noticed I had a radio call. Pod 12 crash landed and sank somewhere deep, I was warned not to go there unless I had some submersible equipment. Pod 13 had a VIP passenger and a burial team was requested. Interesting....

Up next is re-visting some of the wreck sites with my new toy to see if I can unlock some other cool stuff. I may venture back to the Aurora. Some good bits there, but I'll have to be very careful of Sammy. And pod 13 was fairly close, maybe I'll swing by that and see what the deal is there. I'll revisit the island at some point, but I'll need to properly stock up on food/water before I do. I have the feeling that might be an extended stay. Fortunately I have a "beacon" on the island to help me find it again.....


Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4478873 - 06/19/19 12:36 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Good stuff JC. About your spoilers.... you can see this, the spoilers are for someone new

Quote
I wonder if the structure on top of the island is theirs?


Definitely worth a revisit there when you get a chance.

Burnin' through some Seamoths eh? Racking up the Alterra bill biggrin






No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4479220 - 06/21/19 06:55 AM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Originally Posted by VF9_Longbow
Does anyone else here play it?

At first I was treating it like a sandbox game and just checking youtube for hints on where to find stuff. Not anymore. The story is unbelievably good.

There are so many frightening things that occur during the game. The number of lifeforms is astounding and some of them are mindbogglingly terrifying when you first come across them. And the awesome equipment you make when you put your mind to it.

What a great game.


My understanding is that they are making it for VR. So when I get a VR headset, I'll play it.


Keep Calm and Check Canopy

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#4479230 - 06/21/19 08:17 AM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Subnautica already has VR. It looks great in VR but the interface is very clunky. They didn't do a good job with the VR controls unfortunately. A real shame since the rest of the game is very well polished otherwise. Fantastic experience on a normal screen, and very cool in VR but if you're trying to mess with the interface it becomes a chore.

Maybe there's a VR mod that improves interface stuff.

#4479242 - 06/21/19 10:17 AM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: Timothy]  
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Originally Posted by Timothy
My understanding is that they are making it for VR. So when I get a VR headset, I'll play it.


As LB has already said, VR is available in Subnautica right now. It's sort of nice, but you're still using the X-Box controller (or whatever controller you use - the point is it's not VR controllers).

I'll probably delete Subnautica for the HD space. It's essentially a survival game of gathering, crafting and building, and I'm not too enamoured with that. Those urges are better (for me) supplied by Worlds Adrift. Now THAT is a game that would benefit hugely from VR smile In fact it really seems perfect for it.

Last edited by DM; 06/21/19 10:17 AM.

"They might look the same, but they don't taste the same."
#4479253 - 06/21/19 11:41 AM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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It's easy to look past the shortcomings of the VR implementation, as it's so immersive. I'm playing the game exclusively in VR and it's an amazing experience. Yes, the interface is a little clunky, and yes, true VR controller support would be preferable, but those things are adequate at the moment IMHO.

So my next chapter in the adventure is somewhat shorter, not as much time in game the last few days due to RL, but I thought I'd throw an update out. I had some chance discoveries and another trip to the ship.



Armed with my newly fashioned laser cutter, I set out to the Aurora to look for some more odds and ends. I want to at least get the Moonpool bp so I can do some upgrades on the SeaMoth and spend a little more time out and about with it. With that as my goal, I headed out.

Along the way, I came upon a debris field that I had previously explored. With the cutter, new parts of the field would now be open (literally!) to me so I spent a little time cutting through some doors and looking about. I wound up with battery charger (yay!) and propulsion cannon blueprints, as well as a few things I'll need the modification station for (ultra fins, lightweight high cap O2 tank). Not much more of value was discovered there, so I headed back to the Aurora.

Before I got there, though, I ran across a couple more pods. I had received radio calls for both of these, but I had them on the back burner and wasn't actively looking for them. Pod number 6 was sunk with a large hole ripped through the top. The log revealed that a passenger lit a flare inside the pod with the idea of using it to signal for help and touched off an explosion which sunk it. Pod 4 was right next to the Aurora on the surface but inverted. That log revealed they were looking to make radiation suits, apparently they were unsuccessful as no survivors were found. There was a large hole in this pod as well. Given its proximity to the Aurora, the drive explosion from the ship could have caused that damage. Exhausting the finds at the pods, I once again set out to return to the main ship.

I explored along the side of the hull, being VERY careful as I got to the back. I wasn't eager to see Sammy again, but I apparently didn't get close enough to his patrol area to see or even hear him. I worked my way along the side looking for an entrance. Approaching the nose, the structure of the craft becomes much less...intact lets say...as the damage from the crash and explosion is very evident. I was able to get inside the very front part of the nose which prompted my PDA to tell me that in 24 hours the radiation would do BAD THINGS to the flora and fauna of the region. I guess I now have a mission. I looked briefly around, as I was just about ready to call it night, and out the front of the craft, off in the distance I saw...Sammy! Great. There's another one of them. I got inside with no issues, and I don't think he'll fit through the openings, so I should be safe here as long as I stick to the hull while I'm travelling around the craft. I guess I'll find out anyway!

With these new blueprints and knowledge I set back to my base, deciding first to stop at my pod as my food was running low and it was closer. I caught a few fish, cooked myself up a meal, and returned to the base. As I was leaving I noticed that the gaspods and stalkers seem much closer to my pod location than in the past. Either their territories are drifting into the pod, the pod is drifting into them, or my memory is faulty. Something to keep an eye on anway.

After stowing my gear and the resources I acquired, I decided that the "propulsion cannon" item was something I had to try out right away. I'm not going to lie, the caution against trying it out on organic material made it even more compelling. After leaving the base, the first thing I targeted was the biter that likes to hang out in my SeaMoth parking area and nip at my ship (and me, the little turd). I caught him and flung him off into the distance! It didn't seem to kill him, but it was immensely satisfying!! I swam around to see what else I could catch and fling. I found some debris, it was easy enough to pick up and move about, but the real question was can I shoot it at a stalker? Answer - yes I can! It didn't seem to effect him much though. I tried to grab the stalker with the cannon, but I couldn't. That was unfortunate, because I thought I might be able to use it against the reaper. Guess not. I also was not able to use it on my SeaMoth, a shame since I thought I may be able to free my stuck one with it. I'm still not giving up on that one. When I return to the island I have a couple of ideas I want to try out. I spent a few more minutes grabbing and shooting things/fish etc and decided to call it a night.

Next up is a return trip to the Aurora to see about stopping that radiation, as well as exploring for more and better equipment/blueprints. I'm also going to set up a grav trap and see if that will collect fish for me so I don't have to chase them down all the time for food. Oh and I'll probably do a little fish shooting as well!


Last edited by JohnnyChemo; 06/21/19 11:42 AM. Reason: spoiler tags fouled up

Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4479266 - 06/21/19 03:01 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Thanks for the update. Going back to the Aurora is a good plan, you'll probably find something useful smile

I don't know what the name is of Sammy's cousin at the bow. Stu?


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4479323 - 06/21/19 07:29 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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I can't imagine what it would be like in VR. Seems like some of those tense O2 management risks would feel quite suffocating. I've never tried a VR system. Do you all that use them get interesting dreams after playing in VR?


John 10:1-30
Romans 10:1-13

#4479370 - 06/21/19 11:19 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Lol, no nothing like that. You can get a little "VR Sick" kinda like motion sickness sometimes. When I first started using a SeaMoth it made me a little queasy, but I got over it. In Elite, the SRV got me really badly. I wound up getting better with that but I still try not to do too much SRV-ing (not my favorite thing before VR anyway).

I also use it for DCS, IL-2, and X-Plane. It's fantastic in flight sims.


Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4479474 - 06/22/19 03:14 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: Coot]  
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Originally Posted by Coot
I can't imagine what it would be like in VR. Seems like some of those tense O2 management risks would feel quite suffocating. I've never tried a VR system. Do you all that use them get interesting dreams after playing in VR?


This is an interesting topic in it's own right. I'll start a new thread around it.


"They might look the same, but they don't taste the same."
#4479606 - 06/23/19 03:40 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Back to the Aurora and cleaning up the map!



I headed directly back to the Aurora. Since I couldn't find an entrance in the stern or side, I headed straight to the bow to find entry. Seeing no sign of Sammy & Friends, I carefully worked my way around the nose section looking for entry. It took a while, but eventually I found a way in. I had to use the propulsion cannon to move a few cargo crates out of the way, but I got into the ship. I was able to move about fairly well with only a few obstacles. Some damaged doors needed repair, some fires needed extinguishing, and some doors needed passcodes that were conveniently available on discarded PDA's.

The PDA's also included some flavor text as well as some backstory on our mission. It seems we are on a rescue mission of sorts. I've seen "Dagasi" mentioned a few times, and that appears to be the name of a ship which we were meant to search for. I wonder if the structure on the island that I saw earlier has some connection there? Or is it something alien related? I also found out through the course of my travels that the damage to the Aurora also damaged most of the lifepods, which explains why I haven't found any other survivors. I also found my character's name - Ryley Robinson. Oh yeah - the damage to the Aurora was caused by some unknown type of weapon. So that's another thing to wonder about.

I was able to access just about every location I could find, save the Captain's Quarters. That requires a passcode I was unable to find on the ship. I am reasonably certain I found everything else on board, so that code must be elsewhere. My guess is on a PDA in one of the lifepods I haven't found yet.

Some of the cooler items I recovered include a depth upgrade for my Seamoth. Not sure how much deeper I can go, but I'll be looking to check that out fairly soon. I also completed the blueprint for the Cyclops. I have to find one more bridge part and one more hull part to complete that vehicle. Oh and I unlocked the Prawn Suit. I can't make it yet, as I haven't gotten the blueprint for the Aerogel it requires (nor do I know the ingredients for that item). I'm assuming I'll have to branch out to some different biomes for some of the materials I need but haven't sourced yet. Included in that list are Magnetite and Rubies. There are probably a few other things as well, but those are off the top of my head.

I managed to seal the radiation leak in the Aurora, which I think means I can go back to using my rebreather mask instead of the radiation helmet in that area. That's good, I've done some resource gathering enroute to the ship and went below 100m a few times, which increases O2 use without the rebreather. The biggest obstacle here was the numerous "bleeder" leach like creatures that I've tangled with a few times before. As soon as I saw them swimming, I grabbed my propulsion cannon and did some bleeder-flinging. I found if I shot them at the wall that would take care of them. Standing on the catwalk, I was able to grab and chuck them all, so they didn't bother me in the least when I was patching up the reactor.

After calling the Aurora done for now, I started heading back to my base. Looking at the map, there was an annoying little triangle of black in the midst of a mostly mapped area. It was only a slight deviation from a straight line back to my base, so I figured I'd go check it out. Turns out there was a wreck there, and I got the first piece of a stasis rifle. Not sure what that is, but since the propulsion cannon was so much fun flinging bleeders and crabs around, I figure the stasis cannon could be equally enjoyable!

Next up I think is a trip back to the island. I want to get a look at that structure some more and see if I missed anything. While I'm in the area, I'll do some deep diving with my new Seamoth upgrade as well. There's sure to be some tasty finds down there!


Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4479740 - 06/24/19 04:26 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Cool, you got the things I had been thinking of, And great job finding your way to the crew deck. That's not easy to find, and for me it was quite by accident. I could have easily missed that entire section and never known it. Luckily I got trapped and turned around underwater in the Prawn Bay and popped up and said 'oh, what's this then?' biggrin


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4479749 - 06/24/19 05:10 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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I found that stuff right off - call it dumb luck. I had to come back a second time to find the drive room (and Seamoth bay). I didn't realize what I needed to do to get through that particular door in the Prawn Bay.
(repair the door lock)

I did spend a long time looking for my initial entrance too (and longer than it should have been the next night as well!)

Last edited by JohnnyChemo; 06/24/19 05:11 PM.

Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4479752 - 06/24/19 05:20 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Haha, there was a door?!


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4479892 - 06/25/19 11:43 AM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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That's what I thought when I went back and saw it!
So last night I went back to the island, and rescued my Seamoth!



I headed back to the island, using my trusty beached Seamoth as a waypoint. Along the way I found a piece of wreckage, did a little looking and unlocked the stasis rifle and the Moonpool! After finding a few data pads and a Cyclops upgrade in the wreckage I set back on course for the floating island.

After arriving, I grabbed my propulsion cannon and decided to attempt to free my stuck Seamoth. It was easily dislodged, and now I've got two usable craft! I then set about circumnavigating the island. After finding nothing of note in doing so, I dove under the island and surface in the "lake" in the center of it. I found the structure I had seen before and set out for it on foot. Looking at my map, two pieces of wreckage showed up on the island, so I figured I would look for those as well.

I came upon the structure, and it turned out to be a long abandoned modular structure, similar to what I can build using the habitat tool. Looking again at the map, I noted that it appears that the structure was what the wreck markers on the map were referring to. I poked around, and it was pretty rewarding - I unlocked the Multipurpose room, exterior garden, bulkhead, and spotlight. I also found a few data pads. This was the home of the survivors of the Degasi apparently. After they crashed on this planet, they set up a shelter here. Looking around, I saw another structure. From where I stood, it looked similar to where I was. I set out for it.

After arriving and confirming it was indeed another habitat structure, I scanned an Observatory and interior garden into my blueprint inventory. Data pads confirmed this as Degasi-survivor built. The Torgal family spent some time here. An entry from Paul's son Bart confirmed that Paul and another member of their group had indeed died here. Bart also references some underwater exploration and says "they don't want us here." Who? An indigenous sentient species? Other denizens of the deep? Aliens? I know there are alien structures here - I've seen and scanned them - are the builders still here? And of course, what brought down the Degasi in the first place? And the Aurora? And the Sunbeam?

Solving the mystery of the Degasi seems to have opened up some other questions. I've visited three habitats so far, and I see a fourth in the distance. I'll be heading there next.

When I'm done with the island, I'll need to find some sources of a few items - rubies and magnetite are at the top of the list. I also need to find a blueprint for Aerogel (and its components) so I can make a Prawn suit, as well as finish unlocking the Cyclops blueprint. My guess is that there is a plant I need to harvest to unlock Aerogel. That is what happened with silicone rubber, so I'm guessing it will be case here as well.

I imagine I'll be looking for a new base location a little closer to some of these sources as well.

Oh and there are still a few lifepods I haven't located yet!



Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4480053 - 06/26/19 01:10 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Enjoy the updates JC. We approached the game in a similar way it seems. It's fun to see it through your eyes. I wish SimHQ had more of the 'there I was' type content that used to be so common around here. I hope you stick with it. I'd like to read about your adventures when you get to the late game stuff.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4480079 - 06/26/19 04:42 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Thanks DB! I'm enjoying writing these up almost as much as doing them in the first place!.
Last night I did a little base-building work. I got the moonpool up and running. Unfortunately, with my base set up as it was it's not quite an elegant solution. I'll grab a screenshot and show you, but it's easier for me to
dive out of the bottom and enter the main part of the base through the main entry. It's a little lacking, but I feel like my time in this base is almost at an end. I'll need to reload some materials, but I'm getting to the point where
it may make sense to relocate Not yet, but soon.

Using the moonpool, I fabricated a couple of storage units for my SeaMoth. I Vehicle Mod station in place too, but dismantled it when I realized all it was good for was re-skinning my ship. I'm not really interested in that.

Of course, putting that in place killed my structural integrity, so I spent a good bit of time making reinforcements and repairing leaks. I'll need to throw another couple of solar panels on as well, I'm pretty sure I'm in an energy deficit,
I'll have to double check tonight.

I felt like I finished the Degasi storyline and was kinda looking at where to concentrate next, but I saw something that made me re-think that assessment.


I found a cave with jellyshrooms at the entrance, and it turns out there's an underwater cavern that is full of them. I didn't have much time to look around, but I did see a few things of note. First, some rather nasty snake-like things that kept trying to taste the Seamoth. I have no doubt they would make short work of me too. Second, there was a small structure there - a foundation and some cargo crates. They looked aged, so I'm guessing they were from the Degasi crew. There was mention in some of the downloaded information about an underwater base. I may be close to it. I'll have to investigate the cavern more fully.


Other than that, I didn't get much in last night. I'll have to make up for it tonight!


Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4480084 - 06/26/19 05:24 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Quote
but dismantled it when I realized all it was good for was re-skinning my ship



A little tip.... re-build the upgrade station in the moonpool, then turn around and look behind you smile


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4480088 - 06/26/19 05:42 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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So the fabricator is part of it, eh? I didn't realize that. I thought it consisted only of the freestanding console. Guess I'll have to put it back in. Funny, I managed to make the upgrades thinking that the fabricator was part of the moonpool, then took the upgrade console apart thinking it was useless and never noticed the fabricator was gone!


Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4480219 - 06/27/19 03:12 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Since I unlocked some wonderful new toys for my seabase, I decided to completely re-make my old base. I'm more of a minimalist by nature, so the new base is more bare bones, but seems like it has far more room than the previous base had.

Here's the prior incarnation:

[Linked Image]

...and here's the new version. I gotta get some quartz and make a couple of windows for the moonpool!

[Linked Image]

Of course this entailed getting every bit of material out of all the lockers in the old bits of base and making new lockers and transporting them, which was a bit annoying but I did it anyway.

Then I set off the check out the jellyshroom caves I had been exploring earlier. I should mention I'm using this map mod https://www.nexusmods.com/subnautica/mods/12
I've been using it since I started (along with a few others) and didn't realize there wasn't an actual map in the vanilla game. It's a pity, this is quite helpful. The map has a fog of war feature, so nothing I haven't traveled to is revealed (no spoilers), but
things like wrecks and thermal vents have icons on them, as do active beacons. This is very helpful for planning, and I recommend the mod wholeheartedly.

Anyway, onto the advenure...



I went back to the jellyshroom cave where I found the foundation and cargo crates and started exploring deeper. I had to be careful, as the snakes (I don't know the real name of them, they are too aggressive to scan for me right now) that live in the shrooms beat the hell out of my Seamoth when they get a chance. A few times I had to park it and repair it, one time the craft was down to 5%!

I found a habitat in what I think was the middle of the cavern, in it was a PDA with a beacon location to a full base. I set out to find that. Again, I was more searching for that beacon rather than exploring. When I've gotten something a little beefier (Prawn suit? Cyclops?) I will explore them more thoroughly. There are large rocks of materials I can't mine at the moment, and I"m sure I'll be needing them. My guess is the Prawn suit will be the answer there.

Following the beacon, I came upon the last(?) Degasi seabase. I carefully cruised around outside of it. I kept getting attacked by the snakes, so I tried turning off my light, thinking it was drawing them to me. I may have been right, as the attacks seemed to subside after that (or I may have been imagining it!) I found a place that seemed like it may be fairly safe to park and got out to explore around the base. I found a broken section that gave me access to the interior. I also picked up a few more PDAs, which detailed more of the story. In the first room, I found a water filtration system. My new mission is to get this built ASAP! No more hunting for salt, coral tubes, or bladderfish! I'll have to unlock that #%&*$# Aerogel. So my new mission really is to find whatever I need to get that Aerogel unlocked!

There is a luminescent hanging vine in throughout the base. I found out these are dangerous - they will do damage if you make contact. I kept an eye on my health, it didn't seem like there was too much damage, and I was carrying a few medkits, so I was not too concerned. I traveled through the base, trying to scan every piece I came in contact with. There didn't seem to be much outside of the water system though. I found a couple more PDA's and my O2 alert went off. Time to get out and back to the moth to air up.
Unfortunately, I went way too close to one of the damaging plants, and died! I woke up back at my base.

My Seamoth was down in the cavern, and I didn't think I'd stand a chance of getting to it before my air ran out or I got killed by the snakes, so I decided to rescue my other Seamoth I had left at the island. I picked it up without incident, and returned to my base to make a depth mod for it. Once it was equipped, I started following the beacon to my other craft & Degasi base. My surprise was how close it seemed. Apparently I traveled through the caverns a good way back toward my base. I hadn't realized that it was that close. Following the beacon, I found another entrance to the caverns. One of the PDA diaries I had read mentioned the main base was close to an entrance, and it was true.

I worked my way to the base (again!) and found my other moth. It was intact, apparently unmolested by the snakes! I parked and went in to the base to make sure I didn't miss anything important. I can't recall for sure, but I may have gotten one more PDA entry from it but nothing more. I returned to my 2nd moth, and it had gotten trashed by the snakes - down to 5% as I mentioned before. I fixed it up, and travelled up to the opening of the cavern. It would serve as a beacon for me with the other one.

Returning to my first moth, I found and unlocked the modification station just next to it. I looked around for other items to unlock, but there wasn't anything new to me there, so I returned to the moth. The trip back to the base was uneventful, as was my return to the other moth and its return to base. I've got two now at my base, the only difference is the color (I changed the color accidently when messing around with the vehicle modification station and never bothered to fix it) and the fact that one has storage lockers on it.

I also built the modification station in my base, and looked through some of the toys there. I'm going to go harvest some lithium next chance I get so I can get a better air tank, I also make a better set of fins and a heatknife. Good thing I have a battery charger, it looks like I'll be going through quite a few batteries!

Attached Files 2019-06-15_00003.jpg2019-06-26_00001.jpg
Last edited by JohnnyChemo; 06/27/19 04:03 PM. Reason: fixed pictures

Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4480225 - 06/27/19 03:32 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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A map! A MAP!! What I wouldn't have given for a map! Haha, or I could have had fewer beacons deployed anyway smile

Nice base by the way. No fuss, just the facts. You should add an observatory with a table and a chair or two for sipping your morning coffee while reading the latest edition of Water Worlds World.

The rest should go in spoilers I believe.

The jellyshroom cave is one of my favorite places in the game. The second base screenshot is obviously in there. Lots of thermal power and a nice ambience. You may have found it, but in the first room in that jellyshroom Degasi base there is a PDA in the top of a locker that's hard to spot. I missed it first time since I was staying low to avoid the hangers

Water filtration is awesome, I had it in every base in my survival run. But be aware it takes a lot of power to run. It will make two very large water and two salt. It only consumes power while filtering. Once those slots are full it will shut down. I just left the salt so all it had to do was produce water and therefore ran less. You'll find the rubies and gelsacks a bit deeper down. Ever down smile


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4480228 - 06/27/19 03:53 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: DBond]  
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The map is awesome, no doubt! I only just realized that the map mod added the map and didn’t just improve upon a preexisting map! It feels like it fits in seamlessly with the game. The beacon page in the PDA brings it up, and by hitting X on the controller you get the beacon management page. I can change the beacon colors too. Kudos to the modern!

Observatory is on the list - just need the mats! Gonna put it off the multipurpose room opposite of the moonpool.

Ever down, that’s a good summation of my plan. I’m got a few stray lifepods to track down as well, but I keep getting hung up on other things!


Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4480338 - 06/28/19 07:01 AM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Wheres a good place for setting up the main base? the shallow reef seems quite obvious being rather central, I dont really have the technology to build a deep underwater base. I was thinking either the plain reef or grassy plateau

#4480366 - 06/28/19 12:13 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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My base isn’t far off from the pod, just past the shallows on the edge of a kelp forest. I just picked a spot that looked cool personally. If you put something together and don’t like it for some reason, you can deconstruct it and get all the construction materials back, so there’s really no downside in just throwing something together.

Being by the pod has its advantages. You can build a medkit fab later and run to the pod to restock. I’ve also used the pod area as a fishing ground and popped into the pod to se the fabricator to cook fish (still do sometimes). I didn’t build a radio for a while either, so I would pop back to check that as well.


Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4480368 - 06/28/19 12:19 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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I think a great spot for the main base is near the southern thermal vent, where the grassy plateau, safe shallows and kelp forest meet. It's close to the jellyshroom entrance and not far from many of the late game locations. In the run I just completed I had four bases. One near the pod (5m), one in the Jellyshroom cave (300m), one in the Deep Grand Reef (main base, 500m) and one next to the cove tree (900m).

If you've found it, and if you have the depth capability, I think the Deep Grand Reef is a great late-game location.

This was my main base from my first run, and is next to the southern safe shallows thermal vent. Not much to go on, but you can see how it's against deeper water, but still shallow enough for solar power (although I used thermal from the geyser).

[Linked Image]


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4480398 - 06/28/19 03:12 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Last run was more focused on resource gathering - specifically Lithium, but I had some nice (and not so nice!) surprise finds.



I set out towards the floating island and pod 19. Lithium was at the top of my list to find, with the idea of making a larger capacity air tank. I needed 4 to do the job, and I had 3, so my plan was find one and run back to base to make the tank, then do some more exploring.

I got to the stone spires that, in my mind, marked the area that was rich in shale rocks and, by extension, lithium. I set about grabbing those things I could grab. Diamond! Crap! Gold! Crap! Diamond! Crap! Lithium! Finally!!
By now I had ventured into a new biome and my curiosity got the better of me. Rather than going back, I loaded my finds into one of the three storage lockers fit to my Seamoth and continued exploring. Something red on the cavern wall - is it? Why it's a Ruby! What's that green thing? Uranite? What the hell's that? Did something pee here? I grabbed it anyway, I'm sure I'll find a use for it. Something on the ground - round with glowing circular...things...on it - gel sack? Grab it - oh what's this? A new blueprint? Aerogel! Woohoo! Prawn suit here I come! Another new find - red blobs on the cavern floor - blood oil? Ok grab one of those and....benzene comes from it?

So much new stuff falling my way! At this point I need food and water. I can use my heat knife to slash and eat cooked fish, but I need to get water too, so back home I go. I return and take care of my water issue, and then set about making a few things. First up was the new and improved air tank. Much bigger in my inventory, but almost twice as much capacity as the "high capacity" tank I've been using. I decide to only make one so as not to eat up too much carry space.

I can make a water filtration unit, so I go ahead and do that. Prawn suit? Unfortunately I've used all my lithium, so no go on that....yet. Rather than go back to where I was (lithium was not very plentiful there, though I managed to find a few) I decided to set out to one of the pod signals I hadn't found yet. Pod 12 had a signal beacon, the rest were approximations, so I headed out there.

The beacon sits 250 deep, but that's doesn't worry me. It is somewhere off the bow of the Aurora. That does worry me. I head out anyway, thinking I can bail on it if I need to. As I get through the mushroom trees, I start to see some nastier looking beasties.

Starting with this guy.

[Linked Image]

I've seen him before, but this time he actually attacked me and damaged my ship a bit, so I decided to steer clear.

Then this little light show

[Linked Image]

Not sure what to make of him, so I'll just give him his space. He seems to come out of nowhere too, so that's both curious and frightening.

Then this little guy showed up.

[Linked Image]

It's a peeper, but it's like I'm on acid watching him with his little light show. At first I thought it was a bug in the game, but others didn't do it and he did. I decided to try scanning him and see if I got anything out of that exercise. There appeared in my PDA an entry about some special enzyme he may have in his gut. Not sure what to make of that, but it's filed away for future reference.

My scavenging got me a grand total of 1 lithium. A little discouraged, I started collecting other resources I had been ignoring while I focused on that one item. Eventually, I worked my way into the ocean just off the bow of the ship. Then I saw this....

[Linked Image]

Ok, that's enough for now. I think I'll head back! Lookie who I wound up coming face to face with!

[Linked Image]

This big guy is harmless, but it was still a bit disconcerting looking at THAT filling up my view!

Returned to the base and refit for another trip to pod 19-land. Travelling back, I came upon a trench and decided to go diving. And found these...

[Linked Image]

At the base of these trees are blood oil sacs. I gathered a bunch of them, but they take up a ton of space in my inventory so I didn't grab all I see. I also didn't have much need for them at the moment, so I'll leave the rest for when I need them.
Rubies rubies rubies! I now have a good supply of these!! I also grabbed a bunch of gel sacs; again I now have a decent count in my inventory. I didn't spend a LOT of time there, there some big nasties that just...appeared! I saw a round electrical discharge of sorts and they popped through, then popped out again. No idea what their story is, but I'll steer clear for now.

Eventually, I filled my Seamoth with all kinds of goodies, even the lithium I wanted so badly. Back home I went, where I crafted a new reinforced diving suit (using items based on the blood sacs) and my Prawn suit!

Of course, it's new toy and I had to play with it, so I ran around and tried it out. As awesome as it feels to punch the snot out of the strikers, I see some limitations. I don't dare take it into the deep trenches or jellyfish caves - I'll never get it out! Unless I can carry it there on the Cyclops, I'll have to stay with better terrain. I can however take it back to the areas around the wreck site and explore there with a little better armor. I'm thinking that will be my next adventure!




Attached Files 2019-06-27_00001.jpg2019-06-27_00002.jpg2019-06-27_00005.jpg2019-06-27_00007.jpg2019-06-27_00008.jpg2019-06-27_00009.jpg

Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4480399 - 06/28/19 03:18 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Wow, great update. Highly productive.

That Blood Kelp Trench gives me the heebie jeebies.

Later you may find ways to enhance your Prawn suit's mobility, especially vertically. I refused to take it out until I had these 'things'. Keep at it JC, you're really cookin' now.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4480407 - 06/28/19 03:41 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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I was surprised at how much progress I made to be honest. Things just fell into my lap. I toyed with the idea of leaving the Prawn suit off until I got some upgrades, but I think I'll be ok walking to the Mushroom Forest and checking out the Crash Zone. As I recall, it was pretty good walking terrain.


Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4480768 - 06/30/19 06:04 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Took a stroll in the Prawn suit, punched out a shark, and now there's a new addition to the family!



I jumped into my trusty Prawn suit and took a walk to the Mushroom Forest near the crash site. I felt the terrain was pretty negotiable for the suit, and once I got out of the Kelp Forest the going was much better. Even in the kelp, I found it fairly easy to jump across canyons. Among the things I was interested in doing was seeing what this thing could do! I hadn't done much exploration in that area, so I thought I'd also see what was there for the finding. I recall the terrain seemed fairly gentle so I figured it would be a good place for a shakedown cruise.

I walked around the forest toward the Crash Zone and found a few interesting bits of wreckage. Added to my inventory are the Power Transmitter and Time Capsule. Not sure about the time capsule, though I've seen it referenced. My understanding is that it is a way for players who have completed the game to send something to other players who are playing it through. A neat idea, I think.

I also completed the Cyclops Bridge and got one piece of the hull, so I began hunting a little more serioulsy for Cyclops parts. It seems like certain bits of wreck are found in certain biomes, so between this Mushroom Forest and the one by pod 13 I should be able to complete the Cyclops. As I search, I also start finding bits of lithium laying around. That's one of the resources that has been eluding me for a while, so I start looking more carefully for those as well.

I came across a large piece of wreckage just at the border of the Mushroom Forest, Crash Zone, and Koosh Zone and began exploring. It's a rather large piece, but for the life of me I just can't find a way in. I got out of the suit and began looking more earnestly, and still no joy. I tried using the propulsion cannon to move bits of wreck about, and no luck. I even pulled out the laser cutter to try and cut open some entry way but nothing. Either you can't get in there, or I've got some more work to do.

Now as I'm working through this area, some of the large and nasty looking fellows living in the Koosh Zone begin taking an interest. Bonesharks start taking notice, and when the first one attacked, I tried punching him with the Prawn Suit. It worked! I managed to knock him around and he suddenly realized he had someplace else to be. A bit later, I think I killed one who didn't get the message.

Water running low, I return to my base to re-hydrate. I like the Prawn Suit, but it is a little awkward to travel in, so I decided to switch out to the Seamoth for the next expedition.

This time, I headed off to the other Mushroom Forest located to the west. I found much that I had already scanned - Cyclops bridge, power transmitter, Moonpool - but I grabbed a bunch more lithium. I finally have a decent stash of that. After combing the area, I get what I needed - the last piece of Cyclops hull! I can't wait and decide to go back to my base and make a Cyclops!

After making sure I have all the materials, I head to my mobile vehicle bay and press the "Go" button! Apparently, I'm in too shallow water to make a Cyclops! Ok, I pick up the bay and travel to a deeper area. Oops, I grabbed lithium instead of lead. Back to the base. Got the lead. Back to the deep, release the bay and.....dammit! I only grabbed two lead, I needed 3!!! Back to the base and then back to the deep. Release the bay. And....build a Cyclops! The huge beast hangs majestically in the air as the drones lovingly finish the crafting process, then down she drops into the water.

I board her and start looking around. Realizing I can dock my Seamoth in her, I go back and dock. For some reason, I'm shot out of the sub and across the map to an area I haven't been to yet, and the sub is nowhere in sight. Fortunately I get it's beacon (and the SeaMoths too) - almost 400 meters away! I pull out my trusty Seaglide and make my way back to my new ship, and as I come upon it, I see it - suspended about 50 feet ABOVE the surface! WTF! Either that's some major bug work or this thing is really all terrain! I watched it drop back down into the water and I boarded it again. Funky stuff I must say.

After walking around a bit and familiarizing myself with the vessel, I set course for my base and got underway....and holy cow is this thing slow! My base is 850m away, it will take me about a week to get there! So I dropped anchor, hopped in the Seamoth, and zipped back home.

I'd like to get the Prawn suit to the Cyclops and start looking around some of the areas I haven checked out yet (I'd love the Cylcops to be able to fit both a Prawn Suit and a Seamoth!). Not sure what i'll focus on next, though I may start looking for some of the pods I haven't found yet to get back to the storyline to some degree.







Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4480796 - 06/30/19 09:45 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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This morning I managed to set up a foothold on the grand reef floor bed. It’s been difficult because I only have the seamoth and high capacity o2 tank. But I built a multipurpose room, hatch, bioreactor, exterior planter and then seeded a brain coral for o2. This allowed me to build up the base.

I may relocate my shallow reef base near the heat vent, but I’ll see as it will be a pain.

I’m thinking about restarting on extreme mode where death is death because I think it will completely change the way you play.


Last edited by jdbecks; 06/30/19 09:46 PM.
#4480797 - 06/30/19 10:02 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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I agree - Ironman will make you change your gameplay. I wondered about switching out of survival mode because the need for food/drink has been annoying. I've had to stop what I wanted to be doing to grind food/drink. I'll probably just stay with what I'm doing though.

If you aren't using the base in the shallows much then no need to move it IMHO. Solar power (assuming you are using solar) is perfectly fine and cheap to build. I still haven't put down roots in another area yet, I was going to wait and see if I find myself focusing on a particular area of the map and do something there. For now, my base in the shallows will suffice I think.

BTW - you can throw an extra O2 tank in your personal inventory and swap between them to extend your dives. Personally I switch them out when the first one gets down to 30 secs. When the next one gets to 30 secs I'll start heading back to my Seamoth or to the surface if needed. Just make sure you refill both!


Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4480834 - 07/01/19 10:03 AM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: jdbecks]  
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Originally Posted by jdbecks

I’m thinking about restarting on extreme mode where death is death because I think it will completely change the way you play.




Just started the game as Hardcore without any experience, 3 souls lost to the depth from:

Giant dragon fish had a nice snack

Lost in a cave and asphyxiated

Tiny lobster sucked out all my blood.

#4480867 - 07/01/19 12:25 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Good to see more players giving this game a go.

Congrats on the new vehicle JC. Not a big fan of it myself really. But it certainly has utility. Especially I'd say if you only have one base, then the one-eyed one can be your mobile base. Just being able to get the Prawn to where you want to use it is valuable in itself. But it's rather big, and slow and hard to maneuver in tight spaces. Tip is to get used to navigating using the external cameras it has on it. That can help a lot.

In my first Subnautica run I used it extensively. In my second, I built it but barely used it, but of course I had four bases spread out in different biomes. My son likes it though, and he managed to set it afire somehow. Probably silent running for too long?

As for ironman, I haven't played in that mode, but my second run would have qualified, as I managed not to get killed. Can't say the same for the first run though.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4480876 - 07/01/19 01:03 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: DaBBQ]  
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Originally Posted by DaBBQ
Originally Posted by jdbecks

I’m thinking about restarting on extreme mode where death is death because I think it will completely change the way you play.




Just started the game as Hardcore without any experience, 3 souls lost to the depth from:

Giant dragon fish had a nice snack

Lost in a cave and asphyxiated

Tiny lobster sucked out all my blood.


Yup, yup, and yup. Also died of thirst and starvation in the very beginning of my game.


Originally Posted by DBond
Good to see more players giving this game a go.

Congrats on the new vehicle JC. Not a big fan of it myself really. But it certainly has utility. Especially I'd say if you only have one base, then the one-eyed one can be your mobile base. Just being able to get the Prawn to where you want to use it is valuable in itself. But it's rather big, and slow and hard to maneuver in tight spaces. Tip is to get used to navigating using the external cameras it has on it. That can help a lot.

In my first Subnautica run I used it extensively. In my second, I built it but barely used it, but of course I had four bases spread out in different biomes. My son likes it though, and he managed to set it afire somehow. Probably silent running for too long?

As for ironman, I haven't played in that mode, but my second run would have qualified, as I managed not to get killed. Can't say the same for the first run though.


My initial plan was using it like a giant SeaMoth that can haul the Prawn suit, but I think it’s going to be of more limited use. Using it as a mobile base has merit though.


Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4480975 - 07/02/19 08:36 AM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: JohnnyChemo]  
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Originally Posted by JohnnyChemo
[quote=DaBBQ][quote=jdbecks]

... Using it as a mobile base has merit though.

Even more so when you put a bunch of lockers on its walls, yepp, that's possible. Maaany lockers, for resources, spare energy cells big and small, food and water, equipment and tools, ... Mobile base and cargo vessel to haul all your belongings and materials around...

#4481476 - 07/04/19 11:57 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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It's been a few days since I've updated my progress - I've made some, but I haven't progressed the story much. I've been busy with making a new base.
I'll update on that soon, but I thought I would put out some mod suggestions for anyone playing.

First of all, here's your modding source: https://www.nexusmods.com/subnautica/
You can search that site to see what might tickle your fancy. There are a bunch of decorative things you can get for your seabase, as well as actual gameplay and content mods.
Personally, I like mods that add functionality and take away tedium but don't substantially change the game experience. With that in mind, here are my favorites:

BetterPowerInfo https://www.nexusmods.com/subnautica/mods/18?tab=description
Hit "p" and it will give you a rundown of your base power generation and usage. It will help determine if you need more juice or if you can take away that extra reactor you installed.

Better Sprinting https://www.nexusmods.com/subnautica/mods/182?tab=description
Sprinting is toggled, great for using with a game controller.

EasyCraft https://www.nexusmods.com/subnautica/mods/24?tab=description
This one is awesome! It takes away the building tedium of having to have all the materials in your personal inventory. As long you have the materials in stock in the base you are in, you can build an item. It will also build precursor items providing you have the materials.

For example, you are building X and it takes material 1, 2, and 3. As long as you have 1,2 &3 in a locker or on your person in the base you can build it.

But say material 2 needs to build out of a & b. As long as you have a & b in stock, it will build material 2 and then build the final product. It's SO much better than having to run to lockers all the time. It's range based, so for example when I was building my new base I had to haul materials to it. But once I had transferred my inventory to the new base, when I went to add things to it I didn't have to have them on me. Like I said, it relieves the tedium.
Works with fabricators, mod stations, and habitat creator (any crafting tool.)

Map https://www.nexusmods.com/subnautica/mods/12?tab=description
Why there's no built in map escapes me. It seems like a basic tool. It has a fog of war so you don't see where you haven't been, so it's pretty much spoiler-free. It tracks wrecks you located, and can color code by biome if you like. I get the idea that this game doesn't hold your hand, but a basic mapping tool seems to me to be just that - basic - to a game like this. This one fits in so well I had forgotten it was a mod.

VR Enhancements https://www.nexusmods.com/subnautica/mods/173?tab=description
Just some QOL things for VR users. By default, the PDA is way too close to your face and uncomfortable to read. This fixes that and there are a few other VR enhancements. I don't know all the specifics, but it is highly recommended by the VR crowd. In fact, getting this is what prompted me to look for other useful mods, and that's how I came up with the ones above.


Last edited by JohnnyChemo; 07/05/19 12:00 AM. Reason: typos typos typoes

Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4481551 - 07/05/19 03:31 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Time for an update! Spoilers (mild) ahead!


Among the things I've been doing is trying to figure out the Cyclops. I've had some weird issues with it where I get thrown out of the ship when I dock. This happens about 1/3 of the time, and doesn't seem to have any particular trigger. I've also found that undocking either the prawn suit or the seamoth cause the ship to pitch up and ascend, even though the docking bay is toward the front. Undocking has a similar effect. If I dock too close to the surface, not only does the ship nose up, but it will leap out of the water and hang in the sky for a few seconds. Bizarre. On instances where I've been thrown out, in some cases I am launched hundreds of meters in a random direction away from the ship. So I don't use the Cyclops as much as I might seeing how buggy it seems to be.

I decided to risk my Prawn suit with a trip to the Jellyshroom cavern. I have to say after spending time there it looks quite cool. I can understand why you'd build a base there, DB, esp. with that thermal vent (looks like there are three of them.) Last time I came in here I was more focused on finding the Degassi bases, so I didn't take the time to "smell the roses." I also didn't do any resource gathering, so I grabbed a bunch of magnetite while I was down there this time.

[Linked Image]

I was a little worried about getting the suit out of the cavern. I picked an entrance that I felt had enough landing spots for the jump jets, but I wasn't sure that I would be successful in getting out. Worst case was I'd leave it down there and ferry the stuff I gathered up to the Cyclops and return when I figured out a better way to exit. (One plan included using the habitat builder to make foundations as a stairway to get out. Almost wish I had to try that!)

The big get there was the magnetite. I hadn't found any to date, and now I had a good supply.

Next up on the list of things to do was to drop a new base. I had scouted out locations chose a spot in the middle of the Mushroom Forest. I kinda like the way it looks, there are plenty of resources (including small fish), and I found a spot where my Cyclops and descend to almost land on the base. The base itself consists of two moonpools, 4 multipurpose rooms, and an observatory. It is powered by 2 bioreactors.
I had to make a few gathering trips for quartz and titanium to finish it off. I also made a trip to the Floating Island to grab some marblemelon seeds so I can have a few of those inside as well. On top of the main moonpool is an exterior garden with some Creepvine (for rubber, lubricant, and to be a night light), Bloodvine (for blood oil) and Deep Shrooms for Polyaniline. I'm also planning on getting some bulb bushes planted as well. Those look cool and are a decent energy source.

[Linked Image]

Traveling into the Kelp trench, I met a new friend.

[Linked Image]

I also had the absolute worst jump scare so far in this game. I was at the edge of the Mushroom Forest just into the Dunes when a Ghost Leviathan appeared in my face and scared the snot out of me. I think I may have spoiled my Prawn suit. In my surprise I either ejected from the suit or was transported by him, because all of a sudden I was in the water. At first, I thought he did something to destroy the suit, but as I turned to high tail it out of there I ran into the suit. I got back in and got back to the safety of the Mushroom Forest before anything bad happened to me. That really got me - even worse than when the Reaper came out of nowhere and ate my Seamoth! I'd seen these guys a number of times before and observed their behavior, but I was never close enough to be affected by them.

So with my new base established, I'm going to go back and try to get on the storyline again. I've got two lifepods to find, and I seem to be missing a Degassi journal. I must have missed one somewhere in my travels. They are numbered 1-6, and I don't have #3. It's either in the Jellyshroom cave or one of the Floating Island seabases. I'll have to make a run of them and see what I can find. I'll probably go to the Jellyshroom Cavern first, because I kinda like that area.


Attached Files 2019-07-04_00001.jpg2019-07-05_00004.jpg2019-07-04_00004.jpg

Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4481575 - 07/05/19 04:54 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Nice digs. No reason to try to get off the planet with a place like that smile

Thanks for the report. I can relate to all of it.

I like the garden, it's fun to see what others come up with on the base building.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4482405 - 07/11/19 02:56 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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For my next installment, I'd like to start off with a public service announcement before whipping out the ol' spoiler tags.
Remember to build a radio for any new base. That way, for example, you don't start wondering why the story doesn't advance anymore after a few discoveries until you pop into your old base for a moment and realize there's a radio message for you.

I'd also like to plug two more mods if I may - the first is "Autosort Lockers."
https://www.nexusmods.com/subnautica/mods/31
This mod gives you three new units to build - a receiver locker and two different destination lockers (one freestanding cabinet type and one wall locker type). You drop your goodies into the receiver and it - get this - "auto sorts" the items into the receivers based on material category or specific item name. You configure the receiver lockers to receive certain types (ie metals, food, gear) or items (copper, salt, eggs, etc). It saves you a lot of running around.

Kinda hand in hand with the above mod is this one: DockedVehicleStorageAccess
https://www.nexusmods.com/subnautica/mods/42
This one is a two-fer - it puts a vehicle management terminal in the moonpool allowing you to access the storage units of a docked vehicle (not an issue for the Seamoth, but I hated not being able to get to the Prawn suit storage after doing a resource run); and it gives you a new item to build - a Vehicle Storage Locker - which will automatically take out anything in the vehicle storage, AND if you have the Autosort in it will send the items to their proper destinations. Again, a real timesaver!

My latest adventure included the frustration of not seeing the story progress as well as the "aha" moment of realizing that was my own doing for not having a radio in my new base. I met a couple of new friends, visited some new biome, and got a few new toys.
I'm over 50 hours into this game, and as much as I've been enjoying it, I'm really feeling the urge to get it done so I'll be focusing a lot more on chasing down storyline stuff that just exploration and building (for now anyway).


I've been poking around in the Dunes, Bulb Zone, Blood Kelp and Grand Reef areas as well as passed through the Sea Treaders Path. Much of that was my hunting for things to trip the storyline, as well as some resource gathering. Specific items I've been looking for are the Prawn Suit drill arm (got it) and Grapple Arm (got it too) so I can get a little more use of the suit. It is one of my favorite toys, I do find it satisfying to punch a sand shark or bone shark. As much as I like that, though, I have to admit I've become more fond of my Seamoth. The cyclops is a bit too big (and buggy for me) to be my go-to vehicle, and I've added the perimeter defense and sonar mods to the moth with good effect.

In my travels, I've come across a few Time Capsules from some other subnauts. I've received a few gifts - a creature egg which appears to be a Cuddlefish egg; some advanced materials (kyanite, ion cube, nickel, benzene), and some advice (avoid the dead zone - only ghosts and death there). It's a neat idea for a single player game to have that type of multiplayer experience in it.

My first trip into the Blood Kelp Zone wasn't too productive, I was chased around by Warpers and Crabsquids more than I would like. The Warpers were particularly annoying, as they like to pop me out of my Seamoth. I figured out early on that I could stun them with the Stasis Rifle, get back in, and git out of Dodge; but it makes exploration problematic. The "squiddys," as I like to call them, and their EM burst are quite annoying, but I find that if I sit still and turn off my headlights, there's a good chance they will leave me alone. I found out later that another good way to get them to leave me alone is to blast them with the Repulsion Cannon (almost as satisfying as punching biters in the Prawn suit!)

After finding the drill arm, I decided to try it out and stock up on a few items. I'm based in the Mushroom Forest, and there are a few nice large deposits around. I got 3 large copper deposits and was overjoyed, because I seem to always be out of copper. Walking around, I wound up in the Dunes, and who should be there but my old friend - Sammy! He grabbed me to get a little face time, and I started punching him with the Prawn suit and he lost interest. Not nearly as terrifying as when it first happened, but still startling. I stood in the Mushroom Forest and watched him swim around for a couple of minutes, wondering if he would leave his biome for me but he didn't.

[Linked Image]

With the radio in my new base (I needed that copper to build it, and just never got around to hunting it down), I got another distress call from a Lifepod. This time it was Lifepod 2, and they were 500m down. I got a ping for their location and decided to hop in the Seamoth and see what I could find. It was in the Blood Kelp Zone (great, warpers and squiddys) but I was able to avoid them and found the pod without issue. Looking around the area, I went into a cave and suddenly I was here!

[Linked Image]

I believe this is called the "Lost River" zone, and it's an underground cavern of some green goo. I found some nickel deposits (first time in the wild, though I had some from a Time Capsule). I spent my time cautiously exploring the region. Fortunately I brought a great deal of food and water with me for this run, so I was able to make it through much of the region (I think - I spent a LONG time poking around!). Just as started to relax and think this place wasn't so bad, HE shows up! It tried to time the screenie a little better but it seems like there was slight delay, oh well.

[Linked Image]

I managed to run him off with a full blast from the Seamoth perimeter defense. The only problem with this is that it uses a good chunk of power. Fortunately, I anticipated this need and brought a few extra power cells (I always have spare batteries for the hand held gear, so spare power cells make a lot of sense.) In normal use, the Seamoth is pretty energy efficient. The sonar and defense systems draw a bit more though, esp the full blast of defense (I think it's 20 power). Between blasting the crabs (for fun, have to admit) and the ghost, I have to make a pit stop and repair and change out batteries.

Once I'm back up and running, I begin exploring again and I came upon....

[Linked Image]

Looks cool, not sure what it was. It was too soon after the ghost for me to get out and start investigating, so I went past it. I was getting a little antsy too - I'd been playing for a while that night and kinda wanted to call it. I didn't want to stop in the cavern though, I have this thing about getting back to a base and saving there. I also have a feeling I'll find the last Degasi base in here, and I really want to get that part of the storyline done, so this isn't a time for exploring as much as an initial run through this biome.

Following another cavern and....I'm back in the Kelp Zone? Did just make a big circle? Check the map - no, I'm in the zone by the floating island, not the one north of the Mushroom Forest. Oh look - a warper. Great. I duck back into the river and continue my hunt.

This time, I find this guy.

[Linked Image]

I scanned it and it says it's an ancient leviathan, though in full it looks like it could be Sammy's big brother (esp face/mouth). There is an alien structure nearby - lighting the skeleton and it scans as some kind of sensor. There's a squiddy hanging around, but by keeping to the cave walls and keeping my seamoth light off I'm able to avoid him. Checking out some of the structures, I find a doorway with a green forcefield. Nearby is a small structure that wants me to insert the orange table. I'd love to, but I left it in my other suit. Ok, I don't have it yet. I do have a purple one, but not with me, and anyway that won't get me anywhere.

I scan what I can and hop back into the moth. Tooling aroudn through the cavern, I find - another exit? This one into the Grand Reef. I've been more or less following the Degasi beacon which I was sure would lead me to a base in the river, but I'm only a couple hundred meters away heading out of the cavern. I do eventually come upon the base. It's guarded by a few squiddys, but I'm careful enough to keep away from them. After thoroughly investigating the base and getting a bunch of data downloads and PDA's, I started scanning everything in sight. The big find here was the Alien Containment Unit. Now I know what to do with all these stupid eggs I find all over creation. I also find an egg (later I find it's another cuddlefish egg - I now have two). I had to exit the lower part of the structure and find a different entrance to the upper part (until I realize I can swim down the ladder, d'oh!)

I had to wait for this guy to clear out before making my way back to the Seamoth. I was in the base and he was right on it, so I was close but safe.

[Linked Image]

About this time is when I realized I had my repulsion cannon with me. Squiddy wasn't a problem anymore...he was...elsewhere.

So I've got a working theory that there are three basic parts to this game - the Degasi storyline, the alien stuff, and escaping the planet. I am assuming I am for the most part done with the Degasi stuff (the last entry was Paul Torgal describing the leviathan attack on the base I had just visited - so, everyone dies?) so I'll start focusing on the alien stuff. I've run across some things before, now that I have a better idea of what to do with them (find access ports and use the tables) I'll start checking that out. I have an orange tablet from the Degasi base, so I'll be visiting that Lost River alien base again soon to open that up and see what is in there.


Attached Files tree.jpgsquiddy.jpgskeleton.jpgsammys coming.jpglost river.jpgghost.jpg
Last edited by JohnnyChemo; 07/11/19 02:58 PM. Reason: pictures

Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4482409 - 07/11/19 03:26 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Outstanding JC.

"Squiddy wasn't a problem anymore...he was...elsewhere." haha

I avoided spoilers about the LR as it's amazing to discover on your own. Well done. I did let slip the "Cove Tree" which you've found. My fourth base was there.

You're at the business end of the game now. I hope you can see it through. As always, I really like your updates. Nice writing and great pictures, especially of the nasty denizens. It's cool you're unruffled enough to snap shots of them smile


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4482416 - 07/11/19 04:50 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Thanks DB! I’m glad you’re enjoying them. Looking at the read count on the main page of the forum, it looks like there are a few others reading as well. I hope they are enjoying these as well. I’m finding them fun to write up too.

I remember a post of yours referencing “LR,” now I know what that meant! I see how a base there makes sense. It seems like the next part of the story will involve spending a lot of time in there so I may just follow suit.

I do make mental notes of what to mention in these write ups while I’m playing, and I’ve been trying to remember to take screenshots for a while, it’s finally sinking in. It’s easy enough, with the gamepad - screenies are just pushing the right stick down, so my thumb is on the button. Just gotta remember to push it. The pics look a little dark, though, I’ll try to retouch the next batch.


Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4482899 - 07/15/19 03:41 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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So for the next installment, I'll bring this esteemed fellow with impeccable hair to help discuss.

[Linked Image]

Yes, aliens! Or if you prefer....

[Linked Image]

So onto the spoiler-laden story....


Of course, you're on an ALIEN planet, with ALIEN lifeforms, somewhere along the line, something intelligent either was born here or came here. I've been seeing alien intake and exhaust vents in various places as well as some sort of Alien Arch on the floating planet.

It turns out my base is practically next to another alien mini base. I was walking in my prawn suit gathering some resources and I went down a trench, which led me to this:

[Linked Image]

Very little of note in it though. I wasn't able to scan anything. Curious, after I walked through the green forcefield, I was in an oxygen atmosphere instead of in water.

I went back to the Lost River base I saw on my initial trip. After getting past a couple of warpers (or the same one a couple of times) I got into the river and arrived at the base. I had my orange tablet in hand, as I remembered from the last time through that was the magic key to get me in here. I found said tablet in the final Degasi base. I also scanned it and it turns out I can craft them (as well as the purple ones) now.

Inside the base were samples of various flora and fauna in cases.

[Linked Image]


[Linked Image]

I also found a few ion cubes. I was aware of them already, as I got one in a Time Capsule. I grabbed it and scanned everything in sight and went on my way. My next stop was in the northeast of the map.

Ihadn't done ANY exploration there yet, so I figured I should check it out. I threw my Seamoth into my cyclops, which suddenly seems to be working fine and bug free and set off to the Northeast. My plan was to approach it from the Mushroom forest/Kelp Forest boundary, park the Cyclops, and take the Seamoth in, as it is faster and more maneuverable and has the perimeter defense. My Cyclops doesn't have any defensive ability other than decoys, and I don't know if I want to trust that until I poke around in my moth. I found a wreck, and scanned the Prawn suit version of the propulsion gun, new toys are always fun! I found a wall of rock underwater that I followed to the surface which turned out to be another island. Not just any island, this one had a giant alien structure on it. On the floating island, I found structures I assumed to be alien that turned out to be Degasi bases. This one left no such room for error, as you can plainly see. I took my seamoth up to the edge, got out, and started exploring.

[Linked Image]


[Linked Image]

I found the entrance and used my purple tablet to get in. After retrieving a number of ion cubes, I got to the control center and found that it was the gun that shot down the Aurora and the Sunbeam. As all this information came in one session, I've kinda lost track of the order, but know I know that the research facility in the lost river was working on a cure for a bacterial infection. The gun is to keep ships from leaving the planet and spreading the infection. Only someone who is not infected can turn the gun off. I also received a radio message with the code for the Captain's Quarters, and putting all this together I expect to find a solution to getting off planet in the captains quarters. I need to disable the gun to get off planet, and I need to cure the infection to disable the gun.

After coming home and hopping out of my ship, I got a wierd visual distortion - at first I thought it was a warper, but in my base? Then I thought it was a bug in the game. Then I heard a voice - "What....are....you?" Not over the radio, so I assume in my head. There's mention in the information I downloaded that led me to conclude the aliens may have some sort of telepathy. Though it appears that they were here a long time ago, perhaps one survived and is reaching out? I guess I need to find him first.

So I see the endgame, just not the path for it's solution.

I do know where to find it, though.

Deeper.




Attached Files 2019-07-11_00003.jpg2019-07-13_00001.jpg2019-07-13_00003.jpg2019-07-14_00001.jpg2019-07-14_00002.jpg
Last edited by JohnnyChemo; 07/15/19 03:41 PM.

Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4482944 - 07/15/19 07:57 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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It's all starting to come together. The pieces are falling in to place.

I hope you get off the planet smile


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4482964 - 07/15/19 11:11 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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Me too!

I forgot to put these pics up - my Cyclops was back to it's old tricks after luring me into a false sense of security. I wound up in the drink about 600m away from it. (Distance, not height!)
I think you'll agree it's a rather untenable position for a submarine to be in!

Oh and I can't figure out how I got that line of information at the top of the screen. I know I hit something on the keyboard reaching for my phone (goggles were on) but I'm not sure what. Weird thing is I don't see it in game (at least not in the HMD).

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

Attached Files 2019-07-14_00006.jpg2019-07-14_00007.jpg
Last edited by JohnnyChemo; 07/15/19 11:12 PM.

Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4483097 - 07/17/19 01:50 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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NooJoyzee
I used the console to check biome from time to time. More or less the same info displayed across the top of your screen. 75% infected eh? The man needs a cure and fast!

With a Cyclops like that I think you've already found a way off the planet biggrin


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4483100 - 07/17/19 02:05 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
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JohnnyChemo  Online Sleepy
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Cure? I thought a good diet and plenty of exercise would do it!
I’m going to disable some of the mods I use and see if that fixes the Cyclops.


Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4484424 - 07/29/19 03:11 AM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
Joined: Apr 2006
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JohnnyChemo  Online Sleepy
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Well, I did it. I finished the game. It took longer than the average time compared to what I looked up on line too. I had about 78 hours in. I attribute that to not having much experience playing this type of game, enjoying the scenery (esp in VR) and doing as much sightseeing as storyline work, and not a little bit of trepidation in some of the scarier biomes (Blood Kelp trenches esp!). This last was something I attribute to the VR experience - the feeling of being there is really intense, and in that environment I was more cautious than I think I'd have been staring at a screen. Unfortunatley, I found myself a little burned out toward the last few hours of the game, and I felt like I was forcing myself to finish because I knew I was close to the end. I think it it was twenty hours earlier, I would have tried to stretch it out more (of course, that's what got me here in the first place!)

Spoiler time!



I wound up building a base in the Lost River at the Giant Cove Tree. Since I've completed the game, I looked up a bunch of the lore stuff in the Subnautica wiki, as well as checking out things I didn't scan (ie Sea Dragon Leviathan and some others). I spent a little time more thoroughly exploring the river and found another alien base I had missed on my first time through. Looking back at my screenies, I realize I found the arch as well, though I didn't know what it was at the time.

I found the entrance to the Inactive Lava Zone while on a resource run in my Prawn suit. I saw the lava and jumped down to look, and realized I had entered a new zone. Eventually, of course, I had to take my Cyclops down there to hunt for the thermal plant. That took a long time! The session of hunting for it (and evading the Sea Dragon) ended with my finding the entrance just as I was turning around to head back and call it a night. The beacon I had taken with me wound up getting used to mark the location of the Primary Containment base. In the course of evading the Sea Dragon, I wound up in the Active Lava Zone. So I took out my Prawn and wound up finding it and dropping the beacon on it. I tried but couldn't get in since I didn't have the right tablet to unlock the force field. I assumed I'd get that in the thermal plant.

So now I didn't have a beacon on me to drop on the thermal plant, and I had to try all over the again the next night. By the time I found it, I had turned myself around so much I didn't have a good sense of where I was in the space to be able to retrace my steps and spent a good hour searching for it on the next hunt.

Of course I did wind up finding it, and the info for the already found Primary Containment Facility, and the tablet to get in there. Nothing really much to say about that except I jumped through those hoops. The arch transports were nice and convenient to pick up the needed plants for the enzyme. I had assumed I'd find them all in the aquarium at the facility, esp since I found one of them there, but of course that didn't happen. I actually figured out the arch thing by accident. I wanted to see where they went (I hadn't started them up upon first locating them, I was looking for storyline stuff) so I went into one that took me to the Koosh Zone and of course, I needed a bulb plant sample from there. I deduced (correctly) that the arches would then take me to each of the needed biomes, and found the proper plants conveniently close to the arch bases in those biomes.

From there I hatched the critters and watched them kill their mother. Ok, that's a bit harsh - I watched her play with them and succumb to her age after willing herself to live long enough to see them born. And then I was stumped. No magic fairy dust to cure me, no parting data download to give me the antidote, just...nothing? I ran back to the other non-arch rooms in the facility, and...nothing there either. Finally I remember that it she revealed the arch in the aquarium, and said that was where her children would go, so I followed them out. Sure enough, there they were pooping out cures. Since it was labeled "Concentrated Enzyme 42" I tried to grab it and it wound up healing me.

Ok, almost done! Disable the gun, build the ship, fly home.

I packed up all my belongings and returned to my Mushroom Forest base. From there I completed the Neptune Escape Rocket. Before I left I did a couple of things. First, I went back to my first base. In there I had built an aquarium and put an Ezyme 42 Peeper in it. The scan said it required further study, so I figured I'd grab one and see if I could get anywhere with it. I let that little guy go and do his duty. Then I chased down my cuddlefish (all three of them) for one last time. I found an option to "Say Goodbye" so I did so. They stopped and stared at me. A little odd, but....ok.

Ready to go now, I loaded myself into my rocket and began getting prepping it for launch. In my time capsule, I put a repulsion gun and two Ion Power Cells. I figured those would be handy at almost any point in someone else's game. Two ion power cells would have made a huge difference for me in the late game in the Inactive Lava Zone. I kept losing battery due to the sonar, shield, and lava larva. I used sonar and shield sparingly, and even with the thermal recharge upgrade I had to replace my power cells (I had 10 fully charge cells with me as backups) a couple of times while chasing around that zone. Active zone wasn't as bad, but the inactive zone sucked my power cells dry.

Then...I left. Not much else to say. The end of the game was satisfying. I stayed through the end of the credits for any extras that might pop up, and I heard that I owe them 1 trillion credits. They can talk to my lawyer and we'll just deduct that from the amount I'll be suing them for.

Some other thoughts...
The game was satisfying in the end. The story was good, I thought. My personal pace was a bit slow, and that lead to a feeling of dragging a bit. I was burned out in the ILZ, but once I was through that I was back to enjoying the final phase of building the rocket. I was ready to launch at night, but chose to wait because I wanted to get a good view of the planet from the top of the gantry.
Some things that bothered me - I'll confess that for the last 12-15 hours of my playthrough I changed my game type from Survival to Freedom to avoid having to deal with food/water. Again going back to the burnout I was feeling after so long in game, I wanted to get it over and the food/water grind was slowing me down from doing that. It was easy to do - there's a line in the save file where the game type is indicated by a number. Change the number, change the type.

Some production issues that bothered me were some graphical glitches. I don't know if it was a VR thing or if it happens in all versions, but I kept seeing things (ie sea creatures) going through solid objects. For example, I had schools of fish coming through my walls in my bases, sea grass coming in the bottom of my cyclops when I rested it on the ocean floor, and smoke coming through the cyclops floor when I parked it over a heat vent at my Lost River base. These were little breaks in the immersion that didn't effect game play but bugged me a little. The things that did effect game play bugged me a lot.

Sand sharks coming through bulkheads and interacting with me were bothersome. The worst example was the Sea Dragon grabbing my in my prawn suit while I was deep in the Lava Castle just outside the Thermal Plant. He carried me a bit and dropped me into the lava. It was bad enough I was watching him appear through the walls of the structure I should have been safe in, but to take damage (fortunately not fatal) was ridiculous. I also had a Ghost Levi come through the Arch room in the Lost River, and a Sand Shark came into the Arch room passage (through the force field and into the non-underwater section). Those bugs annoyed me the most.
Of course, the silliest one was when I jumped into the inactive zone in my Prawn suit the first time and fell through the planet. I just kept falling and falling and falling...the depth kept ramping up, up, up. (Or is it down, down, down?) Anyway I quit the game and restarted when I was about 4k deep, since no end was in sight. I had saved just before jumping so I didn't lose any progress.

And then there were the near game-breaking Cyclops anomalies, but I've been through those before.



Warts and all though, I enjoyed the game and am glad I gave it a chance.


Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
#4484457 - 07/29/19 02:03 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 13,199
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NooJoyzee
Congrats on seeing it through JC. I had been wondering if you had burned out and shelved it.

Following your progress was fun, and thanks for taking the time. I know that posting these updates is time-consuming. It's the sort of content that I want SimHQ to have. There's very little of this sort of thing any more. So thanks JC for the good ride.

The time you took is about the same as it took me. I played twice, but only completed it once. No need to rush, and the early game is so mesmerizing that it's easy to just go with the flow and not be so keen to forge ahead.


No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!
#4484483 - 07/29/19 07:00 PM Re: Subnautica is amazing and frightening [Re: VF9_Longbow]  
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,618
JohnnyChemo Online sleepy
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JohnnyChemo  Online Sleepy
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I just got impatient at the end, and probably a little burned out. I almost shelved it, but I’m coming up on a busy time of year and figured if I didn’t get it done, it would be months if ever.


Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
This is known as "bad luck.”
-Robert Heinlein
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