The original Subnautica provided players with one of the most memorable survival experiences when it fully released in 2018. The game threw players into an alien ocean and tasked them with finding a way to leave the planet by delving into the depths of the predator-infested world.
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The sequel, Subnautica: Below Zero, received its full release on May 14, 2021. It's introduced a new set of creatures and biomes for players to contend with. One of the many features that reappear in Below Zero is Hardcore Mode. The challenging mode lives up to its name, by giving players just one life and deleting their save file if they perish. For anyone brave enough to take up the challenge, here are seven tips to keep in mind.
7 Overstock On Essential Items
Subnautica: Below Zero provides players with a ton of new challenges to contend with. Along with the health, hunger, and hydration meters from the previous game, there is now also body temperature to keep an eye on. This ensres that the new arctic biomes provide their own set of challenges.
Although it can get tedious at times, it's essential that players are always suitably stocked anytime they leave their base. Suffering a cheap death to hunger or thirst 10 hours into a playthrough will be bitterly disappointing.
6 Always Have A Plan
As well as stocking up on essential items, it's also important that players have a plan in mind before venturing out into the ocean or arctic. Planet 4546B is a dangerous place to get lost, so like living in a bad neighborhood, players should always have a route in mind when traveling away from home.
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Granted, Below Zero features a huge open world with no map, so having an exact path in mind may not be possible. However, if players find themselves unsure about what lies in the depths of a certain area, it may be worth hopping on Creative Mode to map the place out before venturing in Hardcore Mode.
5 Be Patient
It's important not to rush when playing Hardcore Mode, especially when taking on the challenge for the first time. It may be tempting to quickly delve an extra hundred meters deeper when resource collecting, but unless suitably prepared, the attempt to save five minutes could end up costing five hours.
It may seem like trying to complete the game as fast as possible is a smart tactic when attempting Hardcore Mode. However, unless the player is an experienced speedrunner, it will likely result in a swift death due to being severely under-prepared for dangerous areas.
4 Know Your Enemy
Subnautica: Below Zero has brought with it a new set of predators for players to contend with. This thankfully means that the terrifying Reaper Leviathan and Ghost Leviathan have left; however, many of the new creatures don't exactly keep to themselves either.
Players can learn about the predators in Below Zero by watching them from a distance, scanning them, or simply looking at the Wiki. It's certainly worth the effort. Players can learn some of the creatures' strengths and weaknesses that could save Robin's life at some point. For example, it's worth knowing that the Crashfish live in Sulfur Plants and will try to ambush players in small caves, and that Cryptosuchus' will retreat after being hit just once.
3 Use Ears More Than Eyes
As well as understanding creature behavior, it's also worth knowing how to differentiate their sounds. Aggressive creatures will make a distinctive roar or shriek upon spotting the player, signaling that an attack is imminent.
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When traveling in to the ocean's depths, especially at night, it can be difficult to work out what creatures are in the area purely based on sight. Therefore, it's worth learning the distinctive sounds that the predators make in the game. That way, players always have an idea of what could be lurking behind. Thankfully, the Wiki details the sounds of all the game's dangerous creatures, including those of the Shadow Leviathan, Squidshark, and Chelicerate.
2 Build Multiple Bases
With health, hydration, hunger, and body temperature to deal with, it's worth placing bases all over Below Zero's map. Not only do multiple bases make traveling between biomes safer, but they also provide a safe haven for players if they are being chased by a predator or need to quickly craft some essential items.
The bases don't need to be extravagant. Still, it's worth crafting key items like Fabricators, Battery Chargers, and Storage Lockers with spare essential items.
1 Ensure That Equipment Is Continuously Upgraded
Like any great open-world game, Subnautica: Below Zero lets players complete its campaign in almost any way that they choose, provided that they complete the small handful of essential quests. However, just because players can explore certain areas doesn't mean that they should. The deeper players delve and the further they venture, tougher and tougher challenges await them.
Thankfully, players aren't alone in their branching journey. A plethora of items and upgrades are available to help them along their way. Although it will take a significant amount of time, it's worth crafting all beneficial items and continuously upgrading vehicles. This helps to ensure that the player is always one step ahead of the dangers that lurk within 4546B.