9 Things I Wish I Knew Before Playing Subnautica 2
Subnautica 2 is an exciting underwater adventure, offering a solid survival experience even in its early access iteration. However, there are several quirks and oddities that can make the game a bit frustrating for newcomers. Here are some insights and tips that I wish I had known before diving into the deep, dark waters of this captivating game.
Base Building: A Frustrating Start
One of the first things you'll encounter is the base-building mechanic. The game encourages you to build a base as soon as you craft the Habitat Builder, but it's a bit underwhelming. You can only build a corridor and a hatch, which feels futile. However, this is the plan, and you'll need titanium to build these structures. Luckily, you'll find titanium in abundance in the starting area, especially in caves.
Power and Location: Building Near Jetstream Tubes
When it comes to power, it's crucial to build your base near a jetstream tube. Solar panels are only effective during daylight, so for night, you'll need a hydroelectric turbine inside the stream. Connecting it to your base via power transmitters can be a hassle, so it's best to have the power source right outside your window. This saves you from the faff of chaining transmitters.
Early Access Limits: Stay Within the Playable Area
The Early Access version of the game has a playable area, marked by a red stripey wall. Beyond this area, the game will let you explore, but it's not bug-tested, and you'll be killed immediately. It's worth exploring, but only if you're not carrying valuable items. This way, you can encounter some titanic creatures without the risk of losing your possessions.
Death and Recovery: No Markers for Death Sites
One of the most irritating aspects of the game is how death is handled. When you die, your character is reprinted back at base, but most of your valuables are left floating in the sea. This means swimming back to your death site to recover rarer items, which is made worse by the fact that death sites aren't marked on the screen. I suspect this will change soon, but for now, it's a minor frustration.
Early Vehicle Acquisition: Building the Tadpole
You can build a vehicle much sooner than you might think. The Tadpole, a little egg-shaped sub, offers protection as you navigate more violently occupied waters. To build it, you'll need a Processor, which requires titanium, copper wire, and mild acid, all easily crafted in the Fabricator. Then, you'll need to craft a Vehicle Fabricator, which requires a few more steps, but all the materials are available early in the game.
Storage Solution: Attaching Items to the Tadpole
One of the most annoying aspects of the Tadpole is its lack of an inventory. However, there's a workaround. The back of the Tadpole has two teeny circles that allow you to attach items to the vehicle. I learned this after my Fabricator went missing, and I eventually found it stuck to the back of my sea-car. Attaching a Portable Locker to the back adds a 15-slot inventory, making the game approximately 1.7 times more fun.
Upgrading the Tadpole: Adding Abilities and Enhancements
The Tadpole can be upgraded by adding modifications to a slot on its roof. To do this, you'll need a Modification Station, which requires celestine, a mineral you won't find until a few hours into the game. Once built, the Modification Station can add extras to the Tadpole, such as scanning abilities and tougher armor.
Demolition and Rebuilding: A Quick Fix for Unmovable Items
When using the Fabricator gun, you can press the move items button to rearrange your habitat quickly. However, sometimes items won't budge. Instead of considering it a bust, remember that you can demolish it and rebuild it. Demolishing returns the ingredients, so you can quickly fix any issues without extra cost.
Quest Markers: Customizing Your Exploration Experience
The game is too hellbent on guiding you through the game, including marking everything on the map. If you prefer to find things through pure chance, you can switch off quest markers in the menu. This is also useful when markers get stuck after completing a task. Open your inventory, tab to Signals, and toggle the markers on or off. It's a super-useful feature to customize your exploration experience.
In conclusion, Subnautica 2 is a captivating game with a few quirks. By following these tips, you can navigate the underwater world more efficiently and enjoy the game's unique challenges. Happy diving!
