# Subnautica - thoughts while playing (spoilers while playing) **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Tags:** video-games-e-games\ **Created:** [April 17, 2020, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subnautica-thoughts-while-playing-spoilers-while-playing/852024 "2020-04-17T23:15:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 9
**Author:** ![Richard\_Pearse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/richard_pearse/32/13144_2.png) [@Richard\_Pearse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Pearse)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2020, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subnautica-thoughts-while-playing-spoilers-while-playing/852024/161 "2020-05-16T00:31:13Z")
I don’t quite understand the scanner room. Sometimes I go to use it and there’s only 2 pages of items I can search for. I might have to search for “limestone deposits” if I want to find copper ore. Then I go back later and there’s three pages of things to search for and I can search specifically for copper ore. Does anyone know what’s going on? ---
**Author:** ![lazybratsche](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ba8739/32.png) [@lazybratsche](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lazybratsche)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2020, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subnautica-thoughts-while-playing-spoilers-while-playing/852024/162 "2020-05-16T00:34:49Z")
> [@Arcite](#): > > I used to just freeze them with the stasis rifle, then kill them with the knife. Purists who say the game’s not really designed to have you killing things can stuff it–it’s you or them! My favorite offensive method uses the prawn suit with a grappling hook in one arm, and the drill on the other arm. Use the grappling arm to set the hook in your prey, and pull it to you (or you to it for the larger critters…) then drill away. This was a really good way to dispatch some of the less formidable predators, and I even killed a few leviathans that [del]randomly clipped into the terrain[/del] I bravely wrestled to the sea floor. However some predators remained a little tricky, even with this technique. Warpers, obviously, just pop away after a good hit, and they’ll come back and pop you out of the suit if you’re not careful. Crab squid could disrupt the attack with their EMP of course, but they don’t have unlimited EMP blasts so they’re still vulnerable. But they’ll still try to run away if you hurt them enough, which was usually sufficient for most of my exploration. ---
**Author:** ![Richard\_Pearse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/richard_pearse/32/13144_2.png) [@Richard\_Pearse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Pearse)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2020, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subnautica-thoughts-while-playing-spoilers-while-playing/852024/163 "2020-05-16T00:40:55Z")
Also, is there a way to turn off the HUD display for the scanner room other than to stop scanning or removing the HUD attachment from my suit? ---
**Author:** ![lazybratsche](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ba8739/32.png) [@lazybratsche](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lazybratsche)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2020, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subnautica-thoughts-while-playing-spoilers-while-playing/852024/164 "2020-05-16T00:42:25Z")
> [@Richard\_Pearse](#): > > I don’t quite understand the scanner room. Sometimes I go to use it and there’s only 2 pages of items I can search for. I might have to search for “limestone deposits” if I want to find copper ore. Then I go back later and there’s three pages of things to search for and I can search specifically for copper ore. Does anyone know what’s going on? The scan speed is very slow, locating a new object every several seconds depending on your upgrades. Without upgrades, the game wiki says it’s fourteen seconds to locate each new target. So if you’re searching for something super common like limestone it might take literal hours to find every deposit in range. Even worse than that, I think the scan resets whenever you boot up the game, or if your base loses power. I think there’s also some weirdness about how the scan room knows if a certain type of resource is available in range. That also resets, or may be dependent on the objects that were loaded by the game engine as you swim around, I’m not sure exactly. Eventually you’ll find larger material deposits, such that you only need to mine two or three to get all the materials you need. In that case the scan speed is plenty fast even at the slowest level. Edit: > [@Richard\_Pearse](#): > > Also, is there a way to turn off the HUD display for the scanner room other than to stop scanning or removing the HUD attachment from my suit? Not in the stock game. There is this mod, however, which gives you a range indication and also a toggle. [BetterScannerBlips at Subnautica Nexus - Mods and community](https://www.nexusmods.com/subnautica/mods/32) ---
**Author:** ![Richard\_Pearse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/richard_pearse/32/13144_2.png) [@Richard\_Pearse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Pearse)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2020, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subnautica-thoughts-while-playing-spoilers-while-playing/852024/165 "2020-05-16T00:49:27Z")
Also, is there a way to turn off the HUD display for the scanner room other than to stop scanning or removing the HUD attachment from my suit? ---
**Author:** ![Richard\_Pearse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/richard_pearse/32/13144_2.png) [@Richard\_Pearse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Pearse)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2020, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subnautica-thoughts-while-playing-spoilers-while-playing/852024/166 "2020-05-16T00:54:30Z")
[Duplicate] ---
**Author:** ![Richard\_Pearse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/richard_pearse/32/13144_2.png) [@Richard\_Pearse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Pearse)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2020, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subnautica-thoughts-while-playing-spoilers-while-playing/852024/167 "2020-05-16T02:19:36Z")
> [@lazybratsche](#): > > Even worse than that, I think the scan resets whenever you boot up the game, or if your base loses power. I think this might be it. I have a bio generator at my base with a solar panel for backup power and occasionally let the bio generator run out if I’m on a long expedition. > [@](#): > > Not in the stock game. There is this mod, however, which gives you a range indication and also a toggle. [BetterScannerBlips at Subnautica Nexus - Mods and community](https://www.nexusmods.com/subnautica/mods/32) I’m playing the PS4 version so no mods for me ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Arcite](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/67e7ee/32.png) [@Arcite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arcite)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2020, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subnautica-thoughts-while-playing-spoilers-while-playing/852024/168 "2020-05-16T02:56:25Z")
> [@Richard\_Pearse](#): > > I think this might be it. I have a bio generator at my base with a solar panel for backup power and occasionally let the bio generator run out if I’m on a long expedition. > > I’m playing the PS4 version so no mods for me ☹ I would recommend making thermal your main source of power. I built my main base near that entrance to the Jellyshroom Caves that has multiple lava geysers, stuck a bunch of thermal plants down there, and never had to think about power again. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2020, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subnautica-thoughts-while-playing-spoilers-while-playing/852024/169 "2020-05-24T00:07:47Z")
I forgot to update: We escaped the planet. A very, very satisfying moment. Hard earned, but it was satisfying to see. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2021, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subnautica-thoughts-while-playing-spoilers-while-playing/852024/170 "2021-04-30T00:23:31Z")
:BUMP: I see that the sequel “Below Zero” is coming out May 14. Like, an actual full 1.0 version release. Anyone getting it? ---
**Author:** ![Gorsnak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gorsnak/32/7587_2.png) [@Gorsnak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gorsnak)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2021, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subnautica-thoughts-while-playing-spoilers-while-playing/852024/171 "2021-04-30T01:18:31Z")
I bought it a while back during a sale. Have been holding off playing it till the official release. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2021, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subnautica-thoughts-while-playing-spoilers-while-playing/852024/172 "2021-04-30T01:53:01Z")
> [@Gorsnak](#): > > I bought it a while back during a sale. Have been holding off playing it till the official release I heard they locked the final section of the game until the real release, so probably a good idea. ---
**Author:** ![Chisquirrel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6bbea6/32.png) [@Chisquirrel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chisquirrel)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2021, 6:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subnautica-thoughts-while-playing-spoilers-while-playing/852024/173 "2021-04-30T06:31:59Z")
> [@Gorsnak](#): > > I bought it a while back during a sale. Have been holding off playing it till the official release. This is how I’m doing it, as well. I’ve mildly followed along development, but I really don’t know much about the game at all. I’m excited. ---
**Author:** ![Gorsnak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gorsnak/32/7587_2.png) [@Gorsnak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gorsnak)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2021, 1:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subnautica-thoughts-while-playing-spoilers-while-playing/852024/174 "2021-04-30T13:55:19Z")
I’ve seen the trailer they released recently, and aside from that all I know is the names of a few of the new leviathons and such from titles of suggested youtube videos. I have no clue about the story at all, which is just how I want to go into it. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2021, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subnautica-thoughts-while-playing-spoilers-while-playing/852024/175 "2021-05-12T01:21:00Z")
IGN gave the sequel a 9/10 and said it was a smaller world, but a tighter overall game experience. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2021, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subnautica-thoughts-while-playing-spoilers-while-playing/852024/176 "2021-05-12T02:15:18Z")
It’s still “Early release.” ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2021, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subnautica-thoughts-while-playing-spoilers-while-playing/852024/177 "2021-05-12T02:19:18Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > It’s still “Early release” Comes out Friday. IGN sounds like they reviewed the full version. ---
**Author:** ![Chisquirrel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6bbea6/32.png) [@Chisquirrel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chisquirrel)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2021, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subnautica-thoughts-while-playing-spoilers-while-playing/852024/178 "2021-05-15T21:20:11Z")
Played about an hour of Below Zero. It adds a couple new mechanics and tools so far, but nothing game-altering. So far, it’s played like Subnautica, but with cold. There’s definitely a much larger focus on the story, but it hasn’t terribly held my hand so far. Enough has changed to continue the feeling of mystery surrounding 4546B, and I’ve had a blast trying to decipher what my next steps should be. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2021, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subnautica-thoughts-while-playing-spoilers-while-playing/852024/180 "2021-05-26T16:26:47Z")
I think I’l lwait for it to be on sale. Full price doesn’t seem right for an expansion. I started a new Subnautica game and am reminded that one of the most important thing to do is concentrate your efforts; it can be easy to just start swimming everywhere and fill your inventory with junk. I find I need to set up a base ASAP, build lockers, and just concentrate; now I’m gonna fill up on water, now I need minerals, now I need to get the one thing necessary for a specific item. ---
**Author:** ![Gorsnak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gorsnak/32/7587_2.png) [@Gorsnak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gorsnak)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2021, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subnautica-thoughts-while-playing-spoilers-while-playing/852024/181 "2021-05-26T17:01:47Z")
I’ve got about 20 hours in Below Zero and I’d say it has a bit more story-type gameplay than the original. It’s also slightly more structured than the story in the original, though not vastly so, and again sort of split between uncovering what happened in the recent past, distant past, and getting off the planet. I’ve completed the latter two (aside from the actually leaving part) but still haven’t solved the first bit. I think I’m close, and just need to find one further location whose general whereabouts I know but can’t seem to actually find. It feels more like a sequel than an expansion to me, although a lot of the core gameplay is unchanged. There is a lot of new stuff which I won’t spoil, but obviously it’s pretty much impossible to make a follow-up that’s as novel a game as Subnautica was. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subnautica-thoughts-while-playing-spoilers-while-playing/852024.md?page=8) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subnautica-thoughts-while-playing-spoilers-while-playing/852024.md?page=10)