The Architects (Precursors) Wiki

General Info

Faction Name	The Architects (Precursors)

The Architects, also known as Precursors, are an advanced extinct species in the Subnautica universe known for their technological marvels and alien architecture. Additionally, they created alien structures, power generation facilities and portals on planet 4546B. Their influence spans several planets, indicating a large presence in the galaxy. Despite their technological prowess, they fell prey to the Kharaa bacteria. As a result of this tragedy, they became extinct, and their technology and structures were rendered powerless for millennia. Their existence fuels many theories about extraterrestrial life and the potential for civilizations in the vast cosmos. Their technology plays a very important role in the plot, giving players objectives and secrets.

Overview

The Architects, or Precursors, are a technologically advanced species that form the central arc of the Subnautica universe. The Architects are known for their innovative technological advancements and drastically diversify the Subnautica ecosystem with their semi-organic cybernetic objects. These entities were created by architects to aid their research and protect their structures.
The Architects traveled to various parts of the universe to conduct research, better understand other life forms, and find solutions to their problems: an alien bacterium called Kharaa. Despite their technological prowess, they were unable to fight the plague and their civilization came to a halt. Their extensive network of bases and facilities showcases their technological ingenuity and blends seamlessly into their natural habitat. Hidden deep beneath Subnautica's oceans, the bases contain teleportation equipment, containment devices, and a variety of interactive alien technology, weaving a tale of intrigue and tension throughout the vast underwater world.
Although architects are not physically present in the game, their influence is palpable. Their legacy and history is gradually revealed by deciphering the alien tablets and exploring their abandoned structures. Their absence gives them mystery, appeal and deepens the player's immersion in the fascinating world of Subnautica. Architects embody the perfect combination of technological prowess, curiosity for the unknown, and the eternal struggle for survival, making them an integral part of the game's rich history.

History

The Architects, also known as the Precursors, are an incredibly advanced, ancient and mysterious species that are at the core of the history of the Subnautica universe. Believed to have originated over a billion years ago, this faction has left a lasting legacy across the cosmos, with their structures and technology central to the game's story.
The history of architects is one of technological marvels and unfortunate tragedies. Their civilization was far more advanced than most, with advanced knowledge in many sciences, including genetics, robotics, terraforming, energy production, and interstellar travel. The warped cube-shaped structures and powerful warps they built are a testament to their mastery of technology and their insatiable pursuit of wisdom. Disaster struck when a giant bacteria known as Kharaa crippled their society. The Architects desperately searched for a cure, even experimenting with over a thousand alien species on several planets, including planet 4546B. There they built vast research and containment facilities that stand as silent testaments to their efforts long after their deaths.
Unable to find a cure before succumbing to the disease, the remaining Architects created Sanctuary Modules, devices that can digitally store their thoughts, in an effort to gain a form of immortality. They hoped that future species would find these relics and help restore their species to physical forms. This combination of advanced intuition and desperate means of survival paints a stark picture of the history of architects: powerful but fragile. Their collapse is a powerful reminder of the consequences of unchecked biological threats and the limits of even the most advanced technologies. Their history remains deeply etched in the remnants of their greatness scattered across the worlds of the Subnautica universe.

Notable Members

Geography

Also known as Forerunners, the Architects wanted to establish their settlements in the vastly different water and land biomes of the Subnautica universe for specific purposes. Notable among these are the Disease Research Facility in the eerie Lost River underwater caverns and the Primary Containment Complex, buried deep within the molten heart of an active lava patch. Despite their advanced technology, the Architects' structures were often confined to a harsh environment that most creatures found inhospitable.
Scattered across different parts of the universe, they each served unique purposes, from harnessing the planet's natural energy through thermal power plants in lava lakes to discovering and researching new life forms. Their design philosophy, often combined with the natural environment, never ceases to inspire respect, whether it's the stark contrast of the Quarantine execution platform against the pristine blue sky, or the surreal Alien Arch sculpture hidden in dense alien forests. Their abandoned ruins quietly whisper tales of their technological prowess. Although these ancient and often hidden places attract brave adventurers, they are the stone of the deadly Kharaa bacteria that plagued the architects, revealing the horrific shadows of a seemingly advanced civilization that lost its battle with its microscopic foe.

Legacy and Impact

The Architects' legacy and influence in the Subnautica universe is significant. Their technological advancements fundamentally shaped the world the game's protagonist encountered, inspiring fear, dread, and intrigue. These beings, known as progenitors, left behind advanced structures, machines, and life forms that demonstrate their exceptional biotechnological capabilities. Their most famous creation, the Sea Emperor Leviathan, acts as the main force behind the story, sending the main character on a perilous journey through ecological obstacles, underwater caves and ancient alien structures. Moreover, the lasting impact of architects is evidenced by their lethal execution devices: outlines. By giving these machines the sole purpose of maintaining quarantine, the architects inadvertently created a dangerous world for the players to navigate. Unraveling the history of these ancient creatures is the driving force behind Subnautica, which teaches players about the power and dangers of unchecked technological progress.

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The Architects (Precursors)