Kelp Forest
General Info
| Location Name | Kelp Forest |
|---|
Overview
The forest is not only for excursions; it serves as a diver's main tool. It is home to several unique species that provide essential materials for crafting and survival. Stalkers, the primary predators of this region, drop Stalker Teeth, an item needed to craft Enamel Glass. Creepers, the other main species here, are the only source of Fiber Mesh and Silicone Rubber early in the game.
But it's not all calm: stalkers can be dangerous for unprepared divers, and thick seaweed can disorient players and lead to potentially fatal situations. In addition, the deep parts of the forest hide caves filled with aggressive fauna and quartz, a constant resource.
In general, the kelp forest is a biome of fundamental importance: it is beautiful, scary, rich in resources and at the same time in danger. A true representation of the Subnautica universe. It's a functional risk-reward balance that promises an exciting exploration experience for every player.
History
Initially, seaweed was plentiful but sporadic, as the game's developers focused on balancing the density of seaweed with the player's ability to move freely. However, the forest was mostly nondescript and lacked clear landmarks, making navigation a major challenge.
As the game updates, the kelp forest began to take on a unique shape. The developers have gotten more creative with the terrain, introducing caves, arches, and delicate plants, adding aesthetic appeal to the once simple biomes. These changes greatly increased the sense of immersion for players and made the forest a favorite place to explore.
However, the most striking change was related to the fauna that lived in the Kelp forest. The introduction of the Stalker, the iconic predator of the Subnautica universe, added an interesting level of danger that isn't necessarily present in the early stages of the game. The emergence of this predator-prey dynamic has undoubtedly cast Kelp Forest in a more attractive and ominous light. Further changes changed the cost of available resources and added more constructive gameplay elements such as basic tools and vehicle fragments. As a result, the kelp forest went from a prominent vantage point to a critical location for the player's progression.
From its humble beginnings as a disappointing and somewhat frustrating biome to becoming an integral part of the game, the story of the evolution of the kelp forest mirrors the overall journey of Subnautica. It contains the most comprehensive essence of the game, reminding us of the fascinating process of game development.
Background
A stunning sight, the forest is dominated by towering strands of vines, clusters of their illuminated seeds illuminating the ocean with a bioluminescent glow. This seamless flora forms a delicate ecosystem intertwined with the marine life that inhabits it. The forest is rich in species, from passive and grazing herbivores to stealthy and predatory stalkers. Stalkers, who shape the forest in their own way, are especially worthy of attention. They use their powerful fangs to collect scrap metal, which greatly affects the metallurgical composition of the forest and the availability of crafting for players.
Peeper, Reginald and Hoverfish are some of the other inhabitants of the kelp forest. Their abundance makes the forest a reliable place to obtain food and water, although care must be taken not to provoke dangerous Stalkers while foraging.
The beauty of the forest of trousers lies in the complex layers of interdependence. From the vines that provide oxygen and serve as homes for smaller species and edible plants, to the unique predator-prey dynamics that shape the landscape, everything in the forest has a place in the bigger picture. This delicate balance makes a kelp forest not just a place, but a living, breathing, self-sustaining, yet ever-changing ecosystem.
For the explorer with the right tools and courage, the kelp forest offers many possibilities. It is a place of discovery, full of abundant fauna, flora and valuable resources hidden beneath the water canopies. From cooking materials to food, the forest contains everything needed for survival, making it an essential part of any survivor's journey in the Subnautica universe.