Can you disable the gun before the Sunbeam arrives?
In the game Subnautica, arriving at the right moment is crucial when dealing with the Sunbeam, a huge spaceship that comes to rescue the player when they are in distress. At first glance, it may seem futile to try to disable the gun before the Sunbeam arrives, but surprisingly, it is possible. In this article, we’ll explore the ways to disable the gun prior to the Sunbeam’s arrival, dispel common misconceptions, and address the consequences of doing so.
Understand the Gun’s Disability
To disable the gun, you need to undergo a process called "curing." This involves treating the Kharaa virus that infects the player’s body once they are exposed to radiation. The curing process can be slow and arduous, leaving little time to spare before the Sunbeam arrives. Curing only becomes available after completing a majority of the game’s story.
The process of curing involves activating the terminal in the gun’s core, which will prompt a series of stages to treat the virus. Each cure stage requires a significant amount of rare resources. Once curing is complete, you can interact with the terminal to disable the gun.
Disabling the Gun: Tips and Tricks
Here are some essential guidelines to help you disable the gun before the Sunbeam arrives:
- Catching up on the story: Focus on completing the main storyline to unlock additional resources and facilities, which will aid your ability to cure the virus.
- Resource conservation: Prioritize resource gathering activities to ensure you have enough rare goods to complete the curing process.
- Alternative strategies: Consider alternative methods like using the Prawn Suit with the Grapple Arm and Drill Arms to disable the gun, but this involves a different set of challenges (see below).
Consequences and Considerations
Disabling the gun before the Sunbeam arrives also comes with some consequences:
Failed Rescue Attempt: If you cancel the rescue attempt, the Sunbeam will not return, and you must restart the game or continue using alternative methods to progress.
Potential Risks: Disrupting the rescue attempt may attract unfavorable attention from other hostile entities, such as Radiation Sacs or Reaper Levians.
Alternative Progression Options: Consider alternative methods or strategies to progress through the game that do not rely on the Sunbeam (e.g., using the Prawn Suit or exploring other areas)
Prawn Suit Alternative for Disabling the Gun
If you’re quick and resourceful, you may be able to disable the gun with alternative methods:
- Prawn Suit with Grapple Arm: Assemble the Prawn Suit equipped with the Grapple Arm attachment and grapple onto an Aurora Leviathan. Use its drill arm to disable the gun and prevent the Sunbeam from arriving (see What if you touched an aurora? for more detail).
- Resource-intensive methods: These alternatives may require significant resources and time (e.g., building a large Seabed Base or conducting research).
Conclusion
The fate of the Sunbeam’s arrival is solely dependent on your ability to cure and deactivate the gun. With the right resources and guidance, you can disable the gun before its arrival. Keep in mind: alternative methods and strategies may be effective, but they come with their own considerations and risks.