Subnautica: Below Zero introduces a new cast of alien marine creatures across the planet 4546B’s arctic and deep ocean environments. Some of these creatures are harmless — even beautiful. Others are among the most dangerous things in the Subnautica universe. Knowing which creatures are threats, understanding their behaviour patterns, and knowing how to respond when they attack is the difference between surviving Below Zero’s depths and respawning at your Lifepod with empty pockets. This is the complete creature survival guide for Below Zero.
Threat Assessment: Passive vs Aggressive Creatures
Below Zero creatures fall broadly into passive (will not attack unless provoked) and aggressive (will attack on sight or proximity) categories. Passive creatures like the Pengwing, Arctic Ray, and most plant-like fauna can be observed and even interacted with safely. Aggressive creatures — notably the Chelicerate, Squidshark, Ice Worm, and the Leviathan-class threats — will attack without warning. Understanding which category a creature falls into is the first skill to develop.
Major Threats and How to Handle Them
The Chelicerate (Below Zero’s Primary Leviathan Threat)
The Chelicerate is Below Zero’s equivalent of the original game’s Reaper Leviathan. It is an enormous, aggressive creature found in the open ocean, particularly in the Lilypads Island area and deep ocean regions. When it attacks, it grabs your submarine and deals damage over time. The primary defence is detection and avoidance — the Chelicerate’s sonic screech provides audio warning before an attack. When you hear it, change direction immediately. If grabbed, activate any speed boosts and try to pull out of range.
The Squidshark
Smaller than the Chelicerate but considerably more common, Squidshark pack in the Twisty Bridges and similar biomes. Individually manageable, multiple Squidshark attacking simultaneously can deal serious damage to your Seatruck. The knife is ineffective against them while inside a vehicle — your best option is speed. Boost away and they typically do not pursue to the edge of their territory.
The Ice Worm (Land Creature)
Below Zero’s most distinctive creature introduction: the Ice Worm is a massive land-based predator found in the Arctic areas. It detects you through vibrations — running across the ice surface triggers its attack. To traverse Ice Worm territory safely, walk slowly rather than sprinting. The game includes Thumper devices that create a vibration “safe zone” around them — place these strategically across dangerous ice fields to create a safe path.
The Shadow Leviathan (Deep Ocean Boss)
The Shadow Leviathan is found deep in the game’s endgame ocean areas. It is among the most dangerous creatures in the Subnautica franchise. The primary survival strategy is simple: do not go to the deepest areas without a fully upgraded Seatruck or Prawn Suit, and have an escape route planned before you enter Shadow Leviathan territory.
Survival Tips Against Aggressive Creatures
- Upgrade your Seatruck hull integrity — more hull integrity means more time to escape before the vehicle is destroyed
- The Thermoblade is the best melee weapon against smaller aggressive creatures — it deals fire damage that deters most medium-sized threats
- Bioluminescent areas often indicate creature activity — treat unusual light sources as a warning
- Night increases creature aggression in some biomes — be extra cautious during Below Zero’s dark cycles
- Noise from your Seatruck engine attracts nearby creatures — consider stopping and going quiet when in areas with known Leviathan presence
RicardoPlays Creature Coverage
The RicardoPlays channel has dedicated creature encounter videos from the Below Zero series — including the first encounters with Chelicerates and Shadow Leviathans that are among the most memorable moments in Ricardo’s playthrough. Watch the channel for creature encounter footage and commentary on the best survival strategies for each major threat.