Category: survival horror

Submerged: A Subnautica Survival Diary – Log 17 | The Descent Continues

Submerged: A Subnautica Survival Diary – Log 17 | The Descent Continues

Platform: Steam Deck
Mode: Survival – No Commentary

Video Entry

Apparently, the answer has been staring me directly in the face this entire time.

I checked my PDA and noticed something I had completely overlooked before: a clue mentioning a Disease Research Facility located 800 metres down near skeletal remains.

I have already been somewhere with skeletal remains 800 metres below sea level.

So naturally, I’m going back.

I take both my orange and purple tablets with me just in case. At this point I’ve learned that alien doors have a habit of refusing entry unless you happen to be carrying the correct glowing geometry.

One More Stop At The Aurora

Before descending, I decide to stop by the Aurora wreckage one more time. I had a feeling I didn’t properly loot it during my last visit.

Turns out I was right.

I found another hole in the hull leading deeper inside and eventually came across a Cyclops Thermal Module.

Very useful timing considering what I’m preparing for.

The Disease Research Facility

Once I reach the skeletal remains in the Lost River, I head left and finally find the Disease Research Facility.

To make this even worse, I realise I could have discovered this place during my previous visit if I had simply paid more attention. The only reason I found it at all was because I had been hunting for Ruby in the area and didn’t want to properly explore the structure without recording it.

Did I scout for an entrance beforehand?

No.

That would have been sensible.

Eventually I locate a way inside and immediately find somewhere to insert one of my alien tablets. The facility powers up enough for me to access alien data terminals, and suddenly several things become painfully clear all at once.

First: there may actually be a cure for the infection I’m carrying.

Second: the facility containing that cure is approximately 1.4 kilometres below sea level.

That is currently well beyond my capabilities.

For now.

While exploring further I recover Ion Cubes and additional alien data. I also learn something I already suspected: I am the last surviving crew member of the Aurora, and the quarantine enforcement platform is specifically preventing infected lifeforms from leaving the planet.

Good thing I didn’t build the Neptune Rocket yet. That would have been an incredibly brief launch sequence.

I also finally learn the true purpose of the Warpers.

They are effectively hunter-killers designed to eliminate infected targets.

Which means every encounter I’ve had with them suddenly makes a lot more sense.

So now I know what happened to the Aurora crew.

And likely what happened to the Degasi survivors too.

The Time Has Come

But now I finally have direction.

The cure exists.

It is below me.

And if I want to reach it, I need to descend another 600 metres beyond my current limit.

Which means the time has finally come.

I’ve spent the last several entries preparing for this off camera: building infrastructure, gathering materials, expanding the base, stockpiling supplies and trying to make sure I don’t descend into the planet completely unprepared.

I return to my larger base, empty out the lockers containing all the materials I’ve gathered and head for the Mobile Vehicle Bay.

I even wait for sunrise because if I’m about to construct giant survival vehicles, I may as well make it look cinematic.

The Prawn Suit

First up: the Prawn Suit.

It still doesn’t have a proper name or colour scheme yet. That sounds like a problem for future me.

But the important thing is that it exists.

And unlike Valentino, it can already reach 900 metres below sea level without immediately complaining about pressure.

That alone makes it valuable.

The Cyclops Problem

Then came the real objective: the Cyclops.

I press the button and immediately get informed that the water is too shallow.

Excellent start.

I briefly consider dragging everything back to the larger base before remembering my original base should still be located in deeper water.

So naturally I load the Mobile Vehicle Bay onto my back, climb into the Prawn Suit and begin walking across the seabed.

It is slower than travelling in Valentino.

But honestly?

Possibly just as entertaining.

Eventually I reach deeper water and try again.

Attempt number two succeeds.

I officially have a Cyclops.

The onboard AI calmly informs me the vessel is designed for a three-person crew.

Unfortunately for the Cyclops, there is only me.

We will adapt.

Preparing For The Descent

Before ending the expedition, I install a MK1 depth module into the Cyclops to improve its diving range.

Eventually it will need a MK2 or MK3 upgrade if I want to reach the 1.4 kilometre facility.

But for now, the next objective is preparation.

I want both the Cyclops and Prawn Suit outfitted as thoroughly as possible before continuing deeper into the Lost River.

I still have no idea what ultimately waits below the planet.

I only know one thing for certain:

I would rather face it prepared.

Continue The Journey

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Next Log: Coming Soon
Series Hub: Subnautica Hub

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Submerged: A Subnautica Survival Diary – Log 16 | The Descent Begins

Submerged: A Subnautica Survival Diary – Log 16 | The Descent Begins

Platform: Steam Deck
Mode: Survival – No Commentary

Video Entry

The new base is finally operational.

Honestly, I’m pleased with how it turned out. I had a rough vision in my head while building it, and somehow the result actually resembles what I imagined instead of a collection of underwater tubes held together by panic and titanium.

That said, construction was not exactly smooth. The base developed leaks almost immediately after expansion started, which explains why the walls are now covered in reinforcements. I would love to add more windows eventually, but considering the ocean already tried to force its way inside once, restraint may be the smarter option.

The important systems are online. I’ve got hydroponics running, a water filtration unit producing clean water, and a Gel Sack farm outside. For anyone playing along, once you finally find a Gel Sack, hit it with a knife a few times before harvesting it. The seeds can then be planted in an exterior growbed, saving you from repeated trips into increasingly worrying cave systems every time Aerogel becomes necessary.

The Call From Lifepod 2

During the time spent working on the base, another radio message arrived. I deliberately left it alone until this entry. If I’ve learned anything on this planet, it’s that distress calls rarely improve the situation.

This one came from Lifepod 2.

The coordinates placed it roughly 500 metres below sea level, which is now comfortably within Valentino’s range. Since the last entry, Valentino has received a MK3 depth module, allowing him to descend to 900 metres. I also installed sonar. During testing, it picked up a Reaper Leviathan nearby, so at least now I can detect incoming nightmares slightly earlier than usual.

I still had Lifepod 13 sitting on my HUD as well, so I decided to clear that first. Naturally, I got distracted by wreckage along the way, because apparently I cannot pass abandoned technology without investigating it.

The wreck did not offer much, and neither did Lifepod 13. I suspect I had already visited it earlier and simply forgot to remove the marker. Efficient? No. Consistent? Sadly, yes.

Below 500 Metres

Lifepod 2 was exactly as expected: empty.

No survivors. Just another quiet reminder that everyone else who tried to survive this planet appears to have failed.

While using sonar near the pod, I noticed something else nearby. An opening.

Dark. Deep. Wide enough to continue downward.

With Valentino upgraded and the sonar active, I convinced myself this was a good idea.

That confidence lasted until I saw what looked like an enormous crab with an exposed brain. I briefly considered turning back, but I had already come this far, and apparently that now counts as decision-making.

The deeper I travelled, the stranger the environment became. An underwater river flowed through the cavern, with glowing green fog drifting through the darkness. I scanned what I could and picked up anything that looked useful, because if this planet insists on becoming stranger, I may as well keep stealing from it.

The Waterfall Rule

Eventually I found a waterfall.

Years of gaming have taught me that waterfalls are legally required to hide something, so naturally I investigated.

The passage beyond could not take Valentino with it. It looked like there was breathable air inside, or at least something close enough that I was not immediately dying. Unfortunately, I was also sure I had seen a Leviathan somewhere nearby, along with Warpers moving through the area.

Leaving Valentino outside did not feel great.

I parked him as close as I could and went in anyway.

The Structure Beneath The Planet

Behind the waterfall, I found a giant alien structure buried deep beneath the surface.

I looked for a way to power it, scan it, or interact with it in some useful way, but nothing responded. It just sat there in the silence, which was not comforting.

I returned to Valentino much faster than I entered.

Thankfully, he was still there.

By this point, I was around 800 metres down, and it looked like the route continued even deeper. Before leaving, I found something else: a massive skeleton.

The scan identified it as the remains of a Sea Dragon.

That felt like the planet politely suggesting I leave.

I dropped a beacon to mark the route. I can go further this way later, but not yet. I need the ability to go deeper, and I need more than Valentino if I am going to survive what comes next.

New Targets Unaccounted For: 1

Back at base, another message was waiting.

New targets unaccounted for: 1.

I am assuming that “1” is me.

Which means something knows I exist.

That changes things.

The deeper I go, the clearer it becomes that Valentino alone is no longer enough. If I am going to keep descending into these caverns, I need a mobile base. Somewhere to store supplies, recharge equipment, carry resources, and support longer expeditions far below the surface.

And if something down there decides it wants me dead, I would also like something capable of meeting the problem head-on.

So the time has come.

I said I needed to go deeper.

Now I do.

Which means it is finally time to build a Cyclops and a Prawn Suit.

Continue The Journey

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Submerged: A Subnautica Survival Diary – Entry 15: New Horizons, New Problems

Submerged Entry 15: New Horizons, New Problems

Platform: Steam Deck
Game: Subnautica

Video: Lifepod 7 expedition, Cyclops breakthrough, and selecting the new base location (no commentary)

The first thing on today’s agenda was finally listening to the radio message I had completely forgotten about during the last entry. The signal came from Lifepod 7. The message itself was not exactly precise, but it did give me something useful to work with: approximately one kilometre from the stern of the Aurora, around 200 metres deep.

Valentino could reach that depth without too much trouble. The bigger issue was everything beyond it. If I wanted to keep pushing deeper into the ocean, I was going to need to improve the Seamoth’s depth capabilities properly.

Which meant another trip to the Jellyshroom Caves.

Back Into the Caves

By this point I know the route into the caves well enough that it no longer feels completely alien, although I still would not describe the place as welcoming. Giant glowing mushrooms, abandoned Degassi structures, and the general sense that the entire biome wants to swallow you whole does tend to ruin the atmosphere slightly.

While collecting Magnetite, I noticed a PDA I had somehow missed previously. The logs mentioned another Degassi base deeper within the caves, roughly 250 metres down.

Conveniently, that depth was perfect for Valentino.

Naturally, I went looking for it immediately.

The base itself was partially abandoned, partially destroyed, and still somehow more organised than anything Alterra has left me with so far. I moved through the structure scanning and looting whatever I could find. Amongst the debris were fragments for a Nuclear Reactor, which is potentially useful later, but the real discovery was something else entirely:

A Water Filtration Machine.

That is a massive upgrade for long-term survival. The idea of having a permanent source of clean drinking water inside the base changes things considerably.

Unfortunately, the universe immediately balanced this optimism by informing me the machine requires Aerogel to construct. I still have absolutely no idea how to make that.

So for now, the Water Filtration plans have been pushed onto the increasingly large “future problems” list.

The Stalker Tooth Problem

Returning to base, I turned my attention toward upgrading Valentino properly. The MK2 Depth Module required Enameled Glass, which meant gathering Glass and Stalker Teeth.

Quartz was easy enough to collect. Stalker Teeth were another matter entirely.

At first the Scanner Room refused to cooperate, so I switched the scan to Metal Salvage instead, figuring I could track the Stalkers themselves and wait for a tooth to drop naturally while they played with the scrap.

This approach did not work.

I tried patience. I tried following them around. I even tried encouraging the process slightly more aggressively by ramming them with Valentino and stabbing them with a knife.

Still nothing.

At this point I briefly convinced myself I probably needed a Stasis Rifle for the whole process and headed back toward the Scanner Room in defeat.

Then I noticed it.

The Scanner Room could scan directly for Stalker Teeth.

Suddenly the entire situation became significantly easier.

I switched the scan immediately, headed back outside, and found a tooth almost instantly. Apparently the solution to my problems was simply reading the Scanner Room properly instead of behaving like an underwater caveman for twenty minutes.

Valentino Goes Deeper

With the final materials gathered, the MK2 Depth Module was finally completed and installed into Valentino.

Maximum operating depth: 500 metres.

That is a very significant improvement over the previous 300 metre limit. The deeper parts of the planet suddenly feel far more accessible now, which is either excellent news or a terrible idea.

Probably both.

Lifepod 7

With Valentino upgraded, it was finally time to investigate Lifepod 7 properly. I checked the coordinates again and began making my way toward the stern of the Aurora.

The closer I moved toward the wreck, the more careful I became. I wanted to search thoroughly without drifting too far into open water, particularly considering what lives around the Aurora.

Unfortunately, the local Reaper Leviathan decided to introduce itself anyway.

The thing appeared out of nowhere and chased Valentino for a short distance before somehow losing interest. I still do not entirely understand how we escaped that encounter intact, but I was not about to question my good fortune.

And then, almost immediately afterwards, I saw something far more important resting on the seabed.

The final Cyclops engine fragment.

After all this time, the Cyclops blueprint was finally complete.

Which means I now have another vehicle to eventually construct. More importantly, I now have another vehicle that will eventually require a name.

The Lifepod and the Doll

Eventually I found Lifepod 7 itself, carefully matching the surrounding terrain against the photograph I had been given. Valentino had taken a beating during the earlier encounter, so I stopped briefly to repair the damage before entering the pod itself.

Truthfully, there was not much left inside worth salvaging.

There was, however, one unusual discovery.

A strange doll sitting quietly within the wreckage.

I could not pick it up directly, but I was able to scan it. After checking my blueprints later, it appears I can now build my own version of it.

Something about the doll felt strangely familiar though. It reminded me of someone from another underwater disaster involving another submarine.

If memory serves correctly, things did not end particularly well for them either.

New Base Location

Before heading home, I spent some time surveying the surrounding area carefully. The more I explored near the stern of the Aurora, the more obvious something became.

I need a second base.

The original Mushroom Forest base is still serving me well, but operations are slowly moving further and further away from it. The deeper I push into the planet, the more useful a forward outpost becomes.

Eventually I found the spot I was looking for.

Close enough to the Aurora to support further expeditions. Far enough from the deeper drop-offs to remain manageable. Dangerous enough to feel like a terrible idea.

Perfect.

I dropped a beacon into the seabed and gave it a name:

New Base Location.

That is right.

I am building a new base.

Continue the Journey

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Submerged: A Subnautica Survival Diary – Entry 14: Return to the Aurora

Submerged Entry 14: Return to the Aurora

Platform: Steam Deck
Game: Subnautica

Video: Aurora return, Prawn Suit fragments, and Neptune Rocket plans (no commentary)

Before heading back to the Aurora, I once again spent some time off-camera scavenging for supplies. Mostly lithium this time, as I wanted to make proper use of the Modification Station. The result is a larger oxygen tank, upgraded fins, and a noticeable improvement in how long I can actually survive underwater without surfacing like a panicked fish every thirty seconds.

Three full minutes of oxygen changes a surprising amount.

I also crafted several fire extinguishers because, unfortunately, the Aurora is still very much on fire.

There were two reasons for returning. The first was the Prawn Suit fragments hidden somewhere inside the wreck. The second was Alterra’s supposed “backup plan” for getting me off the planet, which apparently waited behind a locked door inside the Captain’s Quarters.

Whether escaping is actually possible while infected and living under the watchful eye of a giant alien cannon is another matter entirely.

Approaching the Wreck

I climbed into Valentino and made my way toward the Aurora once again. The closer I got, the more the entire wreck seemed to dominate the horizon. Even after previous visits, the thing still feels less like a crashed ship and more like a warning.

At one point I seriously considered turning around altogether. A Leviathan was swimming nearby, somewhere beneath the waterline, and although I do not think it actually spotted me, I had no interest in testing that theory in open water.

Valentino survived the trip regardless, and eventually the familiar wreckage came into view.

Cave Crawlers and Corporate Fire Hazards

The first order of business inside the Aurora was dealing with Cave Crawlers, which mostly involved launching them into the distance using the Propulsion Cannon. I do not think that mechanic will ever stop being entertaining. There is something deeply satisfying about watching tiny hostile creatures suddenly achieve low orbit.

Beyond that came the usual combination of burning corridors, blocked pathways, and scattered debris. I moved crates out of the way, emptied fire extinguishers into active flames, and slowly pushed deeper into the wreck.

Along the way I found a code for a nearby door and, naturally, immediately abandoned all restraint and grabbed everything that was not physically attached to the walls.

Returning with upgraded oxygen capacity also made a noticeable difference. For once, I could actually stop to explore rooms properly instead of constantly checking my remaining air supply every few seconds.

I even found another flashlight, which is reassuring considering my current one has probably suffered enough abuse already.

The Prawn Suit Bay

Eventually I found what I had really come for: the Prawn Suits.

The bay itself was still partially on fire, which meant carefully weaving between flames while scanning fragments as quickly as possible. One by one the blueprints started coming together until, after four scans, the final piece clicked into place.

The Prawn Suit was now fully unlocked.

Which means at some point soon I am going to need to build one. More importantly, I am going to need to think of a name for it.

Somewhere during all this, I also noticed I had another radio transmission waiting back at base. Naturally, I completely forgot about it again until the recording had already finished.

Alterra’s Escape Plan

After securing the Prawn Suit fragments, I continued moving room to room through the Aurora, embracing my role as the ocean’s least qualified salvage expert. If something was not nailed down, it went into my inventory. If it was scannable, I scanned it.

Eventually I reached the Captain’s Quarters, although actually getting inside proved more difficult than expected because I somehow managed to forget where the code was stored despite knowing full well I already had it.

Eventually common sense prevailed, the code was entered correctly, and inside waited Alterra’s emergency solution to the entire situation:

Blueprints for a rocket.

I appreciate the optimism. Unfortunately, there are still several problems with this plan.

Firstly, I am infected with something unpleasant.

Secondly, there is still a giant alien cannon on the island that already demonstrated very clearly what happens to anything attempting to leave the planet.

So while the Neptune Rocket plans are useful, I would not exactly call them an immediate solution.

Return to Base

Eventually I fought my way back through the Aurora and returned to Valentino. The trip back to base was quieter, although the closer I got to home, the more obvious another problem became.

The current base is starting to feel small.

Between the Scanner Room, Moonpool, Bioreactor, storage space, and everything else I keep dragging back from expeditions, the operation is beginning to outgrow the original layout.

I am now seriously considering either heavily expanding the current base or establishing a second outpost somewhere further from the Mushroom Forest.

Before any of that though, I need to figure out exactly what components are required to craft the Prawn Suit.

And perhaps more importantly, I should probably listen to that radio message.

Continue the Journey

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Black Tides – A Dredge Survival Diary Log 7: The Cliffs Fight Back

Black Tides – Log 7: The Cliffs Fight Back

Platform: Steam Deck
Mode: Normal
Format: No Commentary

Video: family crest recovered, giant eel encounters, ship repairs, explosives unlocked, and Gale Cliffs navigation attempts (no commentary)

The next job was simple on paper. Find the family crest the hermit marked on the map. Looking at the route, it was clear I’d need to make my way through the cliffs to reach it, but the path itself didn’t look too bad. I plotted a course and headed out.

As soon as I passed through the stone arch, something large came straight out of the water. I’m assuming it was an eel, but whatever it was, it was far bigger than anything I’ve seen so far. I tried to avoid it, clipped the cliff face, and the creature still managed to hit the boat anyway. With the ship damaged, I limped back to the travelling merchant for repairs and decided to try again the next day.

The second attempt went a little better. I chose a different route through the cliffs and managed to avoid the creature entirely, or at least I didn’t see it this time. I eventually reached the wreck where the family crest was supposed to be, recovered it, and returned to the hermit.

He told me to speak to his brother in Ingfell and ask him for forgiveness on his behalf. The brother — the whaler — agreed to help, but only if I helped him first. He wanted me to detonate some explosives to clear part of the cliffs. All I needed to do, according to him, was head through the stone arch and follow the yellow flags.

It didn’t occur to me at the time that he meant the same stone arch I had already been through. That realisation came later, after I’d already decided I didn’t like him very much.

I equipped the haste ability and headed back out, thinking the extra speed would help me avoid the eel. It didn’t. The creature appeared again, hit the boat again, and I still didn’t see any yellow flags. To make things worse, the damage meant I couldn’t even keep the conger eel I’d caught to let it rot for the other request. I had to throw it back and head straight to the merchant for repairs.

The next attempt went exactly the same way. Through the arch, eel appears, boat damaged, no flags. Back to the merchant. Repaired again. At this point I’m fairly sure she’s getting tired of seeing me dock every single night.

After checking the pursuit log and getting nowhere, I went back to the whaler and spoke to him again. This time he mentioned that the yellow flags would be on my right. That would have been useful to know the first time.

With that in mind, I tried again. This time I managed to avoid the eel long enough to spot the flags, though the creature still managed to hit the boat while I was reading what I needed to do. Another repair job, but at least the explosives were placed where they needed to be.

After reporting back, the whaler agreed to reconcile with the hermit. One awkward family reunion later, I now have access to explosives of my own. He even gave me one for free, and I bought a few more just in case.

All that should be left now is placing another charge to clear the way to the relic. Though I can’t help wondering if these explosives would work just as well on that giant eel instead.

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Black Tides – Log 6

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Black Tides – A Dredge Survival Diary Log 6: Gale Cliffs at Last

Black Tides – Log 6: Gale Cliffs at Last

Platform: Steam Deck
Mode: Normal
Format: No Commentary

Video: shrine puzzle solved, boat upgraded, Gale Cliffs reached, strange waters discovered, and Hermit quest begins (no commentary)

After loading back in, it became clear I hadn’t learned anything from the last trip. I went straight back out into the dark, realised almost immediately that was a mistake, and turned around for Greater Marrow. I waited for dawn instead of pushing my luck again, then went back to what I should have been doing in the first place — fishing.

The shrine I found earlier kept coming to mind. It wanted curved fish, and the only thing I’d caught so far that fit that description was cod. They sit at a right angle in storage, so that seemed close enough. I went out looking specifically for them, and while I was at it I realised I had enough materials to upgrade the boat again. This time I added more space for fishing rods, which should make things easier once I start working deeper water.

Once I had enough cod, I headed back to the shrine. That meant going out at night again, which I wasn’t thrilled about, but I wanted to be ready to head for the Gale Cliffs at first light, so it made sense at the time. After dropping the fish into the shrine, I was given a new rod — a sinew spindle. From what I can tell, it slightly increases the chance of catching aberrations. If that’s true, I expect I’ll be seeing more of them whether I want to or not.

As soon as dawn came, I set a course for the Gale Cliffs. On the way, I came across a wreck that looked strangely familiar. The hull shape was the same as my own boat, just less equipped. I don’t know if that means anything, but it didn’t feel like a coincidence. I pulled what materials I could from the wreck and continued on.

I stopped at Ingfell once I reached the Cliffs and spoke to a few of the locals. One of them, a whaler, didn’t seem too happy about being there. Another asked me to catch an aged conger eel, which apparently means letting one rot first. Naturally, that means night fishing again.

I also met the travelling merchant, who might be the most cheerful person I’ve met since this started. They’re willing to buy fish, sell equipment, and even handle ship upgrades, which makes this place a lot more useful than I expected. They also mentioned the photographer again, which I’d completely forgotten about, and asked me to keep an eye out for certain fish while I was working the area.

While exploring the Cliffs, I saw something I still don’t have a proper explanation for. Water was shooting upward out of the sea, like a whirlpool going the wrong way. When I got closer, it vanished. I decided not to question it too much and kept moving.

Night fell while I was still out, and I spotted a red light near what looked like a small town further along the cliffs. I couldn’t reach it directly, but I did find a place to dock nearby. There I met a hermit who said he wanted to return to Ingfell to speak to his brother, but refused to leave without a family crest that had been lost somewhere in the cliffs. He marked the location on my map and warned me to watch out for some kind of creature in the area. Not exactly reassuring.

I tried to reach the town the red light was coming from, but the way forward was blocked. After speaking to the hermit again, he suggested I talk to the whaler back in Ingfell, which I decided could wait until morning. The last time I went chasing red lights in the dark, I ended up at the bottom of the sea. I’m not making that mistake twice in the same day.

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Black Tides – Log 5

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Black Tides – A Dredge Survival Diary Log 5: Faster Engines, Worse Decisions

Black Tides – Log 5: Faster Engines, Worse Decisions

Platform: Steam Deck
Mode: Normal
Format: No Commentary

Video: Engine damage, night fishing, strange shrine discovered, upgrades installed, and a failed night run (no commentary)

The plan was simple this time. Head for the Gale Cliffs and see what was waiting there. Naturally, it didn’t go to plan. I decided to make use of the haste ability the Collector gave me, and while it did exactly what it promised, it also destroyed one of my engines in the process. With the boat down to half speed, I didn’t have much choice but to limp back to Greater Marrow and get it repaired.

That made the decision for me. If I’m going anywhere new, I need better equipment first. Better equipment means upgrades, and upgrades mean money. So the next few days were spent doing what I seem to do best — fishing.

I split my time between day trips and short runs at night, staying close to the coastline around Greater Marrow. I caught a few abnormal fish along the way. If I’m honest, they don’t unsettle me as much now. At this point I almost expect to pull one up every time I head out. They sell well enough, which makes it easier to justify keeping them.

After a bit of grinding, I finally had enough money saved to upgrade my engines. The plan was to replace both of my current outboards with improved ones. I bought the first, sold my old engines, and went to buy the second — only to realise the shop only had one available. Apparently I need to wait until the next day for another to come in. That one’s on me for assuming I could do it all at once.

With the new engine installed, I started getting a little more confident and began heading out at night more often, though still keeping close to the coastline. During one of those trips I came across something glowing in the water. It looked like a stone covered in carvings of fish, almost like it was asking for something to be offered to it. I had no idea what it meant, so I left it alone for the time being.

Later that night, after catching another abnormal fish, I headed back to the dock to sell it. On the way in, I noticed something moving in the water behind the boat. I couldn’t get a clear look at it, but it stayed with me long enough to make the trip back feel longer than it should have. Whatever it was, it didn’t follow me into the harbour.

The next day I continued working the coastline and found what looked like the remains of a wrecked dock. There were materials scattered around it, along with a research part and a few trinkets I could sell. Worth the detour.

While I was out that way, I remembered the Builder I helped move to Steel Point and decided to stop by. It gave me a chance to properly test the new engine, and the difference was noticeable straight away. The boat feels quicker now, which should make longer trips a bit less painful.

The Builder thanked me again for the help and handed me a book, saying I could use her dock whenever I needed. Having another safe place to stop for the night isn’t something I’m going to complain about.

Once I had enough money saved again, I upgraded the light on the boat so I could see further into the dark. That seemed like a sensible improvement, so naturally I went out to test it straight away.

While heading along the water, I spotted a red glow in the distance and decided to take a closer look. I didn’t get the chance. Something came out of the dark and started chasing the boat. The only way I can describe it is like a giant angler fish. I tried to reverse away from it, but hit the rocks instead. That was enough for it to catch up, and the next thing I knew the boat was gone.

So that answers one question. I won’t be heading out at night any time soon if that’s the sort of thing waiting out there.

Continue the Journey

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Black Tides – Log 4

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Black Tides – A Dredge Survival Diary Log 4: Steel Point Before the Cliffs

Black Tides – Log 4: Steel Point Before the Cliffs

Platform: Steam Deck
Mode: Normal
Format: No Commentary

Video: Steel Point delivery, Builder relocation, new aberrations caught, reel upgraded, and engine planning (no commentary)

I know where the Collector told me to go next, but if I’m heading anywhere new, I’d rather upgrade the vessel first. I also said I’d help the Builder relocate to Steel Point, and that still needed doing. Money doesn’t appear on its own either, which means fishing, which means accepting that I’m going to see more abnormal specimens sooner or later.

Steel Point was my first priority. I was slightly surprised not to see the Builder there already. I assumed once I delivered the lumber and scrap she would appear. Instead, I found myself doing some careful inventory management while dredging for the remaining materials. There’s only so much space on the boat, and every time I have to throw fish away it feels wasteful. Fresh fish sells better, though, and if I’m out longer than planned the profit drops. With the fog hanging thick over the water, I knew there was little chance of safely making it back to Greater Marrow at night. Thankfully, Steel Point allows docking. I rested there rather than forcing the crossing in poor visibility.

Even after completing the material delivery, the Builder still wasn’t present at Steel Point. That was unexpected. I eventually returned to Greater Marrow, fishing along the way to avoid wasting the trip, and only then did I realise she was still standing exactly where I had left her.

After selling my catch and reviewing potential upgrades, I set my sights on new engines and a reel capable of handling oceanic fish. If I’m going to the Gale Cliffs, I want the boat capable of dealing with deeper waters.

When I spoke to the Builder, it turned out she required transport to Steel Point as well. Fair enough. I ferried her across and received a couple of research parts in return. That was enough to unlock a new engine upgrade. The Gale Cliffs are still a distance away, but they’re beginning to feel more reachable. The Builder also said about visiting her so that is now on the to do list.

I’ve also noticed lightning in the sky since handing the key over to the Collector. I can’t say whether the two events are linked, but the timing stands out. I’ll keep an eye on it as things progress.

The following day or two were spent building funds and materials. Fishing, dredging, refining the boat. I encountered more abnormal specimens during that time — a Lumpy Mackerel and a Horned Grouper. Whatever they are, they sell well enough. Between them and the rest of the haul, I earned enough to upgrade one of my reels. Oceanic fishing is now possible.

I still want better engines before committing to the next region. The Gale Cliffs aren’t going anywhere. Progress has been steady, and the vessel is improving piece by piece. I’d rather arrive prepared than regret rushing it.

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Black Tides – Log 3

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Black Tides – A Dredge Survival Diary Log 3: Haste, Cliffs, and Loose Ends

Black Tides – Log 3: Haste, Cliffs, and Loose Ends

Platform: Steam Deck
Mode: Normal
Format: No Commentary

Video: Grotesque Mackerel caught, Little Marrow revisited, shipwreck explored, key delivered, haste unlocked, and Gale Cliffs introduced (no commentary)

I had intended to head straight to Blackstone Isle, but those plans shifted quickly. My first catch of the day was a Grotesque Mackerel. I’m not entirely convinced it counts as an aberration. It may simply be an unfortunate-looking fish. Either way, I brought it to the fishmonger. It was exactly what he wanted. He handed over a couple of research parts, told me to leave, and promptly locked the door behind me.

With the fishmonger closed for the time being, I decided to head back to Little Marrow. I had meant to speak to the trader on my last visit and forgot. He offered to buy any trinkets I dredge up, which seems practical enough. I had one item I could sell him, so the introduction was productive.

At the docks, I spoke to a grieving father. He told me of a shipwreck where his son had been lost and asked me to retrieve a belt buckle. When I asked about anything unusual happening around here, he mentioned an old mayor who used to throw items into the sea. That was as much as he was willing to share.

I made for the shipwreck location. I recovered the belt buckle along with a few materials useful for upgrading the boat. I returned the buckle to the father, then spoke to the painter about customising the vessel. I haven’t decided whether that’s necessary.

From there I returned to Greater Marrow, selected some upgrades to research, and visited the shipwright to install a new fishing line. She mentioned that the red light I had been watching for had disappeared. That answers that, for now.

I rested until dawn and then made for Blackstone Isle. I handed the key over to the Collector. In return, he read from his book and granted me the ability to cast haste. It provides a useful boost to the engines, though it increases panic while active. He then suggested I travel to the Gale Cliffs to retrieve the next artifact. I have other matters to attend to first.

Instead, I spent some time dredging for additional materials before returning toward Greater Marrow. I tested haste along the way. It works as described. Faster travel, though not without consequence.

The lighthouse keeper greeted me when I docked, though she seemed momentarily confused. She said my engine sounded like that of an old friend’s vessel. I didn’t have much to add to that.

The fishmonger had reopened, so I returned to fishing. The haul was decent, including a Snag Squid. I sold what I caught and docked for the night.

If I’m heading toward the Gale Cliffs, I want the boat properly prepared first. I still need to complete the delivery to Steel Point and secure further upgrades. There’s no reason to rush into rougher waters unprepared. That can wait until next time.

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Black Tides – Log 2

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Black Tides – A Dredge Survival Diary Log 2: Blackstone Isle and Better Judgement

Black Tides – Log 2: Blackstone and Better Judgement

Platform: Steam Deck
Mode: Normal
Format: No Commentary

Video: Crab pots deployed, abnormal specimen caught, Blackstone Isle visited, dredging unlocked, and a key recovered at dusk (no commentary)

With the debt settled, I needed something practical to focus on. The fishmonger still wanted two different crabs, so that seemed straightforward enough. After learning how to use the crab pot properly, I dropped it in and left it to work. While moving between fishing spots, I realised I had a telescope mounted to the boat. Using it made identifying fishing locations much easier, which meant my inventory filled quickly. I made a short return trip to Greater Marrow to sell the haul. The fishmonger reminded me about the red light I’d mentioned wanting to investigate. I still didn’t know where it was exactly. I just knew I intended to find it.

A little more fishing later, I completed the sustainable fishing book. Convenient timing, as I had three more fish ready to sell. The fishmonger mentioned abnormal specimens and how sometimes you can spot them by the way the surface of the water looks. He didn’t say it like it was unusual. Just part of the job.

As daylight started to thin, I aimed the boat toward where I believed the red beam might be. I didn’t have a precise direction, only a rough idea. The fog rolled in quickly and reduced visibility to almost nothing. I couldn’t see far enough ahead to feel comfortable continuing, so I turned back toward Greater Marrow. On the way, I collected a crab from the pot, sold what I could, installed a new engine for a bit more speed, and ended the day there. No reason to get stranded trying to prove a point.

The next morning, I moved the crab pot into deeper water. I wasn’t certain it would improve the catch, but it seemed worth testing. While scanning for fishing spots, I found one emitting a strange glow beneath the surface. I didn’t have the appropriate equipment for it yet, so I left it alone, though I did retrieve a message in a bottle nearby. Not long after, I located a usable fishing spot and pulled up a Cyclopean Flounder. It matched the description of the abnormal specimens I’d been told about. It didn’t look right, but it didn’t look impossible either.

I brought it back to the fishmonger. He inspected it calmly and found a handkerchief tucked inside. He handed it to me without much comment. I sold the rest of my catch and returned to the boat.

That was when I noticed someone watching through the cabin window. He said he knew about the handkerchief and asked me to meet him at Blackstone Isle. It was close enough to reach before dark, so I agreed.

Blackstone Isle houses a mansion. The man introduced himself as a collector. I gave him the handkerchief, and he confirmed it came from a ship he was searching for. In return, he offered to upgrade my vessel with dredging equipment if I agreed to retrieve five items for him: a ring, a necklace, a watch, a music box, and a key. He didn’t provide locations, only suggested I look around shipwrecks. I accepted. The dredging equipment was fitted immediately.

Before leaving the area, I checked the crab pot again and found the second crab required for the fishmonger’s order.

Back in Greater Marrow, the mayor asked if I had encountered a photographer heading south. He suggested I introduce myself if I found her. I handed over the final crab, and the fishmonger immediately gave me another request: bring him an abnormal fish. He didn’t care which one.

I spoke to a builder who wanted to leave town. She needed two units of lumber and two units of scrap delivered to Steel Point. After that, the lighthouse keeper told me about a nearby shipwreck. By the time I reached it, dusk had almost fully settled in, but I located one of the collector’s requested items: a key.

I considered continuing on in search of the source of the red light, but the fog was already thickening and visibility was poor. I knew I would struggle to navigate safely. Instead, I turned back toward Greater Marrow and docked for the night. Blackstone Isle was within reach, but I saw no reason to risk myself for a man I had only just met.

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Black Tides – Log 1

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