Game Modes

Subnautica currently features three different Game Modes.

Freedom
No food or water requirements. You will not die of thirst or hunger. The Cyclops, Seabases, and the Escape Pod do not consume Energy.

Survival
In Survival mode, you must find, prepare, and consume food and fresh water to stay alive.

Hardcore
In addition to the food and water requirements of Survival mode, Hardcore mode adds permadeath. There are no second chances. In Survival and Hardcore mode, a food and an H2O bar are added to the HUD. In Hardcore mode, there are no low oxygen warnings.