Talk:Game Modes/@comment-24.19.187.46-20170215213253/@comment-77.243.53.94-20170227113047

It's part of the progression. It's a survival game, so at first you have no equipment = you have to stay at lower depths.

As you progress you "unlock" gear, vehicles and bases, that will allow for deeper exploration. This is the main part of the game. Story is just there to make it more interesting, and make the world/items/scenario believable.

Creative mode with story wouldn't be fun at all. And due to some story development (i.e. map changes), I believe it's not possible either