Game Modes

Subnautica currently features four 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, though other technology does.

Survival
In Survival mode, you must find, prepare, and consume food and fresh water to stay alive. The Cyclops, Seabases, and the escape pod require energy to function.

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.

Creative
In Creative mode player death is disabled as well as damage to the player's Vehicles. Materials and Blueprints are not required for crafting. There are no energy requirements. The story is disabled. This mode is currently experimental only.