Lifeform readings in this region are sparse. The Aurora's radioactive fallout will have devastating effects on the alien ecosystem if not contained within the next 24 hours.
― PDA, Dialogue
The Crash Zone is the biome in which the Aurora crashed, hence its name. It is characterized by rocky slopes and deep trenches covered with sand, and is littered with debris from the crashed spaceship. This biome is one of the eeriest biomes due to its open spaces and the presence of eight Reaper Leviathans. The Crash Zone is also currently the largest biome in Subnautica.
Description
The Crash Zone is located on the easternmost part of the map, surrounded by a Kelp Forest, Safe Shallows, the Bulb Zone, a Mushroom Forest, the Crag Field and Grassy Plateaus.
There is a large amount of dry land on the eastern side of the Aurora which has plenty of debris and Metal Salvage. Also, flocks of Skyrays populate this area.
The Crash Zone possesses a distinct sandy, murky tint of water, and is nearly devoid of Flora, though the western part that borders the Safe Shallows shares some of its flora. The biome makes up for this, however, with a wide variety of fauna, most of which being predatory - including the dangerous Reaper Leviathans. The harvesting nodes typically found in the area makes this biome a good source for raw crafting materials.
A portion of the Bulb Zone goes into the Crash Zone, near the Aurora's front section. This small area contains a good amount of Sandstone and Shale Outcrops. Unfortunately, it is guarded by a Reaper Leviathan.
The safest way to cross the Crash Zone is to follow the Safe Shallows as close as possible, then stick to the shallowest parts of the area. If attempting to enter the Aurora, it only takes a brief trip through deeper waters, although a Reaper Leviathan can frequently be found West of the entrance. The "landing" inside is shallow enough to provide some safety for embarking and disembarking. It requires a radiation suit and ideally should be done with a Seamoth, as there is a radiation field around the perimeter.
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Spoiler alert: The following section contains story related material. |
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In the cinematic trailer, it is revealed that Bart Torgal built himself a Seabase in what appears to be the Crash Zone or Safe Shallows. This base however is purely for lore purposes and does not appear in game. |
Crash Zone Trench
The Crash Zone Trench is the area behind the Aurora, which the latter unearthed during its descent. It is divided into two sections: The shallow, western trench and the deeper and wider eastern trench. Both contain Metal Salvage, Quartz and Cyclops Bridge and Cyclops Engine Fragments. Although, the eastern trench contains much more fragments and some Vac-packs with either Batteries or a First Aid Kit in them. No harvesting nodes can be found in this area. There are a total of 3 Reaper Leviathans in this area. One in the shallow trench and two in the deeper one.
Crash Zone Mesas
Located behind the Crash Zone Trench and bordering the Crag Field are six Mesas. They are submerged in a green, even murkier atmosphere and house a few species of Fauna, Flora and Coral such as the Redwort and Coral Shell Plate which are found only in this area of the Crash Zone. A Reaper Leviathan can be found here.
Gallery
Trivia
- The northern part of the western trench actually shares the biome of the Aurora. This could explain the large amount of Vac-packs and Cyclops parts.
- The ambiance is an edited version of the Sparse Reef & Dunes ambiance.
- Furthermore, it is the only biome to have more than one ambiance sound.
- There was once an entrance to an Inactive Lava Zone Corridor located beneath the Aurora, but it was removed in the Ghost Update