Swimming from the surface to final zones on a single air tank

[admiral1018]

**Topic will have SPOILERS for end-game locations**

I’ve mentioned before that it’s possible to make it from the surface all the way to the final zones with just a Seaglide and a single Ultra High-Capacity Tank. Someone asked me for the exact route recently, so I figured I’d make a video showing how to do that.

Special note: since the 2.0 update, the speed mechanics for the Seaglide were changed to work more like they do in Below Zero. This means that there is now a speed penalty if you’re wearing the body portion of the Reinforced Dive Suit. This dive is no longer possible to complete with that equipped like it was in 1.0, but you can still survive the lava zone without it for long enough the make it to the final areas.

From surface to thermal plant:
https://youtu.be/fQUnR0YY0X8

From thermal plant to PCF:
https://youtu.be/GOKXWfQiNSI

I just barely made it due in part to an inefficient path at the beginning and needing to swim away from the Sea Dragon. I also had a bit of luck that the Sea Dragon’s attack missed me, but you’re safer if you stay closer to the ground. From the thermal plant, it’s an easy trek down to the PCF. I do take heat damage, but it’s relatively minimal.

[Inop]

Fantastic effort! To finish the game you need to visit the PCF twice (once to receive the enzyme recipe, and then again to administer it). Do you have enough oxygen to complete these two visits without using the prawn? I'd always assumed the prawn was mandatory for that last section but now I don't know.

[Philtre]

Originally posted by Plan_9:

Fantastic effort! To finish the game you need to visit the PCF twice (once to receive the enzyme recipe, and then again to administer it). Do you have enough oxygen to complete these two visits without using the prawn? I'd always assumed the prawn was mandatory for that last section but now I don't know.

At the end of the second video, he's at the PCF. If you bring the appropriate tablets, you can activate the teleporter to the QEP, then it's easy to get back and forth to the surface.

[admiral1018]

Once you visit each location, activate the portals to return to the surface. Both the thermal plant and PCF have loose ion cubes you can use. You can save time by bringing the appropriate tablets, but that isn't necessary.

[Inop]

I had in mind the time spent in the PCF tank. Possibly that doesn't take as long as I imagine.

[admiral1018]

That can definitely be done with a single tank, and you can always refill the tank using the aquarium entrance or the portal area in the back.

[Bjørn]

Wow, I was on the edge of my seat at the end of the first video! Phew...

I just started playing the game. Hope I don't have to do that!

[admiral1018]

Thankfully you never need to.

In fact, if you were going to do a no-vehicle run, I'd suggest having an extra UHCT in your inventory for trips like this. This cuts it very close

[DrBonifarz]

Nice one, admiral =)

I just did quite the opposite, as I finished my challenge run right now: Diving limit (200m ascent/descent max without vehicles), no bases, therefore also no vehicle upgrades, hardcore to prevent travel by suicide, and no alien arches for fast travel. I know, that's off-topic-ish, but it has one thing in common: Figuring out which pathways will let you survive. I had lots of fun in the process :)

[admiral1018]

Interesting run! How did you make it to the final area without swimming below 200 meters or any vehicle upgrades? Did you just deal with the crush damage?

[DrBonifarz]

Yes, crush damage is really not a show stopper, it just makes things a little more difficult to manage. Though, you cannot leave your vehicles unattanded in the deep for long. I truly enjoyed the experience, which was also my first run in VR (works better than I expected). Well, I don't want to hijack your topic, but I'll just leave a link to the guide that explains the rule ideas in detail.
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2902999527

[Cursed Hawkins]

Seen this performed before, can't exactly say I'm thrilled to see another person do the same kind of challenge.
https://youtu.be/TRdpNeIw2k4