How Playing Subnautica Helped Me Overcome Fear of the Unknown
Fear of the unknown is a powerful thing. It holds us back from new experiences, keeps us stuck in familiar routines, and sometimes even paralyzes us when faced with unfamiliar challenges. For a long time, I was one of those people, constantly hesitant to step outside my comfort zone. Whether it was starting a new project or making new friends, uncertainty was always looming. I had no idea that a video game would become the impetus for me to step into this challenge head-on.
Atharwa Choudhari
1/6/20255 min read
My Personal Struggle with the Unknown
Before I got into Subnautica, I avoided anything that would make me face the unknown. It wasn't the fear of failing-it was the anxiety of not knowing what I could control. And that fear seemed to extend to almost everything I did. New experiences? Too much risk. Anything that involved a level of unpredictability? A hard pass.
So, when I first heard about Subnautica, I was intrigued. I would love to explore the alien ocean full of strange creatures and vast, uncharted depths. It seemed like a challenge that could make me face my deepest fears, but I didn't know if I was ready for it. Still, something in me told me that playing this game might just help me face that fear in a way that would help me in real life too.
The Premise of Subnautica
In Subnautica, you play as a lone survivor of a crash landing on the ocean-covered planet of 4546B. Your main goal is to survive by gathering resources, crafting tools, and exploring the dangerous waters around you. First, it's a very basic survival game. But once you get to dive deeper in the ocean, it gets very complex. The more you dive down, the danger rises. In this dark environment, there are big creatures in those terrifying biomes, along with constant pressure in managing oxygen, health, and resources. Each exploration is a new journey into the unknown.
The ocean is both beautiful and terrifying. Shimmering coral reefs, bioluminescent caves, and eerie, desolate zones, Subnautica does an incredible job of making you feel the beauty and the danger of its world. The game's atmosphere and sound design contribute to this sense of foreboding, making every dive into the depths feel like a true test of courage.
Confronting My Fears in the Depths
The very first major test was when I had to head into the Kelp Forest for resource gathering. The area was fine-looking from the surface-till I found Stalker swimming around me and making circles to catch me for a meal. Tangible unknown had made my skin crawl; at first, I was too afraid. But the more I played, the more I realized that every area I explored offered both fear and reward. The deeper I went, the more I had to learn to push through the discomfort.
The game teaches you that to progress, you have to face that fear. I had to make myself plunge into deeper, darker waters, where the unknown was not only more threatening but also more rewarding. Every new discovery reminded me that sometimes the most beautiful things exist just beyond our comfort zone.
Memorable Encounters
Oh, let me tell you about Leviathans; they are nature's way of saying, "You're not ready!" Just imagine peacefully exploring when you hear a blood-curdling roar, and before you know it, a behemoth creature with glowing eyes charges towards you. Pure panic was my first instinct, and I might have screamed loudly enough to scare my neighbors. But surviving those encounters taught me to stay calm and focused, even when faced with overwhelming odds.
The most memorable encounter was with the Reaper Leviathan. It was near the crashed ship, the Aurora, and as I was gathering resources, I heard a terrible growl. Then, out of nowhere, this enormous, terrifying creature emerged. Its size and ferocity were beyond anything I'd imagined. I had no choice but to swim away as fast as I could, my heart pounding in my chest. The moment I got out of the situation, I felt relieved but also understood that something very important had happened: I was alive, and I could survive again.
Lessons Learned
As I kept playing through Subnautica, I learned some valuable lessons, about the game but also about life.
1. Preparation Eases Anxiety: In-game, every single new area in the game came with preparation requirements. The preparation of having good equipment, a superior oxygen tank or a reliable Seamoth or perhaps a Prawn Suit, just made venturing into the depth of the sea a little easier. This turned out to be a lesson I took to heart with my life back on land very quickly. Readiness for a situation, or at least prepping for information, practice on a skill or even just have a plan that puts things into quite a different scope.
2. Adapting to Challenges: Subnautica doesn't let you just sit back and relax. Every dive has a new challenge. Whether it's a lack of oxygen, an unexpected attack, or a new creature in your path, the game forces you to adapt quickly. This taught me that when you are faced with the unknown, the key is to remain calm, think strategically, and adjust your approach, something that is quite useful in real life.
3. The Beauty of Discovery: Perhaps it is the profoundest lesson - that something unknown doesn't necessarily have to scare you. The more I ventured into Subnautica, the deeper I went, and the world became more marvelous. The bioluminescent sights at the Jellyshroom Caves, the eerie beauty of the Lost River, and the breathtaking sights in the Tree Cove taught me that sometimes, the best things are found in quite unexpected places.
Video Game’s Power in Developing Personal Skills.
Subnautica is more than just a game. It’s a journey of self-discovery. It shows us that facing our fears, no matter how daunting, can lead to tremendous growth. It teaches us to be brave, to adapt, and to seek the beauty that lies beyond our comfort zones. This lesson isn’t unique to Subnautica, games like Outer Wilds and No Man’s Sky also explore similar themes, proving that video games can be powerful tools for personal growth.
Transforming fear into curiosity
Having finished Subnautica, I wasn't merely proud of staying alive on this alien planet, I was proud of the change within my mindset it brought. Subnautica taught me the unknown needn't scare me but to be an inspiration for curiosity instead. Embracing uncertainty may lead to a discovery and, sometimes, a sense of fun or joy.
Today, I approach the unknown with a newfound sense of adventure. Whether it’s trying something new in life or facing a challenge, I now see it as an opportunity to grow and learn. Subnautica didn’t just change the way I play games, it changed the way I live my life.
A Message to Fellow Explorers
If you, just like me, fear the unknown, then definitely dive into this world of Subnautica. It isn't just some survival game. It has to do a lot with discovery, courage, resilience, and curiosity. Who knows? You will discover that not everything is really that scary.
So take the plunge. Whether it's diving into the Subnautica ocean or battling the trials life throws your way, remember that there's nothing to fear but something to conquer in the unknown.