Biomes

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Data is potentially outdated
Last updated for version 0.11.0.9
Last mentioned in changelog 1.0.13.0
The current game version is 1.2.8.0

Biomes are broad regions of Europa that define level generation. Each of these Biomes have unique characteristic creature spawns, terrain, and environmental obstacles.


Europa is an Ice Moon, and its entire exterior surface is covered in a thick sheet of ice, as hard as stone and bereft of life. However, beneath that surface ice, the environment resembles an inverse oceanic trench, with the icy less-hospitable water being closest to the surface, and the warmer, more life-sustaining water being found the further down a submarine goes. This is reflected in the arrangement of biomes, with heavily inhabited but sparsely biodiverse Cold Caverns being relatively safe, and the Hydrothermal Wastes at the bottom of the crater absolutely teaming with schools of myriad aggressive fauna, but being completely devoid of human habitation.

Europan Cross Section, straight from the design doc

Biomes

There are 5 explorable biomes, each one progressively deeper than the last. Caves, Alien Ruins, Artifacts, and Wrecks are features common to all biomes, and each biome will come with their own varying explorative hazards in addition to these features.

In non-campaign game modes, the level generator chooses a biome at random, independent of the difficulty chosen.

Cold Caverns

The first biome in the campaign is the Cold Caverns. This region of Europa is made up almost entirely of the marbled ice that is the moon's crust. Civilization is abundant within the Cold Caverns, as are the opportunities to build Beacons within each passage.

The environment is composed entirely of hardened ice, periodically lanced with towering but destructible Ice Spires that are capable of puncturing subs. They are highly detectible on active sonar when compared to the level walls, showing up as orange-green streaks.

Spinelings and Crawlers commonly spawn in groups of 1-3, as well as the occasional Mudraptor or two. In passageways over 10% difficulty, Crawlers will spawn in larger groups of 4-6, Mudraptors are more frequently found together, and Single Bone Threshers flanked by a pair of Tiger Threshers can occasionally spawn.

Europan Ridge

The second Biome encountered within a Campaign is the Europan Ridge. This region is composed of a rocky pack-ice, dotted with various unknown flora. Civilization is still fairly common, but empty geographical features are more likely than within the Cold Caverns. There are several environmental hazards found in this biome. Great currents, powerful enough to move a submarine, are present within the majority of every passage. These currents can be detected on Sonar, and are capable of pushing submarines into obstacles or even into The Abyss. The strength of Currents will periodically wane, allowing subs to push through them. Slime Molds can also be found hanging from the ceilings of some passages. These Slime Molds apply drag to the Submarine, slowing it down considerably.

Ballast Flora Spores are encountered in this region and can be detected on Sonar when a submarine is close enough, or spotted by gunners well in advance of contact. Ballast Flora can also be found suspended within currents, where it is much harder to detect with Sonar.

Large floating Icebergs also spawn within this biome, and much like Ice Spires, are highly visible on Sonar. Unlike Ice Spires, Icebergs are not destructible, and can move up and down as currents change direction.

Additionally, Submarines will encounter Sonar Flora, a purple-pink and pulsating growth that heavily disrupts Sonar. The signature appears as a large red-orange cluster of pips, similar in shape and color to a Black Moloch, or volcano.

Packs of Crawlers commonly spawn in groups of 5-7 and Spinelings spawn in groups of 2-5, with pairs or trios of Armored Mudraptors also spawning regularly. Individual Moloch and Hammerheads will begin to spawn naturally, and Bone Threshers and Tiger Threshers spawn in greater numbers. Within passageways over 25%, Moloch are encountered with increased frequency, and hammerhead attacks become more common.

Aphotic Plateau

3rd major biome in a campaign. A great variety of monsters spawn, monster spawns increased. Civilization is sporadic.

The Great Void

4th Major biome in a campaign. Civilization is not present. The levels have little to no floor. Floating rocks and Piezo Crystals spawn. Molochs, Hammerheads, Bone Threshers are common.

Hydrothermal Wastes

Final major biome in a campaign.