Sonar

	Data is potentially outdated
	Last updated for an unknown version Last mentioned in changelog 1.4.4.1 The current game version is 1.4.6.0 Stub Notes: poor quality information, to add: finer details of sonar like engine/reactor, update rates, ranges, and relation to creature aggro

This article is about the game mechanic. For other uses, see Sonar (Disambiguation).

Sonar in Barotrauma is used to navigate the underwater abyss, locate objectives, and identify threats. Some installations and handheld items have the added benefit of mineral finding.

Sonar Modes

Passive Sonar

Passive sonar uses Sonar Transducers to listen to the surrounding environment. Because sound is not being emitted from the Transducer, the player can stealthily pass by hostile Creatures without attracting them; though other Installations (e.g., Large Engine) may produce sound which can attract Creatures. A downside is that the submarine must be within close proximity of the surrounding terrain; though surroundings that emit louder signals (e.g., Alien Ruins) will be more lit up on the Sonar monitor without having to be in close proximity.

Active Sonar

Active sonar works by emitting sound waves in all directions to map the environment using the Sonar Transducer. While emitting sound, creatures can be attracted to the sound and will prove hazardess if unprepared. With its risks, it allows greater ease of steering the submarine.

Directional Sonar

Utilizing Active sonar, Directional sonar allows the player to control the direction in which the sonar emits sounds.

Mineral Scanner

Utilizing Active sonar, the Mineral Scanner can detect nearby Minerals. Any detected Minerals will be marked with a small hexonal dot. Hovering the mouse over these will display the name of the Mineral. Collectable plants, such as Sea Yeast Shroom, will not be detected by the Mineral Scanner.

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Sonar Installations

• Navigation Terminal
• Shuttle Navigation Terminal
• Sonar Monitor
• Sonar Transducer

Handheld Sonar

• Handheld Sonar
• Sonar Beacon

Visible Objects

Humans

Both crewmates and pirates will show up while they are swimming in the water outside the submarine.

Creatures

All Creatures are visible to sonar.

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Wrecks

Dormant, destroyed submarines are usually identified by a large oval teetering over the edge of an underwater cliff. These wrecks are sometimes occupied by an aggressive creature that takes over the sub's guns and uses them when threatened. Approach these from the bottom and sides, not from the top.

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Pirates

(To do)

Ice Spires

Long, green lines jutting out from cavern walls are Ice Spires. These can be destroyed with turrets or a Plasma Cutter, breaking the ice and making the area immediately passable.

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Currents

Strong currents capable of pushing, pulling, and shaking the submarine are visible as wavy blue lines.

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Ballast Flora

The parasitic Ballast Flora will appear as tiny blue specks.

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Sonar Flora

Orange speckles identify a zone of Sonar Flora, disrupting the sonar signal in that area.

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Piezo Crystals

A bright white chunk identifies Piezo Crystals, capable of short-circuiting submarine electronics when approached, and will explode violently when destroyed.

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