The “Cyclops Plant” is a term that often leads to confusion for those new to the popular underwater survival game, Subnautica. This fictional flora is not a real botanical species. Instead, it is an imaginative creation designed specifically for the alien aquatic environment of Planet 4546B, the setting of Subnautica. This article clarifies its purely fictional nature, addressing the common misconception that it might be a real plant.
Origin and Lore
The “Cyclops Plant” originates entirely within the video game Subnautica, developed by Unknown Worlds Entertainment. It was conceptualized by the game developers to populate the diverse, alien underwater ecosystems of Planet 4546B. The name “Cyclops Plant” draws inspiration from the game’s large, multi-purpose submarine, the Cyclops, which serves as a mobile base for players. While the name might suggest a connection to the mythological one-eyed giants, the plant’s designation is more directly linked to its function or appearance within the game’s context, specifically in relation to the submarine. The game features a rich lore for its flora and fauna, often providing detailed in-game descriptions through a personal digital assistant (PDA) that the player uses to scan and learn about the alien lifeforms.
Appearance and Fictional Role
The Cyclops Plant, as depicted in Subnautica, is not a distinct, standalone plant species but rather a colloquial term used by players to refer to specific plants grown inside the Cyclops submarine for sustenance. Players can install indoor growbeds or smaller plant pots within the Cyclops to cultivate various alien flora. These cultivated plants include species like Marblemelons, Bulbo Trees, and Chinese Potatoes, all of which serve as vital food and water sources for the player character during extended underwater expeditions.
Marblemelons, for instance, are highly efficient, providing both food and water, and can be easily replanted from seeds obtained by cutting the fruit. Bulbo Trees also offer a good source of food and water, making them popular choices for onboard cultivation. Chinese Potatoes provide significant food and some water. The ability to grow these plants inside the Cyclops transforms the submarine into a self-sustaining mobile base, enabling players to explore deeper and for longer durations without returning to a stationary base for supplies.
Clarifying Its Fictional Status
It is important to reiterate that the “Cyclops Plant” does not exist in the real world. The term is a player-generated informal name referring to any edible plant cultivated within the Cyclops submarine in the game Subnautica. While the game’s alien world and its flora are designed with a degree of biological plausibility, they remain creations of fiction. The convincing design of the game’s environment and its unique nomenclature might lead some to wonder if such plants could genuinely exist. However, the “Cyclops Plant” is not a scientific classification or a discovered species, but rather a functional element within a virtual survival experience.