In some stories, the moment when the player realizes they are lost in the vastness of the Subnautica world is terrifying. Maybe their vehicle has broken down, or they've strayed too far from their base. They are alone, surrounded by the unknown depths, and the sense of isolation and vulnerability can be overwhelming.
The most terrifying moment is often when the Reaper Leviathan attacks. Its sudden appearance and huge size are very intimidating. You're just minding your own business, exploring, and then this massive, angry creature comes out of nowhere. It's a fight - or - flight situation, and most of the time, you have to flee for your life.
The sudden appearance of a tornado during a storm can be extremely frightening. People often describe seeing the funnel cloud forming and then rapidly approaching. There's a sense of helplessness as they realize they can't outrun it. In some stories, families huddle together in basements or storm shelters, praying that the tornado will pass them by without causing destruction.
The moment when Goku first discovers the power of the Super Saiyan God. It's not just that he's getting stronger, but the whole process is a bit scary. There are these strange visions, and the energy around him is so intense. It's like he's tapping into a power that's beyond comprehension. And everyone around him is a bit afraid of what this new power could mean, not just for their enemies, but also for Goku himself. Is he still the same Goku? Will this power change him? These questions add to the sense of unease and scariness.
The most terrifying moment is often when there's a sudden noise or movement that you don't expect. For example, in a horror - themed escape room, when a hidden compartment suddenly opens with a loud bang, it can make your heart skip a beat.
The moment when the character sees a strange figure or a pair of eyes in the dark is also very terrifying. It's like their worst fears are being confirmed. In a story I heard, a girl saw a figure in a white dress outside her window while she was home alone. She couldn't tell if it was a person or something else, and that moment of not knowing was what made it so scary.
When the hunter realizes he is being hunted by the wolf instead. Like when the wolf starts to circle around the hunter, getting closer and closer, and the hunter feels trapped with no way out. This reversal of the hunter - prey dynamic is really scary. In some stories, the wolf may even be silently following the hunter for a long time without the hunter knowing, and then when the hunter discovers it, it's a very frightening moment.
The most terrifying moments often involve a sense of isolation. A hunter who is deep in the woods, far from any help, and then experiences something spooky like strange noises all around them. It could be a howl that seems to come from all directions at once. Or it could be the feeling of being watched when there is no visible sign of another being. It creates a feeling of helplessness and dread.
In many stories, the moment when the diver's equipment fails is terrifying. For example, when the oxygen supply suddenly stops or the regulator malfunctions. It's a fight for survival in the deep sea with no air.
The sound of a door creaking open when no one else was supposed to be there.
The story of getting lost in the Lost River. A player entered that area, and soon all the navigation systems went haywire. They couldn't find their way back. And there were these strange, glowing, and unknown organisms all around. It was like being in a nightmare where you are surrounded by things you can't understand and there's no way out. Every turn they made seemed to lead them deeper into the unknown.
A really terrifying 2021 story was about a derelict asylum. Explorers went inside and heard screams that seemed to be from the past. They saw old hospital beds moving on their own and felt a cold presence. They also found strange markings on the walls that seemed to be some kind of ritualistic symbols.