Usually, the term "Leviathan" is used to describe colossal beasts of the sea, however, there are terrestrial behemoths who are classified in this group of megafauna as well. The ridiculously huge Ice Worm Leviathan is possibly the biggest creature one will encounter in Subnautica: Below Zero, unless there is something hidden in the depths of possible future DLC.

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These ambush predators live exclusively in the ice and frozen ground of planet 4546B and hunt by detecting the vibration of passing creatures. While this Leviathan class organism should be avoided at all costs, the storyline will take players uncomfortably close to the hunting grounds of these titanic worms. Therefore, knowing about their biology and lifestyle can help one avoid their wrath.

Important Statistics About The Ice Worm Leviathan

concept art of the ice worm's head with gradients on the sides.
  • Category - Fauna
  • Diet - Carnivore
  • Attitude - Aggressive
  • Biome - Arctic Spires
  • Length - 95 meters
  • Debug ID - "icewormspawner"

Appearance Of The Ice Worm Leviathan

ice worm jumping so that you can see its entire body.

Immensely long, the Ice Worm is built much like an invertebrate from the Arthropoda phylum in Earth's animal kingdom (particularly centipedes and millipedes), however, since skeletons of this species have been found, they are clearly vertebrates.

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They have multiple rows of thick, dark gray plates that cover their head and back that compose a pseudo-exoskeleton. Conversely, their undersides are not armored at all and instead are covered in only pale skin. Along their undersides, they also have many simple spike-like feet that they use to help them grip the ice while moving. Ice Worms also have a few more spikes on their tail to complete their intimidating physique.

The most notable part about this Leviathan, besides its tremendous size, is its deadly yet fascinating head. The top of the skull extends forward in a triangular black plate that can become superheated; an efficient tool for burrowing through ice and hunting alike. Below this burning horn is the beast's mouth, which are four black flaps that open to reveal a red inside lined with black spikes for teeth.

Behavior Of The Ice Worm Leviathan

ice worm poking its head above ground to look around.

These fierce ambush predators spend the majority of their time just below the surface of icy terrain, where they lie in wait for creatures to come close. From observing Ice Worms attacking and eating Snow Stalkers, it is clear that the furry creatures are the Leviathan's natural food source, though the colossal carnivores don't seem picky. They can be spotted before they attack by the lines of raised snow and soil caused by their tunneling as well as by steam erupting from the ground which indicates their super-heated horn in action.

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Ice Worms can feel the vibration of those walking on the ice above them and use this sense to pinpoint their prey before striking. When they launch their assault, they can use many attacks, however, the Ice Worm Leviathans' sensitivity to vibration can allow players to trick them with thumpers if one wants to distract an Ice Worm while fleeing.

Ice Worm Leviathan Attacks

If the long and slender monster's head is above ground when they begin their hunt, they will let out a terrifying roar before attacking.

  • Underground Poke - The Ice Worm will burrow rapidly beneath the player and stab at them from underground with their scorching hot horn
  • Tunneling Grab - This instant-kill move occurs when the Ice Worm is tunneling and lunges upward at the player to impale them with their horn before launching them up into the air and swallowing them
  • Dive Attack - If the player is far away, the Ice Worm will launch itself out of the ice to divebomb the player in a great leap
  • Head Whip - The Ice Worm will sometimes use its exposed upper portion as a gigantic flail and swing itself horizontally to slam its prey

Databank Entry Information For The Ice Worm Leviathan

databank image of an ice worm and some information about it.

Plating On The Back Of The Ice Worm

The plates along the beast's back not only protect the worm's upper body but also create grooves in the ice as the Leviathan passes. This allows the water that comes from the ice that the Ice Worm's head spike melts to flow freely away. The plating is not needed on the worm's underside as its skin is very thick, despite not being armored.

Super-Heated Horn Of The Ice Worm

This devastating digging and hunting tool is a plate of exoskeleton armor that is filled with raw alkali metals, which react violently when they come in contact with water (from melted ice, as the Ice Worm is a terrestrial creature). This chemical reaction is what causes the organism's horn to become extremely hot. Furthermore, there are tiny grooves on the triangular head plate that funnel melted ice into the creature's metal-rich cranium for perpetual heat while digging.

The Bones Of The Ice Worm

From skeletal remains, it is revealed that the bones of Ice Worms are much more flexible than many would assume. The indents on the bones of the very long ribcage indicate that they could compress and flex thanks to well-adapted muscles. This is surely helpful when burrowing and would allow the Ice Worm's body to receive less stress over time.

Assessment Of The Ice Worm

This tremendous organism is to be avoided at all costs. They deal a lot of damage, can attack from near or far (including from underground and the air), and can easily outspeed fleeing humans.

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