Radio Distress Signals
⚪ Last updated 2023⚠️ Install Order · 2 steps
Install in this order, then this mod last — most mods fail to load without their framework and dependencies in place.
Preview
🔍 Analysis
- 👍 2.9% endorsement rate — high engagement, a strong quality signal
- 🏆 #111 of 456 Gameplay mods in this game by downloads
📋 About This Mod
I no longer closely monitor my mods on Nexus. The best way to let me know about an urgent issue is to post on the Subnautica Modding Discord server and tag me (Cass#2681). The server is also great for general mod troubleshooting.
What it does:
This mod only does something if you have not yet repaired the radio in your playthrough.
When you repair the radio, all of the emergency distress signals from the other lifepods will be received.
All other radio messages should be unaffected (any message that is NOT from a lifepod).
If you are also using the Accelerated Start mod, you will need to disable the option to automatically repair the life pod's radio.
- Thanks to theirishstud0420 for bringing this to my attention
Version 2. 0: Updated for Living Large. This version uses BepInEx. Installation: Put the RadioDistressSignals.dll into your BepInEx/Plugins folder.
Version 1. 2: Updated for Unity 2019. Installation: QModManager (just unzip and put the RadioDistressSignals folder in your QMods folder. To uninstall, delete the RadioDistressSignals folder)
VERSION 1. 1: For the Big Little Update, if you haven't updated Subnautica to the Unity 2019 version. Installation: QModManager (just unzip and put the RadioDistressSignals folder in your QMods folder. To uninstall, delete the RadioDistressSignals folder)
Why I made it:
I made this mod for roleplaying purposes. To me, it always felt odd that I would only receive a message from one of the other lifepods based on arbitrary triggers (constructing a tool etc.), which didn't feel realistic to me and could happen well after I found the lifepod itself.
These messages were initially broadcast while you were unconscious, so I don't see why they can't all be available to your radio after it is repaired. It seems logical they are on a timed broadcast loop. (If you repair the lifepod and not the radio, the lifepod status screen says "Incoming radio communication: ONLINE", which implies the pod can receive communications but not play them while the radio is damaged).
Obviously, this changes the way the developers intended for you to play the game. Instead of having the messages slowly trickle in, you will now have the choice to investigate any of them in whatever order you like. I like the feeling of having to choose what to prioritise and having specific goals to work towards, like finding a way to dive deep enough or being able to survive radiation.
If you want to have the messages play in a different order, or not all at once, or not all of them, instead of using this mod, you can post in the comments and I will see if I can help, or you can trigger the radio messages v
Radio Distress Signals is a small gameplay mod for Subnautica that triggers all lifepod distress signal broadcasts as soon as you repair the radio. It removes the need to explore to find signals, making early game navigation easier. With 319 endorsements and 10,845 downloads, it's a niche quality-of-life tweak.
✨ Key Features
📊 Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Community-approved with 319 endorsements and over 10k downloads.
- Streamlines early game by giving you all signal locations right away.
- Lightweight and easy to install—just drop it in and go.
⚠️ Cons
- Last updated in January 2023—may not be compatible with the latest Subnautica patches.
- Removes the sense of discovery from finding signals organically.
For Subnautica players who've already explored the map and want a faster start on subsequent playthroughs. Also great for those who prefer a guided experience over wandering. Skip if you enjoy the thrill of discovering signals on your own.
💡 Beginner Tips
- Make sure to repair the radio early to get all signals at once—this can help you plan your route.
- If you're using other mods, check load order to avoid conflicts with radio-related changes.
- Since the mod is from 2023, test it in a new save to ensure it works with your game version.
📊 Mod Details
- Game
- Subnautica Mods
- Author
- GruffCassquatch
- Version
- 2.0
- Downloads
- 10,845
- Endorsements
- 319
- Category
- Gameplay
- Created
- 11/15/2019
- Updated
- 1/7/2023
🔧 How to Install Subnautica Mods
Download from Nexus.
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Visit the official mod page for specific installation instructions for this mod.
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