Barotrauma: Ultimate Genetics Guide

The genetic system of Barotrauma can be rather complicated and overwhelming for most players. Essentially, it allows you to take hold of various abilities or upgrades by inserting genes into your body. However, there are several things that you need to do first in order to maximize the process.

That’s exactly what we’ll talk about in this guide.

Ultimate Genetics Guide in Barotrauma

In order to start the process, you’ll need to obtain Unidentified Genetic Materials first. You will be able to obtain these materials inside alien ruins, specifically in Insulation Bubbles.

You can also loot them off dead bodies of monsters that you killed, though you’ll need to unlock the Gene Harvester talent for this.

After obtaining enough Unidentified Genetic Materials, the next step is to refine them at a Research Station. Only after refining will you be able to use them inside a Gene Splicer.

Refining Unidentified Genetic Materials

Unidentified Genetic Materials are classified into three tiers, with the highest tier giving you more percentage after refining. The higher a gene’s percentage is, the better the traits that you can obtain from it.

However, this is random, and there’s no way of increasing an Unidentified Genetic Material to come out as a high-tier gene. To refine an unidentified gene material, simply place it on the Research Station alongside one Stabilozine which you can obtain by deconstructing the swim bladder of creatures like the hammerhead, giant spineling, and moloch baby.

After placing the materials, simply click on the Research button and wait for the process to complete. This will then result in a Genetic Material with a random tier and a random monster gene.

As of now, there are 12 monster genes that you can obtain via this process. Each of them will grant various effects that will help improve your character.

Applying Genes to Your Character

Once you have the gene you’re looking for, the next step is to apply it to your character. To do so, you’ll need to craft a Gene Splicer or buy it from a station. Then, equip it on your character alongside the gene that you want.

This will then immediately grant your character bonuses depending on the gene you applied. You can also remove the gene from your character anytime, but it will end up destroying it.  

Combining Genes

You can combine two genes in order to increase the overall effect that you can get or combine two different effects into one. Since you can only apply one gene to your character, this will be the only means of getting two separate effects at the same time.

To combine genes, you simply have to place two genes that you want to combine into the Research Station and click on Research. As mentioned, it will increase the effect if you combine two similar genes or fuse the effects of two different genes.

On the other hand, a gene also has a chance to become tainted. Unlike normal genes, tainted ones will grant a negative effect on the splice. You can lower the chances of this happening and even increase the chances of getting stronger genes via certain Medical skills like Gene Therapist and Genetic Stability.