5 articlesThe Genetics system of Barotrauma is one of the game’s most powerful forms of long-term progression. But at the same time, it 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. While weapons and armor are eventually replaced as you progress in the campaign, high-quality genes can provide permanent bonuses that will remain useful all throughout the game.
But first, there are several things that you need to do in order to maximize the process. That’s exactly what we’ll talk about in this guide.
Ultimate Genetics Guide in Barotrauma
The release of the Unto the Breach update has made the Genetics system to be more rewarding than before. Due to that, gene refinement has become a lot more forgiving, and certain mechanics like the Husk Gene have been rebalanced.
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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
Every Genetic Material has a quality percentage which can affect the strength of the bonus you receive. The higher a gene’s percentage is, the better the traits that you can obtain from it.
While low-quality can still function, their effects are noticeably weaker compared to their high-quality counterparts.
That said, the quality percentage 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.
When it comes to gene refinement, you can combine duplicate copes of the same Genetic material to increase its quality.
Back then, getting unlucky rolls means permanently losing valuable materials. Fortunately, that’s no longer the case in the game’s current version.
Now, tainted genes are much less punishing. When you get a 100% quality, you can even restore tainted copies via additional refinement instead of having to discard them. Hence, I highly recommend to save duplicate genes instead of throwing them away.
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
Once you have refined your genes, you can then combine two genes to increase the overall effect that you can get. 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.
Changes to the Husk Gene
The Husk Gene is still one of the strongest genetic upgrades in Barotrauma, but it no longer functions exactly as it used to.
Before the genetics rebalance, even mediocre Husk Genes can be considered as permanent immunity against Husk Infection. However, that’s no longer the case now.
Today, lower-quality Husk Genes simply slow the infection, with stronger genes providing better protection. To achieve complete immunity and fully suppress the infection, you’ll need a 100% quality Husk Gene instead.
Conclusion
Without a doubt, the genetics system in Barotrauma has evolved considerably since its original implementation. Thanks to the Unto the Breach update improving alien ruins, expanding gene rewards, and rebalancing the Gene Splicing system, investing in genetics is now more worthwhile than ever.
