Regions of Tephra – The Sinking Reef

Thanks to the intrepid exploration of all Astroneers, new Landing Sites have been made available in the Sinking Reef Region! New Missions are already being issued by Crew Members itching to hear about what discoveries lay within this unfamiliar corner of the planet. Suit up for your next Expeditions and be ready to get wet! 

THE SINKING REEF 

This Region opens up Expeditions to a heavily eroded ocean front. The Sinking Reef is characterized by coral structures jutting out from the ocean floor that skirt beaches and create impressive surface structures to explore.

Preliminary scans have revealed landmarks that may be worth exploring. In addition to the beautiful coral scenery, more wreckage of the ESS Elysium has been identified, including the ship’s Medical Bay and its Gravity Ring, which is mostly submerged. Sea Labs with valuable salvage have also been found around the ocean floor, so prepare to go underwater and report your findings to the Crew Members aboard the station.

NEW MISSIONS & GEAR

Investigations into the whereabouts of missing Crew Members have led us to the Sinking Reef, where we hope to shed light on some of the disturbing findings in their recovered Data Logs. Look to Science Officer Jessandra, Captain Jupiter, and JAM-BX for Missions that will reward you with Blueprints to new technology for your Loadout.

The advancements you can unlock here will allow you to swim faster and even dash underwater, not to mention the general improvements that V3 Mods will bring to your Health, Power, and Stamina. You can also unlock Blueprints to new Gadgets like the Vacuum Canisters to pull in creatures and objects, and you know what's even better than a Lasso Nozzle? A Shock Lasso! Both utility and defense in one neat little package.

UNDERWATER EXPLORATION 

Much of the wonders of the Sinking Reef extend well beyond its surface, with many of its secrets hidden underwater. With the aid of the Swim Dash and Swim Speed Mods, which are now craftable after earning their new Blueprints, Astroneers are able to dive for much longer than ever before (it also doesn't hurt to bring Stim Packs and a Stamina Mod, since swimming can really tire Astroneers out!).

Keep an eye out for tunnel-like currents and circular Fling Rings to get an extra speed boost while diving. You’ll also want to look for nearby Air Bubbles, which can be a blessing when you’re too far from the surface to swim up before running out of Stamina. 

SEA LABS

The ESS Starseeker forward team set up portable Sea Labs underwater to try and track more Elysium wreckage in the Sinking Reef, but they've fallen into varying states of disrepair since then. Sea Labs aren't limited only to the Sinking Reef, though; they can be found all around the oceans of Tephra.

There may be valuable discoveries to be found here, or at the very least precious salvage. Just be careful when attempting to explore them, since they can be quite hazardous.

NEW HAZARDS 

The submerged ruins of the Sea Labs can be treacherous. In no small part, this can be attributed to Malfunctioning Arc Welders. They're similar to their Demolition Device counterparts, but they can also be found underwater. Instead of blowing you up, they're capable of shocking you or anything unfortunate enough to approach them. This can be especially problematic when you’re fully surrounded by water.

Along with Snag Vines that have managed to grow underwater, these hazards may now be found throughout the oceans of Tephra, so be careful when diving deep.

COBALTITE	QUARTZ	GRAPHITE	RESIN	COMPOUND

AVAILABLE RESOURCES

Each Region has different Resources; some are even unique to only one Region on the whole planet. The Sinking Reef allows prospecting Astroneers to find deposits of Cobaltite, Quartz, and Graphite, in addition to Resin and Compound, which are common to all Regions.

LOCAL CREATURES 

Some of Tephra's most iconic and peculiar creatures can be found on the partially sunken and eroded surface of the Sinking Reef, including Carrotlings, Bog Hounds, Brutoliths, and Grab Crabs. Marine life is largely harmless, but you should still keep an eye out for the previously mentioned hazards while underwater.

This is only a preliminary report of what can be found within the Sinking Reef. There’s sure to still be plenty more to discover, so gear up and venture forth! Feel the Force!

– Honourael.