Saturation Diving Maw Crawler Counter Guide

How do you survive a Maw Crawler encounter?

Create space and move toward a route the whole crew can see. Stop optional mining, avoid bunching around one rock or objective, and do not retreat through an unscouted narrow passage. Captain chooses one lane while Spotter tracks whether the contact is closing, crossing, or lost.

What terrain is most dangerous?

Blind seabed corners, tight trenches, and cargo-cluttered work areas reduce reaction space. Approach an objective with one open exit, keep the rear player oriented toward extraction, and avoid placing the full crew inside the same confined pocket.

Terrain problem	Safer response
Narrow trench	Hold outside until the far exit is checked
Low visibility	Use one light direction and wider spacing
Ore blocks movement	Abandon low-value cargo
Contact divides crew	Regroup toward the last open landmark
Unknown side passage	Do not use it as an emergency exit

Should the crew fight or retreat?

Retreat when the encounter threatens formation, oxygen reserve, or the known return lane. If the team cannot name the safe lane, restore navigation rather than chase the creature. The Captain guide provides a fixed callout format.

Which equipment is useful?

Mobility, pressure margin, and emergency oxygen matter more than maximum cargo. Compare current tiers in the suit chart and keep a separate return reserve.

How should roles coordinate?

Spotter owns contact information, Captain owns movement, Engineer owns recovery, and Salvager owns weight reduction. Avoid duplicated calls and hold at the last landmark if direction is disputed.

Which zones need this plan?

Prepare before terrain with ridges, hollows, or blind work areas. Mid Ridge requires vertical spacing, while Twilight Reef rewards a landmark loop.