As you journey through the depths of Europa in Barotrauma, taking down monsters, exploring alien ruins, and salvaging wrecks, you’ll begin to uncover strange materials with transformative power—genetic material that can be refined and spliced into your crew members. This system not only provides gameplay advantages but can also drastically alter your physical appearance. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about gene splicing: where to get genes, how to refine and use them, the effects they provide, and the risks of tainting.

How to Acquire Genetic Material

Monsters in Barotrauma have a chance to drop Unidentified Genetic Material (UGM) upon death. This chance can be boosted significantly by having a medic or security officer with the right talents:

• Medic: Gene Harvester (Scientist tree) – +35% UGM drop rate from monsters killed outside the submarine.
• Medic: Researcher’s Intuition (Xenologist tree) – +50% chance of finding extra items in alien ruins.
• Security Officer: Deep Sea Slayer (Specialist tree) – +40% UGM drop chance.

Wrecks and large alien ruins also occasionally yield UGM, and when both roles are working in tandem, you can reach a potential 75% drop chance.

UGM drops are randomized and cannot be farmed for specific genes. However, they fall into three tiers:

• Tier 1: 10–20% gene strength
• Tier 2: 20–40% gene strength
• Tier 3: 30–60% gene strength

Refining and Applying Genes

To refine UGM, you need one stabilizing agent, most commonly acquired from swim bladders, which drop from creatures like hammerheads. Combine one stabilizer and one UGM in a Research Station, which can be found in outposts and certain submarines like the Winterhalter.

Once refined, the resulting gene will have a set percentage strength. If your medic has the Gene Therapist talent, you’ll get an extra +10% potency on refined genes—making it possible to hit 70% on your first try.

To apply the gene:

1. Equip a Gene Splicer (craftable or purchasable at stations).
2. Open your character’s health panel.
3. Insert the refined genetic material.

Note: Removing genetic material will destroy it permanently, so only remove a gene if you’re sure you want to replace it.

With the Advanced Splicer talent (Scientist tree), medics can equip two refined genes at once, enabling powerful combinations.

Gene Types and Effects (at 100% Strength)

Here’s a breakdown of each gene’s maximum effect when refined to full strength:

• Crawler Gene – +50% swimming speed
• Mudraptor Gene – Grants a beak used to attack or break doors (use monster attack key, default: F)
• Moloch Gene – Reduces physical damage taken by 25%
• Mantis Gene – Increases walk/run speed by 25%
• Tiger Thresher Gene – Decreases oxygen consumption by 100%
• Hammerhead Gene – Increases melee damage by 100%
• Hammerhead Matriarch Gene – Heals all internal damage types at -0.75 strength/sec
• Spineling Gene – Grows spikes on your back that can be fired (use monster attack key)
• Husk Gene – Prevents death from the final stage of the husk infection
• Black Moloch Gene – +10% max health when receiving physical damage
• Skitter Gene – +10% movement speed on taking physical damage
• Hunter Gene – +100% melee weapon damage when taking physical damage

These traits can significantly change gameplay. Some, like the Mudraptor, Spineling, and Husk genes, provide unique abilities rather than stat-based buffs.

Gene Combining and Tainting

You can combine genes to increase their strength or fuse two distinct traits. However, this comes with a risk: tainting. Tainted genes apply negative effects, potentially undermining your build. The taint effects include:

• Tunnel Vision – Constant blur/distortion on-screen
• Rigid Joints – Up to -45% movement speed
• Hypersensitivity – +75% incoming damage
• Xenobiology – -66% medical treatment effectiveness
• Outside Influence – Constant psychosis
• Glass Jaw – -75% stun resistance
• Decrepify – -25% max health
• Muscular Dystrophy – -50% melee damage
• Inflamed Lung – -50% vitality over time

To reduce the risk and severity of these taints:

• Maintain high medical skill.
• Use the Genetic Stability talent (Scientist tree) for -50% chance of tainting.

Note: Husk, Mudraptor, and Spineling genes cannot be refined to higher strength and work the same regardless of percentage.

Recommended Gene Builds

For optimal performance, especially in combat scenarios, consider these pairings:

• Crawler + Hammerhead Matriarch – Speed and regeneration
• Hammerhead + Mantis – Raw melee power and mobility

However, given the risk of tainting, it’s often safer to stick with pure single genes unless your medical support is exceptionally strong.

With the right talents and refined genes, it’s possible to achieve a character who can one-shot monsters, move at lightning speed, and shrug off most damage.

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Final Thoughts

Gene splicing in Barotrauma adds deep RPG customization and powerful tactical advantages. Whether you want to become an underwater juggernaut, a stealthy swimmer, or a gene-boosted medic, the system rewards experimentation—but punishes carelessness.

So prepare your research stations, equip your best medic, and choose your genes wisely. With the right setup, you won’t just survive Europa—you’ll dominate it.

Until next time, stay spliced and stay strong.