Confused on Steam Play and Proton? Be sure to check out our guide.
We do often include affiliate links to earn us some pennies. See more here.

SOMA [Steam, GOG], the sci-fi horror from Frictional Games now has a special 'Safe Mode' for those of you after an easier experience.

In this new mode, you cannot die, making the encounters with the various creatures less deadly, since they won't attack you. It still has all the same atmosphere, but if you've had trouble dealing with the creatures then this update might be for you.

There's still plenty to be afraid of, but now you can experience this sci-fi horror without the frustration of dying.

YouTube Thumbnail
YouTube videos require cookies, you must accept their cookies to view. View cookie preferences.
Accept Cookies & Show   Direct Link

You can read more about the "Safe Mode" on their official blog.

About the game:

SOMA is a sci-fi horror game from Frictional Games, the creators of Amnesia: The Dark Descent. It is an unsettling story about identity, consciousness, and what it means to be human.

The radio is dead, food is running out, and the machines have started to think they are people. Underwater facility PATHOS-II has suffered an intolerable isolation and we’re going to have to make some tough decisions. What can be done? What makes sense? What is left to fight for?

Will this update bring you back, or did you have no trouble with it? 

Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
Tags: GOG, Horror, Steam
7 Likes
About the author -
author picture
I am the owner of GamingOnLinux. After discovering Linux back in the days of Mandrake in 2003, I constantly came back to check on the progress of Linux until Ubuntu appeared on the scene and it helped me to really love it. You can reach me easily by emailing GamingOnLinux directly. Find me on Mastodon.
See more from me
The comments on this article are closed.
20 comments
Page: «2/2
  Go to:

miro Dec 4, 2017
maybe you did not realize this: once you "look" at enemies, they get closer to you, eventually killing you. as I remember the story told that some malfunctions occur with them/you once you look at them - the solution is often (even if an enemy is very close to you) to look 180° in the opposite direction, or towards some wall or corner. then they usually go away.

there are a few situations where you have to think and act accordingly, but most of the time the rule is: do not look at them and you should be able to pass.


Last edited by miro on 4 December 2017 at 7:43 pm UTC
F.Ultra Dec 4, 2017
View PC info
  • Supporter
At least with "safe mode" there is now an actual chance to take a closer look at the enemy designs. Frictional must be the game devs that spends the most amount of design into creatures that will never be displayed (either due to the character getting instakill or the environment being pitch black).
Silas Mortimer Dec 5, 2017
I love everything Frictional Games has put out and I love that they've supported Linux with each one. I look forward to whatever they put out next.
slaapliedje Dec 5, 2017
I've bought all their games, but damned if I can finish Penumbra. I'm at some point where there are three dogs and they're almost impossible to sneak past (at least I haven't found a way) and by the time you almost beat one down with the crowbar, it backs off just enough to howl for help...

The game gives me serious anxiety, so I just can't manage to get past that part.
razing32 Dec 5, 2017
Quoting: slaapliedjeI've bought all their games, but damned if I can finish Penumbra. I'm at some point where there are three dogs and they're almost impossible to sneak past (at least I haven't found a way) and by the time you almost beat one down with the crowbar, it backs off just enough to howl for help...

The game gives me serious anxiety, so I just can't manage to get past that part.

Doesn't it have a console ?
I got frustrated at the last monster in Soma , so i used a cheat mode to put myself in "god" state so it could not damage me.

In regards to the article:
This easy mode seems pointless to me if you have cheats. :P
riusma Dec 5, 2017
Quoting: razing32Doesn't it have a console ?
I got frustrated at the last monster in Soma , so i used a cheat mode to put myself in "god" state so it could not damage me.

In regards to the article:
This easy mode seems pointless to me if you have cheats. :P

On Steam Workshop you can find the Wuss Mod (if I remember correctly there is a standalone of the mod that works for non-Steam users) which disable monster's aggressive AI (for most part as you can always be killed on some chase sequences, and the Leviathan can hurt you even if he can't kill you). The official "Safe Mode" from Frictional seems to be an improvement over the unofficial Wuss Mod as this mod can sometimes break immersion with the behaviour of some monsters (they still are attracted by you and will follow you without attacking... which can be annoying with the visual artefacts from their proximity). Btw, I've played the game with the Wuss Mod as I'm not that fond of horror games but enjoy good SF story in first person view (which is SOMA strength), and will try the "Safe Mode" to enjoy the "atmosphere" one more time. :)


Last edited by riusma on 5 December 2017 at 3:20 pm UTC
slaapliedje Dec 6, 2017
I was planning on playing all the Frictional Games in order, and haven't completed the first one yet, but didn't realize SOMA was one until I had already played a decent amount of it. Ha, oh well it is very visually stunning. Maybe one day I will have more time to play games... probably by the time these are considered "Retro".
razing32 Dec 6, 2017
Quoting: slaapliedjeI was planning on playing all the Frictional Games in order, and haven't completed the first one yet, but didn't realize SOMA was one until I had already played a decent amount of it. Ha, oh well it is very visually stunning. Maybe one day I will have more time to play games... probably by the time these are considered "Retro".

It's not wine you know. You don't have to wait :P
Eike Dec 10, 2017
View PC info
  • Supporter Plus
How would I enable Safe Mode?
I didn't find an option...
riusma Dec 10, 2017
Quoting: EikeHow would I enable Safe Mode?
I didn't find an option...

You have to start a new game and then the next step let you choose the normal or safe mode (it's different from the Wuss Mod that you could activate and deactivate at any time during the playthrough assuming you save, quit and start again the game). :)
While you're here, please consider supporting GamingOnLinux on:

Reward Tiers: Patreon. Plain Donations: PayPal.

This ensures all of our main content remains totally free for everyone! Patreon supporters can also remove all adverts and sponsors! Supporting us helps bring good, fresh content. Without your continued support, we simply could not continue!

You can find even more ways to support us on this dedicated page any time. If you already are, thank you!
The comments on this article are closed.