Returnal is the newest game in the long line of rogue-likes that have graced gaming consoles over the years. This fresh take on the style puts players in control of Selene after she crashlands on the planet Atropos.
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Selene must piece her memories back together as she travels through an ancient alien civilization. Many people might be turned off by the idea of a rogue-like game, but knowing a thing or two will give players the edge they need to survive. At the very least, help them make it a little farther.
10 Carry An Astronaut Figure When Available
Early on in the game, players will come across a 20th-century house. After finally finding the key to the home and progressing through it, players will be greeted by an astronaut when they peer out the window. Going outside the home to where the astronaut was standing will grant players the Astronaut Figurine item.
This item might not seem to do much right away but it brings players back to life when they die. This will help to improve runs and allow players to survive a hard boss fight. The first one is given when someone goes through the house, but more can be purchased from a fabricator in exchange for Obolites.
9 Use Tentacles To Reach New Heights
Across the forest, players will find tentacles hanging down from the above environment. These tentacles may seem like a nuisance, and they can be. They will grab players as they are trying to dodge enemy attacks.
Players will then need to dash to escape. However, these tentacles aren't always a nuisance because they can be used to reach new areas. Some tentacles have platforms nearby them that a player can dodge over to whenever they get picked up.
8 Get Gates Open Instead Of Ignoring Them
It won't take long for players to come across gates with a chest locked away behind them. It is easy to forget that Returnal tells players exactly how to get around these gates and reap the rewards locked away behind them.
Check out the nearby environment. In the area around the gate, most likely out of sight, will be a yellow light. Shooting this yellow light will unlock the gate and allow the player to get the reward that's locked away.
7 Get Used To Alt-Fire Mode
Thanks to the PS5's adaptive triggers, game developers can do some interesting things with combat. Returnal uses this feature for the all-important alt-fire mode for the various weapons. Start off the game getting used to the adaptive trigger function.
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Holding the left trigger down halfway will allow the player to look down a weapon's sight. Holding it completely down will activate the alt-fire mode. This can be awkward at first and players don't want to accidentally activate the alt-fire mode in a time they don't need it. If necessary, the controller can be remapped.
6 Understand Enemy Attacks
There are a lot of different enemies in Returnal. Some shoot in waves, some shoot lasers, and some even shoot bombs that cause Selene to slow down. It is wise to understand the enemy and not go running in blind. The latter will only result in the player getting killed.
Players should give enemies the chance to attack once or twice so they can understand what kind of shots they will be dealing with. Some enemies even reappear with different attack methods. Turrets start off by shooting clusters but eventually change to shoot in a rapid-fire method.
5 Make Use Of Fabricators And Reconstructors
Fabricators and Reconstructors found periodically throughout the game can be real lifesavers. First off, Reconstructors are scary-looking machines with a humanoid shape carved into them. These machines can be used to get a respawn in the event that the player dies.
This, of course, comes at the cost of a few Ether, but it is more than worth it to not have to restart at the ship. Fabricators sell important items that will help get a player further in their current run.
4 Listen To The Robot
Selene's suit comes equipped with a handy robot that beeps whenever a secret is nearby. These secrets can be many things but will mainly be hidden chests and walls. Search the area whenever this little buddy beeps to find new items or weapons that will help further the current run.
Secret walls stand out from the rest of the environment. These walls appear decayed slightly with many crevices. Keep on the lookout for anything that appears out of place and don't be afraid to explore a little bit.
3 Don't Pick Up Items Without Reading Them
Every item has a description whether it is a weapon, consumable, or artifact. It is important to know if a weapon that's being picked up is actually better than the currently equipped one. More importantly, it is important to know the effects of a malignant item.
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Malignant items are ones that give a benefit to Selene while also giving a chance of malfunctions. If an item describes its negative, examine whether it is worse than the benefit provided. Picking up these items without reading them can lead to some horrible side effects that players don't want to live with.
2 Remember Where Obolites Are
Obolites are the main source of income in Returnal. They are used to purchase useful items from the fabricator. This resource can be acquired in multiple ways. Killing enemies is a good way to start but players will only get a small amount at a time from them.
Obolites can also be found in various side rooms, chests, and yellow rocks that are sprinkled across the environment. There are also yellow glowing creatures that give a lot of Obolites at one time. Try to pick them off quickly because they will disappear.
1 Be Aware Of Your Surroundings
It is important to keep track of where everything is located and what affects players. Some things to remember are that water will kill and so will a long drop. Purple egg sacs will drop items and Obolites. Some items will be important but can't be grabbed at a certain time.
Keep track of those items and return for them later on. Remember where the Reconstructor and Fabricator are for future use. Finally, remember where hard-to-reach chests are located. Later on, a player may get an item that allows them to reach the chest.