Returnal (6 Tips in under 60 seconds)

Six Tips I Wish I Knew When I Started Playing Returnal

When I first started playing Housemarque’s Rogue-Lite, Returnal, I was very aware that it had a difficulty that was causing plenty of discussion and even some people to avoid the fantastic game. After having logged over 20 hours into Returnal, here a 6 tips that I wish I knew when I first started playing Returnal. These are mostly for the first biome, and are mostly spoiler free.

  1. Astronaut Figurine

    In Returnal, you only have one life and when you die you are sent all the way back to the start right? Wrong! The Astronaut Figurine, which can be found once for free after an earlier story section gives you an extra life. You can also find it for sale occasionally at one of the vendor rooms in the first biome. If you have enough Obolites and are having a good run, buy it now!

  2. Reconstructor

    So there is no way to save during each run right? Wrong again! In the first biome you will enouncter a room with what looks like a alien mold and if you use it for 6 ether then it will be a checkpoint you will return to upon death. Six ether is fairly steep but if you are having a good run then its worth it.

  3. Free Ether

    Most things in Returnal costs too much Ether, the currency that carries over between runs. If only there was an easy way to get Ether. Good news, once you unlock the daily challenge mode early on (computer right before you exit space ship at start), you will gain 5 ether just for completing the challenge. If you want to speed run to the end you will never do well but you will get 5 Ether quickly. Although if you try your best, it should only take 15 minutes or so and its fun.

  4. Free Obolites

    The other currency in Returnal that doesn’t carry over is the yellow Obolites, which you get from defeating enemies, finding around the world in chest and large chunks out in the open. However, there are also statues all over that have yellow eyes that indicate that Obolites can be found inside. Every little bit helps so be on the lookout.

  5. No Grapple, No Problem! (light spoiler)

    For a good chunk of the game you will see orange lights above, which will eventually be used to grapple to reach high places. However, there are plenty of areas that you can reach early on without the grapple. The long tentacles that hang down will carry you high without damaging you or resetting your adrenaline, just be sure to dash off before you reach the top as it is a risk vs reward system.

  6. Get Plenty of Sleep

    You likely noticed that there is a room at the back of your spaceship with a bed that you have also likely tried with no effect because you are already full health. However, if you venture back to the ship before boss fights or progressing to the next biome then you will be able to get some good shuteye and recover your health. It only takes a few seconds and it can make the difference between finally getting over the next plateau.

VDGMS