How To Play Returnal: A Guide To Mastering The Cycle Of Death And Rebirth

How to Play Returnal: A Guide to Mastering the Cycle of Death and Rebirth

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Introduction

Discover everything you need to know about How to Play Returnal: A Guide to Mastering the Cycle of Death and Rebirth

How to Play Returnal: A Guide to Mastering the Cycle of Death and Rebirth

Returnal, the critically acclaimed roguelike shooter from Housemarque, is a game that demands both skill and patience. It’s a brutal, unforgiving experience that throws you into a constant cycle of death and rebirth, forcing you to learn from your mistakes and adapt to its unforgiving nature. But beneath the surface of its punishing difficulty lies a captivating story, a thrilling combat system, and a world that begs to be explored.

This guide will serve as your comprehensive companion to mastering Returnal, covering everything from the game’s core mechanics to advanced strategies and tips. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of roguelikes or a newcomer to the genre, this guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to conquer Atropos and unravel its secrets.

Understanding the Core Mechanics

Returnal’s gameplay revolves around a cyclical loop of death and rebirth. You’ll be constantly fighting your way through procedurally generated levels, battling increasingly challenging enemies and bosses. Each time you die, you’re sent back to the beginning of the cycle, losing all your progress except for a few key items.

Here’s a breakdown of the key mechanics you’ll need to grasp:

• The Cycle: Each playthrough of Returnal is a unique cycle. The environments, enemy placements, and even the story events can change each time you start a new run. This makes for a fresh and unpredictable experience, but it also means you’ll have to constantly adapt your strategies.

• 

  Permadeath: Death is permanent in Returnal. Once you’re defeated, you’ll lose all your weapons, resources, and progress. This creates a constant sense of tension and risk, forcing you to be careful with every step you take.

• The Biome: The world of Atropos is divided into six distinct biomes, each with its own unique environment, enemies, and challenges. You’ll need to navigate each biome, overcoming its specific threats to progress further in the story.

• Weapons and Abilities: Returnal features a wide array of weapons, each with its own unique firing patterns, special abilities, and upgrade paths. You’ll need to experiment with different weapons and find the ones that best suit your playstyle.

• Resources: You’ll collect various resources throughout your runs, including health, weapon upgrades, and consumables. These resources are crucial for survival, but remember, they’re lost upon death.

Mastering the Combat System

Returnal’s combat is fast-paced, challenging, and rewarding. It’s a dance of dodging, shooting, and using your environment to your advantage. Here are some key tips for mastering the combat system:

• Dodging: Dodging is your primary defense mechanism in Returnal. You can dodge by pressing the Circle button, which will briefly make you invincible. Mastering the timing of your dodges is crucial for surviving against relentless enemies.

• Parrying: Certain enemies can be parried by pressing the Square button at the right moment. Parrying can stun enemies, giving you a chance to land a critical hit.

• Weapon Variety: Experiment with different weapons to find the ones that best suit your playstyle. Some weapons are better for close-quarters combat, while others excel at long-range engagements.

• Weapon Upgrades: Use the resources you collect to upgrade your weapons. This will increase their damage output, unlock new abilities, and make them more effective in combat.

• Environmental Hazards: Utilize the environment to your advantage. You can use traps, cover, and even the enemies themselves to your advantage in combat.

Unveiling the Story and Secrets

Returnal’s narrative is a captivating blend of science fiction and psychological horror. The story unfolds through fragmented memories, hidden logs, and environmental storytelling. Here’s how to delve deeper into the story and uncover its secrets:

• Explore Every Nook and Cranny: The world of Atropos is filled with secrets, hidden areas, and collectibles. Take your time to explore every nook and cranny to uncover the story’s hidden details.

• Collect Logs and Data: You’ll find various logs and data files scattered throughout the world. These provide valuable insights into the story and the characters’ motivations.

• Pay Attention to the Environment: The environment itself tells a story. Pay attention to the details of the world, the decaying structures, and the strange creatures that inhabit Atropos.

• Unlock the Mysteries of Selene: The story revolves around Selene, the protagonist, and her journey through Atropos. Unravel the mysteries of her past, her connection to the world, and her ultimate fate.

Helpful Tips for Success

• Learn from Your Mistakes: Death is inevitable in Returnal. Use each death as a learning opportunity to improve your strategies and adapt to the game’s challenges.

• Prioritize Weapon Upgrades: Focus on upgrading your weapons early in the game. This will make you more powerful and give you a better chance of surviving against tougher enemies.

• Experiment with Different Weapons: Don’t be afraid to try out different weapons and find the ones that best suit your playstyle.

• Master the Art of Dodging: Dodging is crucial for survival in Returnal. Practice your dodging skills to avoid taking damage from enemies.

• Utilize the Environment: Use the environment to your advantage. Use traps, cover, and even the enemies themselves to your advantage in combat.

• Don’t Be Afraid to Die: Death is a part of the game. Embrace it, learn from it, and come back stronger.

• Take Breaks When Needed: Returnal can be a challenging and stressful game. Take breaks when you need them to avoid burnout.

• Enjoy the Journey: Returnal is a challenging but rewarding game. Take your time, enjoy the journey, and appreciate the unique experience it offers.

FAQ

Q: What platforms is Returnal available on?

A: Returnal is currently only available on PlayStation 5.

Q: Is Returnal a good game for beginners to roguelikes?

A: Returnal is a challenging game, even for experienced roguelike players. It’s not recommended for beginners to the genre.

Q: How long does it take to beat Returnal?

A: The game can take anywhere from 10-20 hours to complete, depending on your skill level and how much time you spend exploring the world.

Q: What is the best way to get started with Returnal?

A: Start by familiarizing yourself with the game’s core mechanics, such as dodging, parrying, and weapon upgrades. Experiment with different weapons and find the ones that best suit your playstyle.

Q: Is there a way to make the game easier?

A: There are no difficulty settings in Returnal. However, you can make the game easier by practicing your skills, upgrading your weapons, and utilizing the environment to your advantage.

Q: What is the best strategy for beating the game?

A: There is no single "best" strategy for beating Returnal. The best approach is to adapt your strategy based on the specific challenges you encounter in each cycle.

Q: What are some tips for defeating the bosses?

A: Each boss has its own unique weaknesses and attack patterns. Learning these patterns and exploiting them is key to defeating them.

Q: What is the story of Returnal about?

A: The story of Returnal revolves around Selene, an astronaut who crashes on the planet Atropos and finds herself trapped in a cycle of death and rebirth. The game explores themes of survival, identity, and the nature of reality.

Conclusion

Returnal is a truly unique and challenging game that demands patience, skill, and a willingness to embrace failure. It’s a game that will test your limits, but it’s also one that will reward you with a captivating story, a thrilling combat system, and a world that begs to be explored. By mastering the core mechanics, utilizing the helpful tips, and embracing the cycle of death and rebirth, you’ll be well on your way to conquering Atropos and unraveling its secrets.

Source URL: https://www.playstation.com/en-us/games/returnal/

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