Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy, at its core, is an action RPG. The story follows the titular Guardians as they are just beginning to become a team. Peter wants to make a name for themselves by doing odd jobs around the galaxy. It’s not an origins story though as everyone is already assembled by the time the game begins.
The story also hints at larger events already taking place that rival the timeline of the Marvel films. For example, Drax killed Thanos. That’s an early bomb drop so it’s not really a spoiler. That’s the setup but how exactly does Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy play? Let’s find out with a few early tips and clarifications.
6 There Is A Wide Array Of Difficulty Options
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy has the typical set of difficulty options ranging from easy to hard. However, these difficulties can also be customized to a greater degree. For example, the amount of damage done to enemies can be increased. Players can also choose whether or not they want their ability cooldowns to go slower or faster.
No matter what type of person picks up Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, there is an option for them. The one feature that is recommended to be turned on for everyone is in regard to the Quick-Time Events. This mechanic feels a bit outdated so adding in the ability to skip them completely should alleviate some headaches due to poor button commands. Choices in the game are sort of like QTEs too, but they are the good kind.
5 Focus On Guardian Abilities, Not Star-Lord’s
Leveling up is a bit different in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy compared to other RPGs. The team has a collective experience bar and when it is filled up, players get an ability point. This can be spent on any one of the characters in order to unlock new abilities for battle.
Players can use these abilities via a wheel system set to the four non-playable characters. Peter also gets abilities. However, people should focus on expanding the other characters and save Peter’s upgrades until the last. They are powerful, but they aren’t as useful as the abilities Peter’s comrades have. Rotate spending points between the four other heroes in order to properly beef out combat in a balanced manner.
4 Best Perks To Unlock Early
Besides ability points, there are also perks. These can range from stat boosts like increasing health to granting battle-ready abilities such as allowing Peter to fly and shoot. They can be unlocked via Rocket at workbenches. Collect scrap around the world and use it to grant Peter perks. It’s simple.
The perk system is another reason why buying Peter's abilities should be saved until everyone else is completed. There are two perks early on that are expensive, but players should save their materials in order to get them anyway. One is the aforementioned health boost. The other is Perfect Dodge which slows time if players dodge an attack at the last second.
3 Always Go Off The Beaten Path
There is no map in the menu nor is there a mini-map for players to observe in the HUD. Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy is a pretty linear game but that doesn’t mean there aren’t side paths to take. Without a map getting around can be tricky but there is a great way to know which path is right. If the other team members are headed in one direction then that is the path toward the story.
If there is another path to take next to it, go on it. Rocket or any of the other characters will humorously chastise Peter for doing so but it is well worth the effort. Side paths can lead to scrap to but the aforementioned perks as well as costumes for the team. If there aren’t obvious side paths around, don’t forget to use the visor. Explore as much as possible is the key here.
2 Know What You’re Saving
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy autosaves at a decent rate but players can also save manually. There are two downsides to manual saves though. The first is that there are only three slots. It is recommended to stay on top of those three slots in order to avoid glitches. Having backup saves in three places can help mitigate disaster. It would be nice if there were more slots but maybe the developers can add in more via patches.
The other thing players should know about saves is that what is saved can be irregular. Loading a save will not return players to that exact spot like in other games. How far players will go back in the story varies but at the max, it should only be a few minutes. All items and upgrades made will still be logged though even if players have to retread some story bits.
1 There Is New Game+
Like other high-profile RPGs, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy offers a New Game+ mode. This will unlock after players finish the game. All upgrades and abilities earned will carry over to New Game+. This mode allows players to go back through the story in case they want to make different decisions. Players can also go through chapters randomly in case they just wish to replay a certain one.
It’s recommended to be a kind and supportive leader the first time around. That is the whole center of Peter’s character anyway. He wants to build a team and prove to the galaxy that he, and the rest of the Guardians, are worth something. Being mean or sarcastic during dialogue trees may bring humor to situations but in most cases, it will detract from the overall story.
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy was released on October 26, 2021 and is available on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.