Psychonauts 2 was recently released on August 25th, 2021, which is over 16 years since its predecessor first hit stores. The game has stayed true to the franchise's roots but offers many modern upgrades, particularly to its visuals, encouraging a new generation of gamers to experience the cult classic platforming series.

RELATED: Things We Loved About Psychonauts 2 (& Things We Didn’t)

Much like its predecessor, Psychonauts 2 is more complex than the average platformer, as protagonist Raz has a plethora of psychic abilities for players to utilize in combat and while platforming. So, to give new players a helping hand, here are some beginner tips for Psychonauts 2.

10 Levitation Is Great For Getting Around In A Hurry

Psychonauts 2 Raz using Levitation to traverse on teeth

Psychonauts 2 features a range of large, open, interconnected levels and hub areas that players will be frequently revisiting and traversing. The game does have a fast travel system, known as the Brain-Only Network, though players will still find themselves moving around on foot for much of the game's runtime.

Thankfully, there is a built-in solution to this as Raz's Levitation ability drastically increases his movement speed, making long walks a breeze. Faster movement isn't all that the Levitation ability is good for either, as it can also be upgraded to be effective in combat.

9 Dodge Frequently In Combat

Enemy about to attack

Psychonauts 2 has a wide range of enemies and bosses for Raz to defeat. In true Psychonauts fashion, every one of these enemies has its own unique design and move set, so different strategies are required to take down each one.

RELATED: Awesome Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do In Psychonauts 2

However, there is one simple technique that is handy for every encounter, dodging. Dodging in Psychonauts 2 is fast, responsive, and has great distance. By staying on the move and dodging attacks frequently, players should be able to avoid taking significant damage.

8 Utilize Every Combat Ability

Raz fighting an enemy

Psychonauts 2 offers players a vast range of combat abilities. These combat mechanics are all centered around Raz's psychic powers, which may make them sound complex at first, but in reality, they're relatively basic action-platforming gameplay mechanics.

As mentioned before, there are numerous different types of enemies in Psychonauts 2. Each of these enemies is susceptible to one of Raz's abilities in particular, so it's worth experimenting to see which ability is most effective for each enemy.

7 Upgrade The Wallet As Soon As Possible

Psifold Wallet store item

When starting off in Psychonauts 2, players will be restricted to holding just 100 Psitanium at a time. This may sound like a lot on paper, but players will soon realize how quickly this can max out, and how limited their buying options are.

So, when players reach the Motherlobe, they should be sure to visit the Otto-matic shop. For 75 Psitanium players can purchase the Psifold Wallet, which will increase their capacity to a whopping 1000. It's certainly worth doing this before entering another level, otherwise, players will see bucket loads of Psitanium going to waste.

6 When Needing Psitanium, Destroy Everything In Sight

Raz surrounded by Psitanium

Once players have upgraded their wallet capacity, they'll want to start racking up on Psitanium. There are many different ways to earn Psitanium, with one of the most effective methods being to search for keys that open supply chests, which often contain large portions at a time.

However, when players are in a hurry and don't want to search for keys and chests, there is a far easier method. Simply put, players can start smashing everything in sight, as a surprising amount of objects all over the game have Psitanium tucked inside them. The Pyrokinesis ability is particularly handy for finding Psitanium, as almost every flammable item has some hidden inside.

5 Get The Mental Magnet Pin

Mental Magnet store item

One final tip for collecting Psitanium is to get the Mental Magnet Pin, which draws items to Raz from a greater distance. Initially, this may seem like an unnecessary investment, especially at the start of the game when players are happy to collect everything in sight.

However, collecting everything will soon get tedious, and the Mental Magnet Pin will suddenly feel like one of the handiest items in the game. Along with collecting Psitanium, the Mental Magnet Pin also works on other small items like health orbs, which can be very helpful while in combat. The Mengal Magnet Pin can be bought at Rank 8 for 200 Psitanium.

4 Look Out For Bonfires

Unlit bonfire

As players progress through the game, they may start to notice that there are a significant amount of bonfires scattered around. These bonfires aren't just there for aesthetics, they allow Raz to travel to hidden areas.

RELATED: Psychonauts 2: Making Peace Achievement Guide (Return to Where It All Started)

This isn't because players can fast travel with them like in Dark Souls, it's because players can use their Pyrokinesis ability to light them, then use their Levitation ability to rise up the newly created updraft. This will usually take them to a hidden area, with plenty of collectibles lying around.

3 Don't Worry Too Much About Purchasing Healing Items

PSI Pop store item

In most games, healing items are the first and most important thing for players to purchase, so many people will start investing in Psychonauts 2's PSI Pops and Dream Fluffs at the first chance they get.

Buying healing items does have its purpose, of course, but most players will be able to complete Psychonauts 2 without ever really need them. Psychonauts 2 doesn't provide too much of a challenge in terms of combat, and defeated enemies will usually drop a generous amount of health orbs. Moreover, the penalty for death isn't too taxing, so even if the worst happens and players lose all of their Mental Energy, they'll only be mildly inconvenienced.

2 Thoroughly Search Each Area Before Moving On

psychonauts 2 psi king sensorium (15)

Psychonauts 2 is filled to the brim with numerous different types of collectibles to find. Searching for collectibles is certainly not a new concept to platforming fans, especially those who grew up with games like Banjo-Kazooie and Super Mario 64.

Like in those classic games, Psychonauts 2's collectibles provide a wide range of benefits to players. There are Half-A-Minds that increase Raz's Mental Energy, PSI Challenge Markers that increase his rank, Memory Vaults that offer key story details, and plenty more. Suffice to say, it's worth taking the time to explore every area in the game before moving on.

1 Revisit Levels

Level entrance doorway

Following on from the previous point, it's worth noting that most levels can't be completed 100% on the first attempt. This is because some sections are initially inaccessible, as Raz will not yet have the abilities. Thankfully, Psychonauts 2 lets players revisit levels.

Once players have completed Operation Lady Luctopus, they will be able to access the Brain Tumbler in Sasha Nein’s lab, which will let them travel to the hub area known as the Collective Unconscious, where levels can be replayed. It's certainly worth revisiting levels once gaining new abilities, as they'll let Raz obtain a wide range of beneficial items.

MORE: Psychonauts 2: All Scavenger Hunt Item Locations