Returnal is finally in players’ hands and PlayStation gamers are enjoying the new title and its particularly amazing use of the DualSense controller and 3D audio capabilities. While Returnal offers superb use of colors and particle effects in its bullet-hell third-person shooter, the roguelike nature of the game can end Selene’s run in a matter of seconds.
Players who are still attempting to clear the first Biome in Returnal and players who are trying for the perfect ending both have one thing in common; the need for more survivability. Returnal, fortunately, provides multiple ways for Selene to prevent her death.
Dying may be a part of the core Returnal experience, however, that does not mean that players want to die. Preventing death is a key mechanic for players wanting to make their runs last as long as possible. Selene’s Integrity is her health, and if her Integrity is depleted, she dies and restarts at the crash site. Selene can find Artifacts, parasites, and even an alien Reconstructor that will bring her back to life in the event of her death.
The Astronaut Figurine and the Child’s Watch will both bring Selene back to life exactly where she died, giving her a second chance to finish a boss fight or to continue exploring. The Child’s Watch is just a weaker version of the Astronaut Figurine, not giving as much Integrity when it brings Selene back.
Both Artifacts can be stacked together, allowing even more lives for Selene. Players can unlock the Astronaut Figurine and the Child’s Watch Artifacts from the House events. Once unlocked, they also have a chance to appear randomly in the world or in Fabricators.
Selene can also find Parasites that will allow her to survive a killing blow, detaching afterward. These Parasites come at a cost such as greatly reducing maximum Integrity when detached. While these are nice as a last resort, there is another option that will allow Selene to respawn at a different location.
Reconstructors are alien machines that will reconstruct Selene at the machine if she dies. These cost Ether to use and only work in the Biome they are used in. This means that if Selene uses a Reconstructor in the Overgrown Ruins and progresses to the Crimson Wastes, the Overgrown Ruins Reconstructor will no longer work.
The alien Reconstructors also do not bring Selene back to life at the same place she died. Instead, Selene is brought back to life at the Reconstructor with all her items and gear she had when she activated it originally. This can be helpful if players want to see a boss fight and its mechanics before committing to a load-out, allowing Selene to die and then giving the player the chance to change their gear to be better suited for the fight.
Overall, players should prioritize the Astronaut Figurine and Child’s Watch Artifacts. Since Artifacts can be taken with Selene across Biomes and they do not have and negative effects when used, these are the best options for players wanting to extend their runs as long as possible. Pair these Artifacts with a heavily upgraded Integrity bar and players will be able to withstand even the toughest fights in Returnal.
Returnal is available now for PS5.