While playing through Returnal, players are encouraged to grab as many items as they came. The game is extremely difficult, and since there's no way to change the difficulty, staying topped off with health and having the best weapons and items available is very useful. That said, while exploring either of the first two biomes, players have likely found themselves frustrated and unable to reach high up places. These platforms are always accompanied by a glowing orange light, and using the Area Scan ability by clicking in the right stick even highlights them. Nevertheless, they don't seem to do anything at first. In order to climb up to these orange lights, players need to get the grappling hook, or as it is actually called, the Icarian Grapnel.
It's impossible to miss the Icarian Grapnel, and just like the Atropian Blade before it, it will persist even after the player dies. That said, just because it's a guaranteed item doesn't mean it's an easy one to get. Players will need to attain mastery of certain aspects of Returnal and use this mastery to defeat two challenging bosses.
The Icarian Grapnel is obtained by defeating the boss of the Crimson Wastes, Ixion. Before that, though, players will need to beat the first boss of Returnal, Phrike. In order to get to Phrike, players will first need to get the Atropian Blade. With this, they can finally break down Xenotech Barriers and get the Anathema Key that opens the aptly named Anathema Vault. Inside is Phrike, a powerful enemy that will put players' skills to the test.
After defeating Phrike, players will then gain access to the Crimson Key. Use this at the Crimson Gate to open a portal to the Crimson Wastes. Progress through the entire level and eventually players will find themselves faced with Ixion's boss fight. This is even harder than Phrike, but players that manage to come out on top will be able to claim the Icarian Grapnel for themselves. As previously mentioned, it won't disappear after the player dies, meaning it can be used in the first biome on subsequent runs.
To actually use the grappling hook, simply face one of the orange lights and press triangle. Not only is this incredibly useful for getting players to previously inaccessible places and earning them more items, but it can also make a big difference in combat. Mobility is key in Returnal, and the grappling hook adds another layer of complexity to the ways that Selene can move around.
Returnal is available now on PS5.