Returnal - Guides

returnal game
10 /10

Returnal

Third-Person Shooter
Systems
Top Critic Avg: 86 /100 Critics Rec: 89%
Released
April 30, 2021
ESRB
T for Teen: Blood, Mild Language, Violence
Developer(s)
Housemarque
Publisher(s)
Sony
Returnal cover art

WHERE TO PLAY

SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL
PHYSICAL

Break the cycle of chaos on an always-changing alien planet. After crash-landing on this shape-shifting world, Selene must search through the barren landscape of an ancient civilization for her escape. Isolated and alone, she finds herself fighting tooth and nail for survival. Again and again, she’s defeated – forced to restart her journey every time she dies.

Through relentless roguelike gameplay, you’ll discover that just as the planet changes with every cycle, so do the items at your disposal. Every loop offers new combinations, forcing you to push your boundaries and approach combat with a different strategy each time.

Brought to life by stunning visual effects, the dark beauty of the decaying world around you is packed with explosive surprises. From high stakes, bullet hell-fueled combat, to visceral twists and turns through stark and contrasting environments. You’ll explore, discover and fight your way through an unforgiving journey, where mystery stalks your every move.

Designed for extreme replayability, the procedural world of Returnal invites you to dust yourself off in the face of defeat and take on new, evolving challenges with every rebirth.

Genre(s)
Third-Person Shooter

latest

Returnal - Xenoglyphs Split Image
How to Find All Xenoglyph Locations in Returnal

Xenoglyphs are the writings of beings on Atropos. Here's how to find them all in Returnal and how to translate them.

By 
Returnal Weapons
How to Find All Weapon Locations in Returnal

Returnal has some amazing weapons for players to collect. Here's how to find them all.

By 
returnal adrenaline boosts
Returnal: Adrenaline Levels Explained

Adrenaline is a key feature of Returnal, allowing players to stack bonuses the longer they can go without taking damage from Atropos' many hazards.

Returnal: Every Permanent Xenotech Upgrade

The longer Returnal players spend on Atropos, the more Xenotech boosts Selene will use to enhance her suit, providing permanent upgrades.

returnal-orange-wall
Returnal: How to Open Orange Barriers

Returnal has plenty of barriers that players will need to pass through to beat the game, but the orange ones seem to be impenetrable at first glance.

Returnal: 7 Tips For Surviving The Echoing Ruins Biome

Surviving the Echoing Ruins biome in Returnal can be difficult. Here's a look at how you can get it done.

By 
Returnal: 8 Tips For Surviving The Crimson Wastes Biome

The Crimson Wastes biome in Returnal can be downright unforgiving to inexperienced players. Here's how you can survive the trek.

Returnal avenge or scavenge fallen scouts
Returnal - How to Avenge Fallen Scouts

Returnal's recent update patched in a mechanic allowing players to see the final moments of fallen scouts controlled by other players and avenge them.

Returnal how to move faster speedrun
Returnal Advanced Movement Techniques (How to DMJ)

Returnal players can increase their movement speed and mobility dramatically by making use of the advanced DMJ movement technique.

returnal sunface fragment abyssal scar location
Returnal - Where to Find Biome 6 (Abyssal Scar) Sunface Fragment

The final challenge in Returnal is getting the Sunface Fragment from the Abyssal Scar, and it is easily one of the harder ones to collect.

How to get secret ending returnal part 5
Returnal - Where to Find Biome 5 (Fractured Wastes) Sunface Fragment

Returnal's Fractured Wastes biome can be incredibly challenging, but getting its Sunface Fragment is contrastingly very easy.

returnal sunface fragment location echoing ruins
Returnal - Where to Find Biome 4 (Echoing Ruins) Sunface Fragment

The Echoing Ruins is Returnal is full of familiar places, but players wanting to get its Sunface Fragment will need to explore uncharted territory.

Returnal how to get secret ending part 3
Returnal - Where to Find Biome 3 (Derelict Citadel) Sunface Fragment

While the Derelict Citadel is one of the hardest biomes in Returnal, players that want the secret ending will need to face it one more time.

Returnal where to find sunface fragment 2
Returnal - Where to Find Biome 2 (Crimson Wastes) Sunface Fragment

Returnal's secret ending is locked behind six Sunface Fragments, but the one in the Crimson Wastes is actually easy to obtain.

returnal sunface fragment location overgrown ruins
Returnal - Where to Find Biome 1 (Overgrown Ruins) Sunface Fragment

Returnal players will need to track down six Sunface Fragments in order to see its secret ending, the first of which is in the Overgrown Ruins.

Selene walking through Biome
Returnal: 10 Tips For Surviving The Overgrown Ruins Biome

The Overgrown Ruins Biome in Returnal can be tough. Here are some tips to help you survive the excursion.

Returnal yellow xenotech barriers
Returnal - How to Break Yellow Xenotech Barriers

Returnal players can use the Atropian Blade to break red Xenotech Barriers, but there are also yellow variants that seem indestructible.

Returnal what to do with Datacubes
Returnal: Datacube Guide

Coming across a Datacube in Returnal can cause some confusion, but they are actually incredibly useful items with permanent ramifications.

Returnal how to go underwater hadal ballasts
Returnal - How to Get Underwater Items

Returnal players may come across pools of water with items in them early on, but these can't be accessed without a Xenotech Device.

See More