Solving the Mysteries in Returnal with This Step-by-Step Walkthrough

16 December 2024

So, you've taken the plunge into Returnal — the mind-bending, adrenaline-pumping rogue-lite that's as beautiful as it is unforgiving. The alien world of Atropos is filled with cryptic lore, dangerous biomes, and enough unanswered questions to keep you up at night. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back! In this step-by-step walkthrough, we’ll unravel the mysteries of Returnal together.

Ready to conquer the time loop, master your runs, and piece together Selene’s haunting story? Let’s dive in.

What Makes Returnal So Mysterious?

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, let’s pause for a moment and appreciate just how enigmatic Returnal truly is. You play as Selene, a space explorer crash-landing on Atropos, a planet that's as deadly as it is gorgeous. But here’s the twist: every time you die, the world resets. It’s like “Groundhog Day,” but with aliens, high-tech weapons, and existential dread.

The mysteries are everywhere — why is Selene in this time loop? What’s the deal with the alien technology? And what's with the creepy house randomly popping up in the middle of nowhere? These aren’t just questions for the sake of intrigue. They’re the heart of your journey, and solving them is essential if you plan to escape this endless cycle.

Step 1: Getting Comfortable With Dying (Yes, Really)

Here’s the thing: in Returnal, dying isn’t the end. It’s just the beginning. Trust me, I know how frustrating it can feel to lose all your progress after a tough battle, but taking a deep breath (and maybe grabbing a snack) will go a long way.

Think of each run as a learning experience. Notice enemy patterns, experiment with different weapons, and understand the quirks of each biome. Sure, you might die 10, 20, or even 50 times, but that's part of the fun! Every death gives you a chance to come back stronger.

Step 2: Mastering The Basics – Movement and Combat

To even stand a chance at solving the mysteries of Atropos, you’ll need to master the game's fast-paced combat and movement mechanics. Here are some tips:

A. Dodge Like Your Life Depends On It (Because It Does)

In Returnal, enemies don’t just casually wander up to you — they swarm you, shoot bullet-hell energy blasts, and generally try to ruin your day. Your dodge ability (mapped to Circle on most controllers) is your best friend. Time it well, because dodging through projectiles is a lifesaver.

Pro Tip: Some enemies have lingering attacks that stick around even after they’ve taken a swing at you. Keep moving!

B. Aim for Max Damage With Alt-Fire

Every weapon in Returnal comes with a special Alt-Fire mode, from homing missiles to massive energy beams. These deal MASSIVE damage, so don’t hold back. If you’re stuck in a tricky boss fight, a well-timed Alt-Fire can turn the tide.

C. Experiment With Weapons

Gone are the days when you could just stick to one weapon and coast. Returnal forces you to adapt. Maybe you love the Hollowseeker’s crazy-fast bullets, or perhaps the Spitmaw Blaster’s shotgun-style punch is more your speed. Try everything and see what clicks.

Step 3: Exploring Biomes and Finding Key Items

Atropos is divided into six stunning biomes, each with its own unique challenges, enemies, and quirks. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

Biome 1: Overgrown Ruins

This is your starting zone. While it might feel overwhelming at first, it’s a relatively "safe" space to learn the ropes. Keep an eye out for glowing orange obolites (currency) and Fabricators (shops) where you can pick up upgrades.

Biome 2: Crimson Wastes

Things heat up — literally. This desert biome introduces flying enemies and harsher environmental hazards. Pro Tip: Always be on the lookout for health pickups. You’ll need them.

Biome 3: Derelict Citadel

Here’s where the difficulty really kicks in. The Citadel introduces shielded enemies and tougher minibosses. You’ll want to prioritize finding a powerful weapon ASAP.

Key Tip Across All Biomes: Look for permanent items, such as the Atropian Blade or Grappling Hook, which unlock new areas across multiple runs. These items are crucial for progression and piecing together Selene’s story.

Step 4: Decoding The Story — Selene’s Journey

Okay, let’s talk story. One of the coolest (and most confusing) aspects of Returnal is its narrative. The game doesn’t hand you all the answers on a silver platter — instead, you’ll need to piece things together from audio logs, environmental details, and those eerie sequences in the first-person house sections.

A. What’s Up With The House?

As you explore, you'll stumble upon a creepy, seemingly out-of-place house. It’s straight out of a horror movie, and exploring it reveals key moments from Selene’s past. Without spoiling too much, let’s just say the house sections are pivotal to understanding what’s really going on.

B. The Alien Civilization

Throughout your journey, you’ll encounter strange statues, inscriptions, and other remnants of the alien race that once inhabited Atropos. Pay attention to these! They shed light on the planet’s history and may even hold a clue to Selene’s predicament.

C. The Loop and Selene’s History

Why is Selene stuck in this loop? What’s her connection to Atropos? These questions are at the heart of Returnal. Keep an eye out for recurring themes (like water and the astronaut) and remember: every clue matters.

Step 5: Boss Fights – The Ultimate Test

Each biome ends with a heart-pounding boss fight. These bosses are where Returnal really cranks up the intensity, but don’t panic — we’ve got a plan:

A. Study Their Patterns

Every boss has a predictable attack pattern. Spend the first few minutes of the fight dodging and observing. Once you’ve got their rhythm down, strike strategically.

B. Focus On Consistency, Not Just Damage

This isn’t a race. Staying alive is WAY more important than dealing a ton of damage all at once. Stay patient, dodge consistently, and deal damage when it’s safe to do so.

C. Don’t Be Afraid To Restart

Let’s be real: it might take a few tries to beat each boss. That’s okay! Revisit earlier biomes to level up your gear and come back stronger.

Step 6: Maximizing Resources – Upgrades and Artifacts

Success in Returnal often comes down to how well you manage your resources. Here’s a cheat sheet:

- Resin: Increases your max health. Prioritize this over other pickups when possible.
- Artifacts: These are passive upgrades that give you a boost (e.g., reducing cooldowns or increasing Alt-Fire damage). Choose wisely based on your playstyle.
- Parasites: High-risk, high-reward. These creatures attach to Selene and offer benefits (like restoring health upon kills) at a cost (like increased damage from traps). Some are worth it; others, not so much.

Step 7: Breaking The Cycle – Can You Escape?

Without giving too much away, breaking the time loop isn’t just about defeating bosses. Pay close attention to every clue, complete optional objectives, and keep exploring. The deeper you go, the closer you’ll get to uncovering the shocking truth about Selene and Atropos.

Final Thoughts – Embrace The Chaos!

Returnal is a wild ride that’s equal parts punishing and rewarding. Sure, the game doesn’t hold your hand, but that’s what makes every victory feel so satisfying. With perseverance and patience, you’ll uncover its mysteries, master its mechanics, and (hopefully) escape the loop.

So, what are you waiting for? Suit up, grab your controller, and let’s break the cycle.