Returnal Trophy Guide & Roadmap
Welcome Returnals! A new action treat from Housemarque is a must-play, and the platinum after patch 2.0 is really not that bad. They fixed the RNG factor so the rooms spawns more often. You want that to get collectibles easily. Let's start
Suspend Cycle (Save Scum)
For anyone playing Returnal on newest patch version (version above 2), you are in luck. You can now press Options -> Suspend Cycle to create a save state from which you continue when you turn on the game again. This means you can Suspend Cycle, Close the game, upload your save to USD or Cloud, play and if you die, return your backup save. This means you can get the platinum under 20h if you decide so.
Just to mention, the game is not that hard and doing this can really kill the joy, but this is a guide and I want to mention available options. I was using this only when I was collecting stuff as it saves time; Suspend Cycle before the teleport to a Biome, backup save, enter Biome and look for collectibles - if nothing, return backup save, try again. This is how i farmed for logs and xenoglyph cyphers at the end.
Step 1 - Finish all 6 Biomes while doing the House events
There are 6 levels in Returnal. They are called Biomes, and you start in Biome 1 (forest). I would suggest exploring whole levels when going for boss fights. That means you will raise your proficiency level, which means you will be stronger, get stronger weapons during runs and you will have enough money (Obolites) to buy healing items or artifacts to prepare better.
You can do 1 run for 3 Biomes (1-3, 4-6). That means everything you pick up stays until you die or after Biome 3 where you reach Act 2 and start from scratch. If you have good artifacts and you defeat the boss easily, just continue your run and build upon it.
Biome 1 holds the key to the House that can spawn during your run (House can be found in Biome 1 and 4, and only there). Key is in one of the side-rooms in Biome 1. First, pick that up. Then you can start entering the House to start working on this side/main quest. After each boss you can return (Biome 1 has 3 scenes, one after finding the key, 1 after first boss, and one after 2nd boss; visit Biome 1 after those points or you can do it later) to first Biome and finish all the scenes.
During Act 2 (Biomes 4-6) you can continue with House events. You want to collect all permanent upgrades and beat the game. When you do, it's time for Act 3.
You need ALL Scout Logs and ALL Xenoglyph Cyphers in each Biome. Always pick them up if they show during your runs. They are ALWAYS in the same room, but wheather the room will appear or not is RNG.
Step 2 - Unlock Act 3 and finish the game again
When you finish the game you need to finish first 5 House events if you didn't. You will witness a plane crash and you can now start cycle from Biome 1 and start collecting Star Fragments. Each Biome has 1, they spawn in the same room, you just have to find it.
When you have all 6, you need to activate the last House scene in Biome 4 where you will get Car Key. Finish the game again to unlock the secret ending.
Final Step - Grind collectibles
As mentioned, you need ALL Scout Logs and ALL Xenoglyph Cyphers in each Biome. Always pick them up if they show during your runs. They are ALWAYS in the same room, but wheather the room will appear or not is RNG.
Returnal - All Permanent Xenotech Upgrades
Returnal - All Xenoglyphs Guide
What you lose and what you keep on each death
As this game is a rogue-like game, this means when you die, you lose almost everything and start from the beginning. This game is no different. You will preserve some permanent upgrades and items, so let's list them:
You keep up all key items that are needed to advance the story (Atropian Blade, the Grappling Hook, ability to swim/dive, ability to reveal hidden floating platforms.
After each boss fight you can skip that Biome by justing running towards the mission marker (you need to find a room which is a shortcut/teleport/grappling hook point towards next Biome. After Biome 6 you can visit Biome 1 or Biome 3; from where you advance through the next 2 Biomes in that section.
Weapons are lost after you die, but their Traits stays unlocked. This means if you pick up a weapon with some Trait you unlocked, your weapon will have that trait. Levelin traits is done by killing enemies, and higher level weapons have higher level of the same traits, so have that in mind.
Databank Entries such as Scout Logs and Xenogylphs are preserved.
Ether. This is that <> icon on the lower right on the screen, used to open malignant boxes, activate resurrect points etc.
More about tips, weapons and all mechanics you need to know can be found here:
Collect all trophies (DLC trophies are not needed) to unlock the platinum.
Overgrown Ruins is Biome 1.
You need ALL Scout Logs, and ALL Xenoglyph Cyphers. Count of Cyphers can be found under your menu, Databank, and check the lower right. Appearance of collectibles is RNG, but you only need the room to appear, collectible is always in the same room.
When you collect what you miss you want to run and visit all roms while checking the markers on the map. It's easy to find what you need, it takes few mins to finish the Biome and restart if you don't find what you need. You can backup your save before entering shortcuts, and if you don't spawn rooms you need, return save and try again (to save some time finding shortcuts).
Crimson Wastes is Biome 2.
You need ALL Scout Logs, and ALL Xenoglyph Cyphers. Count of Cyphers can be found under your menu, Databank, and check the lower right. Appearance of collectibles is RNG, but you only need the room to appear, collectible is always in the same room.
When you collect what you miss you want to run and visit all roms while checking the markers on the map. It's easy to find what you need, it takes few mins to finish the Biome and restart if you don't find what you need. You can backup your save before entering shortcuts, and if you don't spawn rooms you need, return save and try again (to save some time finding shortcuts).
Derelict Citadel is Biome 3.
You need ALL Scout Logs, and ALL Xenoglyph Cyphers. Count of Cyphers can be found under your menu, Databank, and check the lower right. Appearance of collectibles is RNG, but you only need the room to appear, collectible is always in the same room.
When you collect what you miss you want to run and visit all roms while checking the markers on the map. It's easy to find what you need, it takes few mins to finish the Biome and restart if you don't find what you need. You can backup your save before entering shortcuts, and if you don't spawn rooms you need, return save and try again (to save some time finding shortcuts).
Echoing Ruins is Biome 4.
You need ALL Scout Logs, and ALL Xenoglyph Cyphers. Count of Cyphers can be found under your menu, Databank, and check the lower right. Appearance of collectibles is RNG, but you only need the room to appear, collectible is always in the same room.
When you collect what you miss you want to run and visit all roms while checking the markers on the map. It's easy to find what you need, it takes few mins to finish the Biome and restart if you don't find what you need. You can backup your save before entering shortcuts, and if you don't spawn rooms you need, return save and try again (to save some time finding shortcuts).
Fractured Wastes is Biome 5.
You need ALL Scout Logs, and ALL Xenoglyph Cyphers. Count of Cyphers can be found under your menu, Databank, and check the lower right. Appearance of collectibles is RNG, but you only need the room to appear, collectible is always in the same room.
When you collect what you miss you want to run and visit all roms while checking the markers on the map. It's easy to find what you need, it takes few mins to finish the Biome and restart if you don't find what you need. You can backup your save before entering shortcuts, and if you don't spawn rooms you need, return save and try again (to save some time finding shortcuts).
Abyssal Scar is Biome 6.
You need ALL Scout Logs, and ALL Xenoglyph Cyphers. Count of Cyphers can be found under your menu, Databank, and check the lower right. Appearance of collectibles is RNG, but you only need the room to appear, collectible is always in the same room.
When you collect what you miss you want to run and visit all roms while checking the markers on the map. It's easy to find what you need, it takes few mins to finish the Biome and restart if you don't find what you need. You can backup your save before entering shortcuts, and if you don't spawn rooms you need, return save and try again (to save some time finding shortcuts).
Automatic story-related trophy.
38:18 - Biome 1 Boss (Phrike)
43:03 - Biome 2 Boss and Setup (Ixion)
48:52 - Biome 3 Boss and Setup (Nemesis)
58:40 - Biome 4 - Find Electropylon Driver to unlock it. This is the strongest weapon and my favorite alongside of Hollowseeker
59:13 - Biome 4 Boss and Setup (Hyperion)
1:03:29 - Biome 5 has only permanent upgrade for you!
1:04:44 - Biome 6 Boss and Setup (Ophion)
Automatic story-related trophy.
38:18 - Biome 1 Boss (Phrike)
43:03 - Biome 2 Boss and Setup (Ixion)
48:52 - Biome 3 Boss and Setup (Nemesis)
58:40 - Biome 4 - Find Electropylon Driver to unlock it. This is the strongest weapon and my favorite alongside of Hollowseeker
59:13 - Biome 4 Boss and Setup (Hyperion)
1:03:29 - Biome 5 has only permanent upgrade for you!
1:04:44 - Biome 6 Boss and Setup (Ophion)
Automatic story-related trophy.
38:18 - Biome 1 Boss (Phrike)
43:03 - Biome 2 Boss and Setup (Ixion)
48:52 - Biome 3 Boss and Setup (Nemesis)
58:40 - Biome 4 - Find Electropylon Driver to unlock it. This is the strongest weapon and my favorite alongside of Hollowseeker
59:13 - Biome 4 Boss and Setup (Hyperion)
1:03:29 - Biome 5 has only permanent upgrade for you!
1:04:44 - Biome 6 Boss and Setup (Ophion)
Automatic story-related trophy.
38:18 - Biome 1 Boss (Phrike)
43:03 - Biome 2 Boss and Setup (Ixion)
48:52 - Biome 3 Boss and Setup (Nemesis)
58:40 - Biome 4 - Find Electropylon Driver to unlock it. This is the strongest weapon and my favorite alongside of Hollowseeker
59:13 - Biome 4 Boss and Setup (Hyperion)
1:03:29 - Biome 5 has only permanent upgrade for you!
1:04:44 - Biome 6 Boss and Setup (Ophion)
Automatic story-related trophy.
38:18 - Biome 1 Boss (Phrike)
43:03 - Biome 2 Boss and Setup (Ixion)
48:52 - Biome 3 Boss and Setup (Nemesis)
58:40 - Biome 4 - Find Electropylon Driver to unlock it. This is the strongest weapon and my favorite alongside of Hollowseeker
59:13 - Biome 4 Boss and Setup (Hyperion)
1:03:29 - Biome 5 has only permanent upgrade for you!
1:04:44 - Biome 6 Boss and Setup (Ophion)
You need to unlock Astronaut artifact first. To do this, finish first event in House (Biome 1). First, you need to find the key for the house to enter it. The key is somewhere in Biome 1, so make sure to explore it, go into all rooms and find the key first. When you find the House in Biome 1 after that, enter and finish the first event to unlock Astronaut artifact. You will also get it, so pick it up after the event and die. This will unlock the trophy.
If you've missed it, you can get the artifact randomly during Biome 1 runs (or Biome 4). The biggest chance is when you reach the room with a shop, sometimes this artifact can appear there for you to buy it.
Xenoglyphs are big stone tablets with some red glowing alien symbols on them. They are usually in rest rooms (where you buy items) and you need to have Xenogylph Ciphers to be able to decode them. They can be found all over the map, and they look just like the Xenoglyph tablet, so when you see glowing alien symbols on the wall, interract with them to get a Cipher. There are 10 in "Overgrown Ruins" region, but after finding only 4 you can interract with that Xenoglyphs in the first regions which will unlock the trophy and decypher the tablet (although it says 78%, but that is it). For this one, you only need to scan a tablet.
Good thing is that Xenogylph Ciphers gets preserved even when you die.
Xenoglyphs are big stone tablets with some red glowing alien symbols on them. They are usually in rest rooms (where you buy items) and you need to have Xenogylph Ciphers to be able to decode them. They can be found all over the map, and they look just like the Xenoglyph tablet, so when you see glowing alien symbols on the wall, interract with them to get a Cipher. There are 10 in "Overgrown Ruins" region, but after finding only 4 you can interract with that Xenoglyphs in the first regions which will unlock the trophy and decypher the tablet (although it says 78%, but that is it).
Good thing is that Xenogylph Ciphers gets preserved even when you die.
When you shoot with your weapon (any type of weapon), you can only shoot for some time, and then the weapon goes into Overload mode if you don't stop + wait before spending the whole charge. During this period (while in Overload), you need to press R2 button when the bar fills into the focused part of that same bar. That will refill the bullets. You need to do this 5 times in a row, you can just shoot into the wall and recharge like this until the trophy pops.
Max level for weapon proficiency is level 30. You can reach up to level 5 in Biome 1, 10 in Biome 2... If you skip Biome 1 and enter Biome 3 via shortcut, pick up the blue item at start to start from 10. This way you can skip Biomes and focus on the one you didn't finish.
You can only get to level 30 in Biome 6, and it helps if you finish Biome 5 (that one has no boss) first. This way you will have a lot of Obolites and you can buy all artifacts and items that raise proficiency. Alonside with that, kill ALL enemies and pick up blue items to raise the proficiency. It shouldn't be a big issue if you aim to reach max level.
Simulation Mode can be accessed from computer near exit inside of your ship. When you die sometimes you start from inside of your ship. If not, enter the ship and check the console next to the exit where you can try simulation mode. Simply finish a daily challenge and that will unlock the trophy.
Integrity is your Health. You can increase it by filling 3 bars next to your Integrity bar, and you do that by collecting green pickups ("+" icons on the map). Some green pickups heal your health, but if your health is full, it will fill the bar instead. Some items just fill the bar. When you collect 3, your health is expanded. You can also find a room with a green tomb; when you use it, it extends the bar. You can also find rooms with artifacts that increase proficiency by 25%. You can also find items or get a malfunction when opening purple chests that can decrease Integrity, so be careful. There are also some items that can use Atropian keys or Obolites to convert to Integrity.
You can raise Integrity to 300% max, but you only need to double your starting health bar. It can be done by doing runs through multiple Biomes while staying alive, our just buying/gathering stuff on your way. It shouldn't be a big problem.
Pick up 3 spoiled resins (They fill one slot towards Max Integrity upgrade or inflicts damage instead. They look like purple health items), 3 malignant resins (They fill one slot towards Max Integrity upgrade or inflicts a malfunction instead. They look like purple health items), and 3 malignant silphiums (They either heal Integrity or inflicts a malfunction instead. They look like purple health items).
You also need to open 3 Malignant Containers (big chests, but purple) and 1 Malignant Atropian Key (well, purple Atropian Key).
This can be done via multiple runs, making this quite easy to unlock.
Maximum level is level 5. Every 3 enemy you kill, your Adrenaline level raises. But, if you take damage, you lose the adrenaline meter. Dodge using jumb and dash buttons to help with the avoiding bullets and incoming attack.
Parasites/Leehches are small aliens you can find on floor randomly during your runs. They give 1 good and 1 bad status during your run. Just pick up 5 of them during 1 run to unlock the trophy (it's really not a big problem to do so).
You can't really miss this one as you will die. Often :)
You need to find them all anyway, so finding 10 will be unlocked on the way.
Check details under Sins of the Mother trophy. You need to enter the locked house and finish the first event inside (details are under the mentioned trophy).
There are 6 House Sequences in Returnal. As you travel the maps you will come across a house, but it's completely random whether it will show on during your run. You can only find the House during Biome 1 (area 1, Overgrown Ruins) and Biome 4 (area 4, Echoing Ruins).
First you need to find the key somewhere in the Biome you are in. The key can be found behind the blue gate doors on the map, so keep going behind them during you run until you find the key (I found it in a big stone chest).
Now teleport back to the house and enter it. You will get some flashbacks, which are story cutscenes. I will list all possible events you can trigger (with appropriate explanations).
Events:
- Biome 1, Act 1: After finding the key, unlock the doors of the House and explore the whole floor downstairs and upstairs. After interracting with the window upstairs, you will see an astronaut and end the first event. Your reward is a Astronaut Figurine, which will save you from death once (when that happens you will also unlock Second Chance trophy)
- Biome 1, Act 1: Every next visit can be done without having to find the key first. The doors are unlocked if you see the light coming out of house windows. If not, progress your run (killing bosses) and return afterwards. If you see the light, enter the house and this visit will end when you find a piece of paper on the upper floor
- Biome 1, Act 1: After killing the 2nd Boss (Biome 2), return and enter the house. You will have to inspect the TV to get the atronaut to show, then find him downstairs in the hallway
- Biome 4, Act 2: Can be done during first visit to Biome 4 or later. You will have to sit in the kitchen next to the astronaut and give some answers.
- Biome 4, Act 2: Can be done after you unlock Biome 6. Find the octopus plushy.
- Biome 4, Act 3: After finishing all prior House events, you will witness a scene with a plane crash. You can now start from Biome 1 and collect Star Fragments. Each Biome holds 1, always in the same room usually. When you find them all 6, return to the House to get Car Keys after finishing the last event.
With Car Key, defeat Ophion (last boss, Biome 6) and watch the secret ending (use Car Key on the car at the end).
Xeno-archive is the big room in a Biome. All Biomes have them, you can distinguish them by icon on the map, or by it's content. They have transparent holograms that you can interract with. You need to interract with with them all in a single Biome to unlock the trophy (so, you don't have to do it in all Biomes). Since you need some permanent story-related upgrades on your suit (grappling hook, underwater movement) to reach all holograms in early Biomes, Biome 4 will be the first Biome where you can unlock this trophy.
Activated holograms are preserved after you die, making this really easy to unlock (you can do that later, it doesn't matter when you do it).
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