Returnal is a roguelike third person shooter that offers a uniquely challenging yet rewarding gameplay experience. As players traverse the hostile alien world of Atropos, they uncover mysterious xenotech artifacts that grant permanent abilities and open up new areas to explore.
These xenotech upgrades are key to unlocking Returnal‘s full potential, providing tools to overcome obstacles, defeat powerful enemies, and plunge deeper into the planet‘s secrets. This guide will cover all of the permanent xenotech upgrades available in Returnal and how to find them.
Overview of Permanent Xenotech Upgrades
There are 9 permanent xenotech upgrades scattered throughout Returnal‘s 6 biomes:
- Atropian Weapon Charger: Unlocks alt-fire for weapons
- Hermetic Transmitter: Allows use of xeno-teleporters
- Atropian Blade: Destroys Xenotech barriers
- Xenotech Prism: Increases max number of consumable items carried
- Icarian Grapnel: Grants a grappling hook ability
- Xenotech Prism 2: Further increases max consumables
- Promethean Insulators: Allows passage through lava
- Hadal Ballasts: Allows underwater traversal
- Delphic Visor: Reveals platforms when matching orbs are shot
These upgrades remain in Selene‘s inventory even after death, making each new run easier. Let‘s examine where to find each one.
Atropian Weapon Charger
Biome: Overgrown Ruins
The first permanent xenotech upgrade is found very early in Returnal‘s first biome. Progress through the initial rooms until arriving at a derelict structure guarded by two shielded enemies. Defeat them to reveal the Atropian Weapon Charger resting on the ground.
This upgrade unlocks the alt-fire ability for all weapons. Alt-fire discharges an explosive shot great for bursting down tougher foes. The Charger also grants the power to destroy certain obstacles that block progression.
Tips
- The area is marked by a blue triangle symbol on the map
- Utilize alt-fire on tough enemies like drones and severed
- Use it to burst down shielded opponents quickly
Hermetic Transmitter
Biome: Overgrown Ruins
Shortly after acquiring the Atropian Weapon Charger, players will stumble upon the second xenotech upgrade. Continue following the objective marker through the woods until happening upon an alien corpse. Interact with the device on its back to obtain the Hermetic Transmitter.
This artifact allows Selene to utilize xeno-teleporters found scattered across Atropos. These devices instantly transport to other teleporters, allowing for rapid traversal between previously explored areas. This cuts down on unnecessary backtracking.
Tips
- The corpse is located in an abandoned, darkened room
- Teleporters are marked by swirling blue and white particles
- Utilize them to quickly return to Helios crash site
Atropian Blade
Biome: Overgrown Ruins
The final Overgrown Ruins upgrade is discovered shortly after acquiring the Hermetic Transmitter. Progress until a large, red Xenotech barrier blocks the path forward. Passing this barrier requires finding the Atropian Blade.
This devastating melee weapon carves through foes in a single swipe. It also destroys specific obstacles, allowing access to new areas. These include vegetation, resin formations, and Xenotech barriers.
Tips
- The Atropian Blade rests behind a yellow security door
- Press square to dash forward and slice enemies
- Swing away at red Xenotech barriers to disintegrate them
Xenotech Prism
Biome: Crimson Wastes
Venturing into the crimson sands of the second biome brings the next xenotech upgrade. Shortly after the start, locate a large stone archway leading into a structure. On the left side rests the Xenotech Prism.
As the name suggests, this prism increases the maximum number of consumable items Selene can carry. Having additional healing items and obolite reserves on hand gives a better chance of survival.
Tips
- It is out in the open next to the stone archway
- Collect and carry more health items like Silphium
- Greatly reduces risk of being caught without heals
Icarian Grapnel
Biome: Crimson Wastes
This xenotech gem is acquired after defeating the Crimson Wastes boss, Ixion. Look for it sitting atop a corpse in the middle of the arena upon the centaur robot‘s demise.
The Icarian Grapnel serves as a handy grappling hook for accessing hard to reach places. Use it to ascend to platforms marked by large rings of light and uncover hidden secrets. It also allows for rapid vertical movement and can save Selene from fatal falls.
Tips
- Appears after beating Crimson Wastes boss Ixion
- Grappling saves Selene from long lethal drops
- Utilize it to reach special grapple points
Xenotech Prism 2
Biome: Echoing Ruins
A fitting upgrade for Returnal‘s fourth biome. Like the original Xenotech Prism, this artifact further raises the maximum number of consumables Selene can hold. It is located across a large chamber filled with an inky black substance. Players will discover it waiting on the far side.
Having additional healing items and obolites helps mitigate the rising challenge of late-game enemies. Use the Xenotech Prism 2 to ensure Selene has enough tools to survive the depths of Atropos.
Tips
- Found across the room from the black orb landmark
- Increase consumable cap to better sustain health
- Essential for having enough obolites on hand
Promethean Insulators
Biome: Fractured Wastes
Proceeding deeper into Atropos brings Selene crashing down into a lava soaked underworld. Maneuvering this treacherous landscape requires the Promethean Insulators, obtained by advancing to the Hadal Vaults.
A doorway marked by a blue triangle leads into a room flowing with molten rock. Grapple across platforms using the Icarian Grapnel until discovering the upgrade resting on the far side.
The Insulators grant immunity to lava damage, allowing safe passage across the Fractured Wastes. This ability is essential for navigation and survival.
Tips
- Located behind locked door in Hadal Vaults area
- Traverse lava filled room with grappling hook
- Critical for avoiding lava damage in biome 5
Hadal Ballasts
Biome: Fractured Wastes
This next crucial xenotech upgrade is uncovered shortly after obtaining the Promethean Insulators. Press deeper into biome 5, utilizing keys gathered along the way to unlock Hadal Vaults. Rather than a boss, Selene discovers the Hadal Ballasts waiting inside.
As the name implies, this artifact allows for underwater movement and traversal. Entering liquid no longer poses the risk of drowning, enabling access to submerged areas. The Ballasts are vital for progressing through Atropos‘ flooded depths.
Tips
- Found after unlocking Hadal Vaults
- Prevents drowning while underwater
- Essential for exploring flooded regions
Delphic Visor
Biome: Abyssal Scar
The final biome houses Returnal‘s last xenotech upgrade, the Delphic Visor. Journey through the Abyssal Scar until happening upon a large gap separating halves of the region. Look nearby for an alien corpse with this artifact equipped.
The Delphic Visor unveils platforms otherwise invisible to the naked eye. Use it to locate blue colored orbs while submerged and shoot them to make solid surfaces appear. This grants access to areas critical for the endgame.
Tips
- Found near the large gap bisecting biome 6
- Reveals blue colored orbs to shoot
- Makes platforms visible to cross the gap
Conclusion
Returnal‘s permanent xenotech upgrades enable exciting new traversal tools and abilities that remain between loops. Seek out these artifacts scattered across Atropos for an easier, more empowered experience during the battle for survival and discovery. Equip Selene with advanced technology using this guide to unlock Returnal’s full potential.
