What is the Secret Ending in Returnal?
The secret ending in Returnal reveals that the mother, gasping for air at the end, is Selene, and that she caused her car crash deliberately, as an act of both free will and fate. To unlock this secret ending, players must start over with a fresh run, collect all six Sunface Fragments, and complete the game again, ultimately discovering the truth about Selene’s past and her connection to the White Shadow.
Understanding the Secret Ending
The secret ending is a pivotal part of the game’s narrative, providing insight into Selene’s backstory and her motivations. To understand the secret ending, it’s essential to grasp the game’s core mechanics and story.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Many Endings are There in Returnal?
Returnal has three endings, two straightforward ones and a hidden ending that requires an objective to be met.
2. What is the True Story of Returnal?
The true story of Returnal is Selene’s process of grief, which unfortunately loops back endlessly until she is able to accept her fate.
3. Can You Get Stronger in Returnal?
The longer Returnal players spend on Atropos, the more Xenotech boosts Selene will use to enhance her suit, providing permanent upgrades.
4. What Happens After You Beat Returnal Once?
After beating Returnal once, players can unlock Act III by going back to the forest biome to discover the new house sequence, leading to more story content.
5. Is There a Point to Sleeping in Returnal?
Sleeping in Returnal serves as a means to recharge health, especially after suffering damage, and can be beneficial when used strategically.
6. How Do You Get the Full Ending in Returnal?
To get the full ending in Returnal, players must complete the game at least once, collect all six Sunface Fragments, return to the Echoing Ruins, and finish the house sequence with the car keys.
7. What is the Best Gun in Returnal?
The best guns in Returnal are the Carbine, Blaster, and Electropylon Driver, all of which are versatile and deadly in the right hands.
8. Who is Selene’s Mother in Returnal?
Theia is Selene’s mother, who is training to get into ASTRA (spaceship company) and become an astronaut.
9. Is Returnal All in Selene’s Head?
The simple explanation is that all of Returnal is taking place in Selene’s head, with the White Shadow signal being the light above the water’s surface that her car crashed into.
10. What Progress is Permanent in Returnal?
All items, including the Overgrown Ruins key, Antique Key, and Grapple Hook, are permanent in Returnal.
11. How Long is Returnal 100 Percent?
Returnal is about 19 hours in length when focusing on main objectives, but can take around 59 hours to achieve 100% completion.
12. What Do Secrets Look Like in Returnal?
Secrets in Returnal appear as glowing yellow orbs that, when stepped on, drop players into secret passages.
13. Which is the Hardest Boss in Returnal?
The hardest boss in Returnal varies, but Nemesis, Hyperion, Ophion, Ixion, and Phrike are all challenging in their unique ways.
14. What Happens if You Beat Returnal Without Dying?
Beating Returnal without dying requires complete mastery of the game, and players must complete the game multiple times to get the True Ending.
15. Is There a Secret Boss in Returnal?
Yes, Ophion is the final boss in Returnal, which can be faced after finding the Delphic Visor deep in the Abyssal Scar.