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Is Phrike the First Boss in Returnal? A Deep Dive for Roguelike Enthusiasts

Yes, unequivocally, Phrike is the first boss you’ll encounter in Returnal. This towering, creepy creature resides at the end of the Overgrown Ruins biome and serves as a significant skill check for players navigating the game’s challenging roguelike mechanics. Defeating Phrike is a critical step towards unlocking the secrets of Atropos and progressing deeper into Selene’s nightmarish cycle. Now, let’s explore all there is to know about Phrike and the world of Returnal!

Understanding Phrike: Your First Major Obstacle

Phrike is more than just a boss; it’s a rite of passage. The fight against Phrike tests your understanding of Returnal‘s combat system, requiring you to master dodging, dashing, and weapon proficiency. The boss arena is a large, fog-filled space that limits visibility, adding to the tension and demanding precise movements.

Phrike’s attack patterns are relatively predictable, but that doesn’t make the encounter easy. You’ll need to learn to recognize tells for each attack and react accordingly. Staying mobile and utilizing the environment to your advantage is key to survival.

Preparing for the Battle

Before facing Phrike, it’s crucial to optimize your build. Here are a few tips:

Weapon Proficiency: Focus on increasing your weapon proficiency to unlock more powerful weapons. Even the starting pistol can be effective with a high enough proficiency level.
Suit Integrity: Prioritize increasing your maximum health by collecting Resin. More health means more room for error.
Artifacts and Parasites: Look for artifacts and parasites that offer beneficial effects, such as increased damage output or protection against certain enemy types. Be mindful of parasite drawbacks, though!
Alt-Fire Mode: Make sure to unlock and get familiar with your weapon’s Alt-Fire mode. Some Alt-Fire modes, like the Shockstream or the Trackerswarm, can be incredibly effective against Phrike.

The Reward for Victory

Defeating Phrike yields a significant reward: the Crimson Key. This key unlocks the portal gate leading to the Crimson Waste, the second biome in Returnal. This is a major step forward in Selene’s journey. Also, by doing this, you receive the trophy called A Shadow in the Fog.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Phrike and Returnal

Let’s dive into some common questions surrounding Phrike and other aspects of Returnal:

1. What happens after you beat Phrike in Returnal?

After defeating Phrike, you obtain the Crimson Key, which allows you to access the portal to the Crimson Waste, the game’s second biome. This unlocks new environments, enemies, and challenges.

2. Do I have to keep beating Phrike every cycle?

No. Once you defeat Phrike, you never have to fight the boss again in subsequent cycles, even if you die in the Crimson Waste or later biomes. Progress against main bosses is permanent.

3. What is the hardest boss fight in Returnal?

Opinions vary, but the game’s community generally ranks the bosses in this order of difficulty (from most difficult to least): Ixion, Phrike, Hyperion, Nemesis, and Ophion. Ixion’s erratic movements and varied attack patterns often make it a tougher encounter than Phrike.

4. What do you get for defeating Phrike?

Defeating Phrike rewards you with the Crimson Key for accessing the Crimson Waste, as well as a sense of accomplishment for overcoming a significant challenge. You also earn the “A Shadow in the Fog” trophy.

5. Can you beat Phrike with the pistol?

Absolutely! While having a more powerful weapon certainly helps, it is entirely possible to defeat Phrike with the starting pistol. Focus on upgrading your weapon proficiency and utilizing Alt-Fire modes.

6. What progress is permanent in Returnal?

Several things carry over between cycles in Returnal:

Story progression: Once you defeat a boss, you don’t have to fight them again.
Ether: Used to cleanse malignant items and power the reconstructor.
Permanent Equipment: Items such as the Atropian Blade (Melee weapon) and the Icarian Grapnel (grappling hook) which are found in the first few biomes.
Some Traits: Some weapon traits unlock permanently and can appear on subsequent runs.

7. Who is the final boss in Returnal?

Ophion is the final boss in Returnal. You’ll find this tentacled beast deep within the Abyssal Scar.

8. What is the hardest biome in Returnal?

Many players consider the Derelict Citadel to be the hardest biome in Returnal, due to its challenging enemy combinations and intricate level design.

9. What is the secret boss in Returnal?

There isn’t a traditional “secret boss” in Returnal. Ophion, while being the final boss, is only accessible after collecting specific items and progressing through the story.

10. What is the first gun in Returnal?

The Sidearm SD-M8 is the starting weapon and therefore the first gun you use in Returnal. Despite being the starting weapon, it can be quite effective when upgraded with the right traits.

11. Is Returnal all in Selene’s head?

This is a popular theory and a valid interpretation of Returnal‘s ambiguous narrative. The game’s events could represent Selene’s psychological struggle with trauma and guilt.

12. What is the real ending of Returnal?

Returnal has two endings. The “true” ending requires you to collect all the Sunface Fragments and revisit the final act, revealing more about Selene’s past and the source of the cycle.

13. What is the 2nd boss in Returnal called?

The second boss you’ll encounter in Returnal is Ixion, a winged creature found at the end of the Crimson Waste biome.

14. How many times can you sleep in Returnal?

After a patch, Selene can now only sleep one time per cycle in the Helios Crash site. Sleeping in the Helios bed will give the player a health boost at the start of each cycle.

15. What percentage of people finished Returnal?

Only around 21% of players have beaten the final boss and unlocked the game’s true ending, highlighting the game’s difficulty.

Mastering Returnal Beyond Phrike

Defeating Phrike is a significant achievement, but it’s just the beginning of your journey in Returnal. Here are some more tips to help you succeed:

Learn Enemy Patterns: Each enemy has unique attack patterns. Memorizing these patterns will allow you to dodge and counter more effectively.
Utilize the Environment: Take advantage of cover, ledges, and other environmental features to gain an edge in combat.
Manage Your Adrenaline: High adrenaline levels provide significant buffs. Avoid taking damage to maintain your adrenaline level.
Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: Try different weapon and artifact combinations to find what works best for your playstyle.
Embrace the Cycle: Death is a core mechanic of Returnal. Don’t get discouraged by setbacks. Learn from your mistakes and adapt your strategy.

The Enduring Appeal of Returnal

Returnal is a game that demands patience, skill, and a willingness to learn. Its challenging gameplay, intriguing narrative, and stunning visuals create a unique and unforgettable experience. While Phrike is the first major hurdle, overcoming it is a testament to your growing mastery of the game’s mechanics. By embracing the roguelike cycle and continuously improving your skills, you’ll eventually unravel the mysteries of Atropos and discover the truth behind Selene’s endless loop.

The challenging but rewarding experience of Returnal can teach us a lot about persistence and adaptation, principles that extend beyond the gaming world. Explore more about the intersection of learning and gaming at the Games Learning Society website. Learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Is Phrike the first boss?