What Happens After You Beat Returnal Once? A Deep Dive into the Post-Game
So, you’ve conquered the relentless loops of Atropos, faced the horrors within, and finally seen the credits roll on Returnal. Congratulations, Scout! But the journey isn’t over. Beating Returnal for the first time is only the beginning of unlocking the game’s true depths and uncovering its haunting secrets. After the initial credits, you’re pulled back into the cyclical nightmare, but this time, with a new objective: unlocking Act III and discovering the secret ending.
This involves revisiting the biomes, searching for Sunface Fragments, replaying house sequences, and ultimately confronting the past that haunts Selene. The game evolves from a challenging roguelike shooter into a compelling narrative puzzle, rewarding your persistence with a deeper understanding of the story.
The Hunt for Sunface Fragments
The primary task after beating the first ending is to collect six Sunface Fragments. These fragments are scattered throughout the biomes, and they don’t appear until after you’ve seen the first ending. Here’s what you need to know about the hunt:
- Random Spawns: The fragments appear in fixed locations within each biome, but they aren’t guaranteed to spawn on every run. You’ll need to explore thoroughly, revisiting areas you’ve already cleared.
- One Fragment Per Biome: There is one fragment in each of the six biomes.
- Persistence is Key: Don’t get discouraged if you don’t find a fragment immediately. Keep cycling through the biomes, and eventually, they will appear.
- Utilize Your Tools: Use all of Selene’s abilities, like the Icarian Grapnel and translocation devices, to access hidden areas and reach fragments that might be out of sight.
Replaying the House Sequences
Once you’ve obtained the Sunface Fragments, the next step is to revisit the house sequences. These sequences offer glimpses into Selene’s past and provide crucial context for the story. The house will become available after the first ending. You can find the house in the Overgrown Ruins. Playing through the house sequences again is necessary to move the story forward.
The Car Keys
Completing the final house sequence after collecting the Sunface Fragments rewards you with the car keys. These keys are essential for unlocking the secret ending.
The Second Ascent
With the car keys in hand, you need to confront the final boss again, Ophion, located in the Abyssal Scar. Defeat it to unlock the game’s ultimate secret.
The Secret Ending
After defeating Ophion with the car keys, return to the crash site and interact with the car. This triggers the game’s secret ending, providing a deeper, more ambiguous, and ultimately more impactful conclusion to Selene’s journey. The ending is open to interpretation, encouraging discussion and speculation about the true nature of Atropos and Selene’s connection to it.
More Than Just an Ending
The post-game content in Returnal is more than just a tacked-on addition. It’s a carefully crafted extension of the narrative that rewards players who are willing to delve deeper into the game’s mysteries. It encourages exploration, reinforces the game’s themes of memory and trauma, and ultimately elevates Returnal from a challenging roguelike to a thought-provoking experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I have to beat all the bosses again to get the secret ending?
No, after you beat a boss for the first time, you do not have to fight it again on subsequent runs through the game. This applies to the hunt for the Sunface Fragments and the final confrontation with Ophion to trigger the secret ending.
2. How do I unlock the house sequences?
The house sequences unlock as you progress through the game. The final house sequence only becomes available after beating the game’s initial ending and collecting all six Sunface Fragments.
3. Are the Sunface Fragments easy to find?
While the Sunface Fragments have fixed locations within each biome, they aren’t guaranteed to spawn on every run. You’ll need to thoroughly explore each biome multiple times to find them all.
4. What happens if I die while collecting Sunface Fragments?
Dying resets your current run, meaning you’ll have to start collecting the fragments again from the beginning of that cycle. Fortunately, any permanent upgrades you’ve unlocked will remain.
5. Is there anything else to do after getting the secret ending?
After the secret ending, the game essentially returns to its normal state. You can continue playing to improve your scores, unlock weapon traits, or simply enjoy the gameplay. Some players find satisfaction in perfecting their runs and mastering the game’s mechanics.
6. What is the significance of the car keys?
The car keys are a symbolic object that represents Selene’s confrontation with her past. They unlock the final house sequence and allow her to access the car at the crash site, triggering the secret ending.
7. How long does it take to get the secret ending?
The time it takes to get the secret ending varies depending on your skill and luck. It could take anywhere from a few hours to several hours, depending on how quickly you can find the Sunface Fragments and defeat Ophion again.
8. Is there a point to sleeping in Returnal?
At the start of the game, sleeping doesn’t seem to serve a purpose. However, if you fast travel back to Helios after you’ve suffered some damage, you’ll see there’s a benefit to resting. Upon waking from your dream, you can exit the ship again to potentially trigger story events.
9. What is the best gun in Returnal?
There is no definitive “best” gun in Returnal, as weapon effectiveness depends on your playstyle and the traits you unlock. However, the Carbine, Blaster, and Electropylon Driver are generally considered to be powerful and versatile options.
10. What are the permanent upgrades in Returnal?
Permanent upgrades include the Overgrown Ruins (Crimson Key), which allows access to the second biome, the Icarian Grapnel, which allows you to use grappling points, and the ability to survive underwater. These upgrades persist between cycles, making subsequent runs easier.
11. How difficult is Returnal?
Returnal is known for its difficulty, owing to its roguelike structure, challenging combat, and limited opportunities for healing. However, the game also offers a fair and rewarding experience, with permanent upgrades and increasing player skill making progress more manageable over time.
12. Is Returnal all in Selene’s head?
The simple explanation is that all of Returnal is taking place in Selene’s head. The White Shadow signal she’s been chasing? That was simply the light above the water’s surface which her car crashed into.
13. How many house scenes are in Returnal?
There are six distinct haunted house encounters in Returnal.
14. What is the best boss fight in Returnal?
The best boss fight is subjective, but many players enjoy Nemesis due to its dynamic arena and challenging attack patterns. Other popular choices include Hyperion and Ophion.
15. What can I learn from Returnal?
Returnal, like many games, can be a powerful tool for learning and exploration. The Games Learning Society explores these connections, highlighting how games can be used to understand complex systems, develop problem-solving skills, and even enhance emotional intelligence. To learn more visit GamesLearningSociety.org.
Ultimately, the post-game content in Returnal is a testament to the game’s depth and its ability to captivate players long after the credits have rolled. It’s an invitation to explore the mysteries of Atropos, confront Selene’s past, and unravel the haunting truth behind the cycle. So, grab your weapon, Scout, and prepare for another descent. The secrets of Returnal await.