Can You Miss Side Quests in Dead Space Remake? A Complete Guide
Yes, you absolutely can miss side quests in the Dead Space Remake. While the game provides some flexibility, there are crucial points of no return that, if passed, will lock you out of completing certain side missions. This makes it important to be aware of the conditions and timeframes for these optional objectives to ensure you don’t miss out on valuable rewards, lore, and the secret ending. Let’s delve into the details to help you navigate the USG Ishimura effectively.
Understanding Side Quest Availability
The Dead Space Remake features a few notable side quests that enhance the overall experience and provide additional depth to the story. These are not merely fetch quests; they often have their own narratives, rewards, and challenging encounters. Unlike the main story, which is linear through the 12 chapters, side quests are dependent on player actions and exploration. Here are the key things to keep in mind:
Chapter Limitations
Most side quests in Dead Space Remake can be completed at any point up until the end of Chapter 11. The game provides a warning before you reach the point of no return at the beginning of Chapter 12. This warning screen gives you a chance to go back and finish any pending side missions. Once you confirm your progress into Chapter 12, however, these side missions become permanently unavailable for that playthrough. This means that if you neglect the side quests and go directly to finish the game, you will not have another opportunity to complete them unless you start a new game.
Missable Components
Some side quests in Dead Space Remake involve the collection of specific items, most notably the 12 Marker Fragments for the secret ending. These fragments are spread across the various levels of the Ishimura, and missing them during your playthrough may mean that you will not be able to access the alternate ending. For the secret ending specifically, you must have collected all of the fragments before progressing past Chapter 11.
New Game Plus
If you missed side quests during your first playthrough, all hope is not lost. You can complete them in New Game Plus. This allows you to replay the entire game with all your upgrades, and thus be ready for the difficult encounters. During a New Game+ playthrough, you have another chance to complete any missed quests as well as to collect all marker fragments.
Important Side Quests to Prioritize
While not every side mission is crucial to completing the main story, there are a few that offer significant benefits:
- Scientific Methods: This side quest involves searching for logs and items that provide more insight into the story and reward you with an upgrade. This quest will give you a valuable upgrade for one of the better weapons in the game, which will significantly improve your odds in combat.
- Marker Fragment Collection: This is crucial for unlocking the secret ending. Make sure you collect all 12 Marker Fragments before the end of Chapter 11. Once you have them, you’ll need to return to Captain Mathius’ Office in the Executive Quarters and place them on the ritual table.
Maximizing Your Playthrough
To avoid missing out on side content, it’s essential to be thorough in your exploration and to keep an eye on your quest log. Be sure to switch the tracker over to the side mission and to follow the orange line. Here are some tips:
- Explore Thoroughly: Check every nook and cranny of the Ishimura, as side quest items and triggers are often hidden in unexpected places.
- Check Your Tracker: Regularly check the side mission tracker and ensure that you don’t have anything outstanding or almost completed before focusing on the next chapter of the main story.
- Be Prepared: Gather as much ammo, med packs and power nodes as possible, as you never know what challenges lie ahead in those side quests.
- Save Often: Use the game’s save slots liberally to prevent losing progress if you make a mistake or happen to die.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can side quests be done after beating Dead Space?
No, side quests cannot be completed after beating the game during the first playthrough. They are available until the end of Chapter 11. You can complete them during a New Game+ playthrough.
2. What happens if I proceed to chapter 12 without completing side quests?
The game will warn you that you are about to reach a point of no return. If you confirm that you want to proceed into Chapter 12, the available side quests will become unavailable and will no longer be accessible in that playthrough.
3. Is the secret ending tied to a side quest?
Yes, the secret ending is tied to the collection of 12 Marker Fragments which can be regarded as a side quest. You have to collect them and place them on a table in Captain Mathius’s Office before completing chapter 11.
4. Where is Dr. Mercer’s quarters in Dead Space Remake?
You will be directed to his quarters during the story mission that requires you to destroy the tentacle in the Deluxe Quarters. Switch your tracker to the side mission, and it will lead you there.
5. Are there missable weapons in the game?
Yes, there are certain weapons that can be easily missed if you do not know their locations. Explore thoroughly and consult guides if needed.
6. What is the best weapon in the game?
The Plasma Cutter is often considered the most reliable and powerful weapon in the game. Prioritize upgrading it for best results.
7. How many times can I save in Dead Space Remake?
You have a limited number of save slots – approximately 50. When they are full, you will need to overwrite an existing save.
8. How long does it take to complete the game?
The main story of Dead Space Remake takes about 12 hours to complete. However, exploring and completing side quests will increase your playtime significantly.
9. What is the reward for beating Impossible Mode?
Beating the game on Impossible Mode unlocks the Burnished Suit and the Hand Cannon weapon for use in subsequent playthroughs.
10. How many people were on board the Ishimura?
The USG Ishimura had a crew of over a thousand.
11. What reward do you get from the Scientific Methods side quest?
The Scientific Methods side quest rewards you with a valuable upgrade for one of the game’s weapons, which is very helpful in combat.
12. How do you unlock the level 6 suit?
The Level 6 Suit can be purchased from the store in New Game Plus, at the beginning of Chapter 1.
13. Is it possible to fully upgrade everything in one playthrough?
No, there are not enough Power Nodes to fully upgrade everything on your first playthrough. You will need multiple runs and strategic prioritization.
14. Who is the final boss in Dead Space Remake?
The final boss is the Hive Mind. You will face him in Chapter 12.
15. Does the Hand Cannon have infinite ammo?
Yes, the Hand Cannon has infinite ammo, making it an extremely potent weapon.
Conclusion
Side quests in Dead Space Remake provide a richer experience, offering valuable rewards and additional story details. While these quests can be missed, being mindful of the game’s progression and completing them before the point of no return will ensure that you get the most out of the USG Ishimura’s terrifying exploration and that you are also able to unlock the secret ending. Now you’re fully equipped to venture into the depths of space with all the knowledge you need for a complete and rewarding journey.