Is Ophion the Final Boss in Returnal? Unraveling the Mystery
Yes, Ophion is indeed the final boss that stands between you and the initial conclusion of the main story in Returnal. This formidable foe marks the end of Act 2, presenting a significant challenge to even seasoned players. However, the narrative of Returnal goes beyond simply defeating Ophion, leading to further exploration and a deeper understanding of Selene’s predicament.
The Ophion Encounter: More Than Just a Boss Fight
The battle against Ophion is a culmination of all the challenges and combat mechanics learned throughout the game. This titanic, tentacled creature requires a careful and strategic approach. To damage Ophion effectively, you must focus your fire on the little red “eyes” that periodically appear on its body, as well as the floating blue balls that materialize around the arena. This multi-faceted attack approach tests your ability to manage various threats simultaneously while maintaining consistent damage output.
Defeating Ophion is no small feat, and for many players, it marks a hard-earned victory. However, it is crucial to recognize that this is not the end of Returnal’s story.
What Happens After Beating Ophion?
After triumphing over Ophion, the game’s narrative takes an unexpected turn. Selene finds herself descending into a crater filled with water. At the bottom of this abyss, she discovers a car that seems to have been submerged for a long time, alongside a globe-like object that metamorphoses into a sea creature. This surreal scene sets the stage for Act 3 and the revelation of the secret ending, indicating that the journey is far from over despite defeating what many would consider the “final boss”.
The True Ending and Act 3
Returnal’s narrative is far more complex than a simple boss fight, and this is exemplified by the structure of Act 3. After seeing the first “ending” sequence, the player is presented with the option to continue playing to achieve the true ending. This involves collecting six Sunface Fragments, then completing a final house sequence to obtain a car key. The game then prompts the player to beat the final boss again, where they will get a different ending.
The second ending offers a far deeper and more disturbing look into Selene’s psyche. The game is then revealed to be taking place in her mind. She returns to the car where she is teleported to a void and finds a skeletal alien in a wheelchair.
This structure clarifies that Ophion is the final boss of the main story in Act 2, but it is not the end of Selene’s harrowing journey.
Returnal: More Than Just Boss Battles
While defeating Ophion is a pivotal moment, Returnal is a game about more than just boss fights. Its narrative explores complex themes of trauma, loss, and the cyclical nature of fate. The game’s challenging roguelike gameplay loop and its mysterious story all work together to create an immersive and thought-provoking experience.
While Ophion may be the most significant barrier to the initial completion, the game deliberately lures players into thinking they are nearing the end, only to subvert expectations. This creates an even richer and more complex narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ophion and Returnal
Here are 15 frequently asked questions that address aspects about Ophion, its role in Returnal, and the overall gameplay experience:
1. Is Nemesis harder than Ophion?
Many players find Nemesis to be the most difficult boss in Returnal. Unlike other bosses, Nemesis doesn’t fight alone, and its third phase is particularly challenging. While Ophion is the final boss of the main story, the difficulty level is subjective, and many struggle more with Nemesis.
2. Who is Ophion in Returnal lore?
Ophion is a titan in Returnal’s lore, whose fate was to be thrown to the sea. Like other bosses in the game, Ophion’s story mirrors aspects of Selene’s fate, emotions, and the punishment she seems to be enacting on herself.
3. Is Returnal all in Selene’s head?
The prevailing theory is that all of Returnal takes place within Selene’s mind. The White Shadow signal she chases is believed to be the light above the water’s surface that she crashed into.
4. What is the secret ending of Returnal?
The secret ending is obtained after collecting all six sunface fragments and beating the game a second time after obtaining the car key. It reveals a deeper, more complex narrative about Selene’s trauma and her inner struggles. The game reveals that Selene was the one driving, as opposed to her mother who is paralysed. The secret ending reveals the car accident and more context about the story.
5. Where do I find Ophion?
Ophion is located in the Abyssal Scar biome. You must first find the Delphic Visor to unlock the path leading to its chamber.
6. How many people have beaten Returnal?
According to trophy data, roughly only 10 percent of players have beaten Returnal, highlighting the game’s challenging nature.
7. Is Returnal the hardest game ever?
Returnal is considered a challenging game, but not necessarily the “hardest.” Its difficulty comes from its roguelike elements, requiring players to learn enemy patterns and prioritize tactical movement. While the game can be frustrating, it is not considered to be unfair.
8. Does Returnal get easier the more you play?
Yes, your runs in Returnal generally improve the more you play. As with most roguelites, perseverance is key. Understanding enemy patterns and item synergies leads to longer and more successful runs.
9. How do you damage Ophion?
You can damage Ophion by focusing your fire on the red “eyes” that pop up on its body and the floating blue balls that appear in the arena.
10. Can you complete Returnal without dying?
While it is possible, it is incredibly difficult to beat Returnal without dying. The game is designed to challenge and punish mistakes, encouraging learning and adaptation.
11. What are the best guns in Returnal?
Some of the best weapons in Returnal include the Carbine, Blaster, and Electropylon Driver. These weapons are deadly and versatile, though the “best weapon” often depends on the player’s style.
12. Is Selene the daughter or the mother in Returnal?
Selene appears to be both. She is trying to save Helios (Her son) but is in a car crash where she leaves him behind. During her own car crash she says “I made it but Helios did not” and appears distraught. She is also believed to be her own mother in a previous car crash, where she states her mother “deserved it” for causing the accident that had left her paralysed.
13. What do secrets look like in Returnal?
Secret passages are indicated by glowing yellow orbs near graves, statues, or inside enclosures. Interacting with them will lead you to hidden areas.
14. Is there a good ending to Returnal?
The ending is ambiguous and depends on interpretation, the game’s true ending delves deeper into Selene’s psychology and trauma, making it more of a complex ending rather than a “good” or “bad” one.
15. Why is Selene stuck in the time loop?
The time loop is believed to be part of Selene’s psychological journey. The initial crash of her ship, Helios, triggers the loop, and it continues every time she dies. It could also be interpreted as a form of purgatory or a manifestation of her inner turmoil.
In conclusion, while Ophion serves as the final boss of the main narrative in Act 2 of Returnal, the game’s true story goes well beyond this encounter. Players should explore Act 3 to experience the game’s secret ending, which offers a more profound and disturbing look at Selene’s personal demons and the source of the strange time loop.