How Hard is it to Beat Returnal?
Returnal, the newly released psychological horror game from Housemarque, has sparked a lot of discussion among gamers about its difficulty level. While some players may have easily navigated through the game without much struggle, others have faced numerous challenges, and some might have even considered quitting due to frustration. So, how hard is it to beat Returnal?
Is Returnal one of the hardest games ever?
Firstly, let’s acknowledge that Returnal is a tough game. The game is notoriously difficult, with some players admitting to having lost hundreds of cycles (i.e., attempts to complete the game). The game’s rogue-like mechanics, where your progress is randomly reset at the start of each run, adds to the frustration. Combine this with challenging enemies, traps, and puzzle-solving, and you have a recipe for a hard game.
The answer lies in its structure
Despite its reputation for being one of the hardest games, Returnal can be beaten with perseverance and practice. However, your chances of beating the game depend on your runs. If you’re experiencing a rough start, don’t worry; the game has measures in place to make it more manageable.
What percentage of people beat Returnal?
According to data provided by PlayStation, only 21% of players have managed to beat the game on their first attempt. This number goes up significantly for those who’ve played through multiple cycles and have refined their skills. Additionally, the game offers a soft-patch difficulty adjustment feature that reduces the challenge as you play. This is especially helpful for newer players who need to adjust to the game’s mechanics.
Can you stop playing Returnal once you’re in the middle of a cycle?
Yes, Returnal allows you to suspend your current cycle and save your progress, giving you a chance to stop and come back to the game later without losing any progress. This feature provides a welcome break for tired players or those who need to take a short pause due to the high level of challenge.
How many bosses do you have to beat in Returnal?
Returnal has five bosses that players must defeat in each biome, and these fights are some of the most challenging and intense parts of the game. To progress, players must outmaneuver these bosses with precision and timing, all while managing to solve puzzles and collect vital resources. Success in these boss battles is dependent on strategic thinking and quick reflexes.
Breaking down the challenges into manageable bits
Here are some tips to help you break down the game’s challenges and increase your chances of success:
- Familiarize yourself with the game’s mechanics by starting with simpler biomes and boss battles.
- Develop a strategy for each biome by exploring and observing enemy movements and patterns.
- Don’t be afraid to take risks, but also know when to retreat and regroup.
- Use your environment to your advantage, exploiting traps and leveraging the game’s physics.
- Communicate with others who have beat the game and share strategies to gain insights into overcoming tough obstacles.
In conclusion
While Returnal is a challenging game that pushes players to their limits, it’s still possible to beat the game with dedication, strategy, and patience. The game offers various measures to help players progress, from soft-patch difficulty adjustment to suspended cycles, giving you multiple opportunities to get it right. Take your time, adapt, and persevere – you can conquer this game.