Returnal is the new Sony IP that released late April on PlayStation 5. Housemarque’s title is a third person fps with a mix between Control and The Binding of Isaac. The dark settings, rarefied atmospheres, haunting monsters, and alien creatures encountered during the exploration is a blend with great gameplay and strong roguelike connotations. Like all exponents of this genre, once you die, you have to start over. For this, I have written this article to help you. Here is my Returnal how to save guide!
FAST PACED AND DIFFICULT TO SAVE
While the launch of this new generation of consoles was not sensational, we had in fact only a few proper exclusives in weight considering games like Demon’s Souls and Astro’s PlayRoom. However, Sony is still planning a future full of exclusives for the PlayStation 5. The latest statements of the company testify to this, which intends to invest a lot of resources for proprietary securities for the medium and long term.
In addition to the current marketing campaign for the next Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart that releases next week, the release of Returnal fits into this context. This was an eagerly awaited title developed by the Finnish development house of Housemarque games. Take note that the game is quite tough because of its fast pacing and for its lack of a straightforward way to actually save your gameplay.
STRONG ROGUELIKE CONNOTATIONS
Returnal is not the usual TPS. The game tells of Selene, a space pilot who, because of an accident, crashed on an unknown planet. Here, the protagonist tries to determine the traces of an unknown radio signal and, for this reason, goes into the dark depths of the planet. The marked playful component, however, immediately takes precedence over the narrative. The events that Selene will encounter will mostly be an excuse to shoot and beat all the enemies that stand in front of you.
Nothing strange, so far. The peculiarity you need to know is that the title structure has strong roguelike connotations. Which means, every time you die, the game will transport you to the crash site of your spaceship at the start of the game. Take note that there are no save zones or bonfires that will allow you to save your game. For that, here are some tips on how to save in Housemarque’s Returnal.
CATCH A BREATH
Let’s assume that, obviously, turning off the console completely, will lead to the relative deletion of the file and, consequently, the game will return you to your spaceship called Helios. The only way the game has to save progress is through its auto save feature. If you get an upgrade or an item such as the light saber, you will get it for the rest of the game. One thing that doesn’t need to be done is replay boss fights. In fact, once you have defeated the bosses you can decide not to face them in the following runs.
You must understand Returnal’s self-saving feature. The game does not save all stats, buffs, and items. For example, if you get a shotgun or an assault rifle, in case you die, you will lose it and have to find it again. The best thing I can recommend is to catch your breath and to put your console in sleep mode. This way the game will simply pause and when you take the controller back in your hand, you won’t have to start all over again.
SKILLS AND PATIENCE
The best way to advance in the game is the most classic one possible. Keeping in mind that the game has a rather technical gameplay style, you will first have to improve your skills and, secondly, arm yourself with patience. This is especially true considering how the game structure is not prone to error. While the title offers little environmental variety on the one hand, it compensates for this “lack” with the random arrangement of the rooms at each death. And that’s that! You just learned how to save in Returnal.
Was my Returnal how to save guide useful, or is something missing? Please let me know by leaving your thoughts in the comments, or make sure to read my Returnal review. Need help with the special secret ending? Here is my complete guide. Need help with the boss fights? Read here. Want to achieve platinum status in Returnal? Check out my trophies guide!