Biome 6

Navigate Returnal's final biome, the Abyssal Scar. Learn about the Delphic Visor upgrade, new enemies like the Anomos and Abyssal Archonact, and strategies for the Ophion boss fight.

Welcome to Biome 6, the Abyssal Scar, the final level in Returnal. This biome introduces a unique traversal mechanic: all your jumps are significantly floatier and slower, making movement easier but also altering how you approach combat and exploration. Unlike previous biomes, there are no teleporters, so plan your routes carefully as you cannot warp back to previously visited areas.

Approximately halfway through the biome, you will encounter an impassable chasm. Look for a white orb overhead; depending on the map layout, you'll need to proceed either left or right to find a way across. This path will lead you to a crucial permanent upgrade.

Permanent Upgrade: Delphic Visor

The Delphic Visor is the permanent upgrade found in Biome 6. This tool allows you to shoot large white orbs scattered throughout the biomes. Doing so will cause platforms to materialize, enabling you to reach previously inaccessible areas. These orb-activated platforms are present in every biome, expanding exploration possibilities.

After acquiring the Delphic Visor, use it to cross the chasm, leading you to the Hub Room. Be aware that once you descend into the Hub Room, you cannot return to the preceding area. Take this opportunity to collect any missed Resin or open chests before proceeding. Continue downwards until you face another chasm requiring an orb to cross. Beyond this, you'll find the boss door, which requires the Abyssal Key to access. Explore the remaining areas to find the key before heading to the final boss fight.

Biome 6 Enemies

• Anomos: These enemies are a constant threat in Biome 6. While they have very low HP and can be defeated in a single hit, they attack in large swarms. Their primary attack is a charged dash, indicated by a brief glow. Pay attention to the minimap to manage the swarm.
• Abyssal Archonact: A variant of the Archonact, this enemy adds a pink missile attack. Being hit by these missiles inflicts a Malfunction. The missiles are launched in a large, moderately-paced cluster that tracks the player. Stay mobile to avoid them, as some may continue to pursue you even off-screen.
• Abyssal Machina: Shooting this enemy causes it to emit an expanding red ring from its center. Rapid-fire weapons or damage-over-time effects can quickly fill the screen with these rings. Utilize your floaty jump and aerial dash to navigate through the rings.
• Typhonops: This enemy has two main attacks: a dash followed by a melee combo, and a pink missile barrage. The dash attack has an obvious wind-up, and dodging the melee requires practice. Save your dash for when the Typhonops is close and dodge left or right. The missile barrage is delivered in three waves and has less aggressive tracking, allowing for safer dodges.
• Malformed Typhonops: Often encountered as a miniboss in a specific location, this enemy, like other Malformed variants, utilizes numerous purple lasers that must be dodged while focusing on the enemy.
• Abyssal Trichozoid: This enemy's primary function is to continuously spawn Anomos, usually three at a time. They are often protected by a red shield, requiring melee engagement. This can be dangerous due to the constant Anomos spawns and incoming melee attacks. However, they offer a farming opportunity for weapon Trait progress. If you need to farm Traits, clear the area of other enemies, stand at a safe distance, and shoot above the Trichozoid to kill the spawned Anomos.

Boss Battle: Ophion

Ophion, the final boss of Returnal, is surprisingly manageable. The core mechanic involves shooting large, illuminated orbs on Ophion's left and right sides. This action reveals a cluster of red weak points that must be destroyed. Once the timer on an orb expires and the weak points vanish, shoot another orb to continue your assault.

Phase One Attacks:

• Slow Green Orb Release: Ophion creates portals that release slow-moving green bullets that drift across the arena. Be aware of your surroundings to avoid contact.
• Tentacle Slam: Ophion slams a tentacle onto the ground, releasing three rings of purple energy that expand outwards.