Returnal Weapon Guide
All weapons in Returnal with their types, alt-fire modes, and detailed combat analysis.
Thermogenic Launcher
special
Alt-Fire: Explosive Rounds
A devastating explosive launcher that excels at clearing groups of enemies with area-of-effect damage. Best suited for players who prefer to control space and deal heavy burst damage from a safe distance.
Rotgland Lobber
special
Alt-Fire: Acid Burst
Lobs corrosive acid projectiles that deal damage over time and stack debuffs on enemies. Its strength lies in sustained pressure, making it ideal for prolonged fights against tanky foes.
Hollowseeker
automatic
Alt-Fire: Serrated Projectiles
A rapid-fire automatic weapon that shreds enemies with a constant stream of multi-shot projectiles. Its high rate of fire rewards aggressive play and excels in close-to-mid range encounters.
Dreadbound
burst
Alt-Fire: Tendril Javelin
Fires ricocheting discs that return to the wielder, dealing more damage at closer range. A high-risk, high-reward weapon that rewards precise positioning and aggressive close-quarters combat.
Coilspine Shredder
burst
Alt-Fire: Charged Burst
A precision burst-fire rifle that delivers concentrated damage with each trigger pull. Rewards accurate aim and controlled engagement, making it a reliable choice for mid-range encounters.
Spitmaw Blaster
automatic
Alt-Fire: Flechette Shot
A powerful shotgun-style weapon that deals massive damage at close range with wide spread projectiles. Perfect for aggressive players who thrive in point-blank combat situations.
Electropylon Driver
automatic
Alt-Fire: Electro-Web
Places electrified pylons that create damaging webs between them, controlling enemy movement. A tactical weapon that rewards strategic placement and area denial over raw firepower.
Pyroshell Caster
semi-auto
Alt-Fire: Pyroclastic Blast
A mortar-style weapon that launches explosive pyroshells in an arc toward enemies. Excels at dealing heavy single-target damage and punishing stationary or slow-moving targets.
Critheon
automatic
Alt-Fire: Crescent Bolts
Fires homing projectiles that seek out nearby enemies, making it forgiving for players with less precise aim. Its tracking capability shines in chaotic encounters with many fast-moving targets.
Sidearm T8-Lapserian
automatic
Alt-Fire: Burst Shot
The starting pistol that Selene begins each cycle with, offering reliable baseline performance. Deceptively powerful when upgraded with the right traits, scaling well into later biomes.