Returnal Artifact Guide

Traits, parasites, consumables, and datacubes -- everything you need to optimize your runs.

Melee Traits

  • 1The Atropian Blade is your melee weapon and can be upgraded through traits found in biomes.
  • 2Melee traits like Leech and Serration add lifesteal and damage-over-time to your blade attacks.
  • 3Always prioritize melee traits that complement your weapon build for synergistic damage.
  • 4The blade can destroy red shields and certain environmental hazards that projectiles cannot.
  • 5Upgraded melee traits persist across biomes within the same cycle, making early upgrades valuable.

Projectile Traits

  • 1Each weapon has unique traits that unlock permanently as you gain proficiency with that weapon.
  • 2Traits like Homing Missiles, Explosive Rounds, and Portal Beam fundamentally change weapon behavior.
  • 3Higher trait levels (I, II, III) increase the effect potency -- always seek higher-level versions.
  • 4Some traits synergize exceptionally well together, such as Serrated Projectiles with Waves on Hollowseeker.
  • 5Trait unlocks persist across all cycles permanently, building your long-term weapon arsenal.

Parasites

  • 1Parasites attach to Selene and provide one positive and one negative effect simultaneously.
  • 2Read both effects carefully before picking up a parasite -- some negatives are devastating.
  • 3You can carry multiple parasites, stacking benefits but also accumulating penalties.
  • 4Certain artifacts negate parasite downsides, creating powerful synergies worth seeking out.
  • 5Removing parasites at Parasite Extractors costs obolites but eliminates the negative effects permanently.

Consumables

  • 1Consumables are single-use items with powerful effects like damage boosts and shield regeneration.
  • 2You can carry one consumable at a time -- choose based on your current run situation.
  • 3Silphium Vials heal a fixed amount while Large Silphium Vials restore significant health.
  • 4Damage Siphon and Protection items are invaluable for boss fights and challenging encounters.
  • 5Some consumables can be found in locked containers requiring Atropian Keys to open.

Datacubes

  • 1Datacubes are special items that must be deposited into Datacube Processors found in later rooms.
  • 2Each datacube unlocks a permanent new artifact or consumable for future cycles.
  • 3Prioritize delivering datacubes as unlocked items expand your pool of available upgrades permanently.
  • 4You can only carry one datacube at a time, so plan your route through the biome accordingly.
  • 5Some datacube items are among the strongest artifacts in the game, making delivery essential.