Returnal: Challenge terminal - daily challenges Returnal guide, walkthrough
Last update: 23 April 2021
On this page of the Returnal guide, you will find information on how to unlock the challenge terminal and where it is located. We suggest how to complete daily challenges, as well as what rewards you will get.
Challenge terminal - how to unlock?
The challenge terminal is initially locked, but you don't have to wait very long to unlock it. To gain access to it, you must defeat the first main boss, Phrike, and complete the first biome, Overgrown Ruins, by using the key taken from the boss. You will open the crimson gate and move into the Crimson Wastes.
After Selene dies again and returns to the starting point, you should receive a message about gaining access to the simulation mode, that is, the daily challenges.
Go through the opening to board Helios' wreckage. The challenge terminal is on the right.
Simulation mode - general rules
On the simulation mode screen, you will find all the information about the current daily challenge. They change every 24 hours. The screen also shows a timer for the current challenge.
Daily challenges differ in:
- Location - The challenge is played in a specific biome - the example from the picture shows the first region, Overgrown Ruins.
- Modifiers - Each daily challenge has different modifiers. These can make the game easier (e.g. an additional effect for the Dash ability) and those that make it difficult (e.g. reduced damage when in the air or losing Obolit upon hit).
- Weapon - Selene must use a specific weapon - in our example, it was the Spitmaw Blaster. The weapon has predetermined stats, the alternate attack, and traits.
Completing daily challenges
Your task is to go through a series of randomly generated areas of a biome featued in a given daily challenge. In each location, you will encounter randomly generated opponents. During a daily challenge, you can also check out optional locations. However, there are fewer of them than in the main game mode.
In the simulation mode, you score points and can also increase the point multiplier. Information about earned points is displayed on the right side of the screen, above the mini-map.
You get points for:
- Eliminating opponents. You get more points for hitting their weak points and using melee weapons.
- Exploring the area. This is about not only discovering more locations but also finding loot.
- Showing your skills. You may have to, for example, reach the maximum adrenaline level or complete the challenge without dying.
- Completing challenge goals. You will get more points if you complete the entire challenge and use the found keys. The time taken to complete the challenge is also taken into account.
You get less points by:
- Taking damage and resetting the adrenaline multiplier.
- Dying. Ideally, you should complete the challenge without any deaths and damage.
- Skipping locations. You should look everywhere and, if possible, examine all the devices and containers. Remember that you can return to the previous areas, for example, after finding a key.
You complete a challenge by reaching the Gateway.
After completing the daily challenge, the game will summarize your actions – you will see your position on the leaderboard. You can compare your results with friends and other players.
You get Ether for completing a daily challenge, a rare resource that is carried over to the next cycles.
Completing the first daily challenge in simulation mode also gives you the In-Field Training trophy.