Vanquishing the Source of Torment: An Amateur‘s Guide to Felling Nemesis
As a longtime lover of bullet hell games, I was immediately ensnared by Returnal‘s adrenaline-fueled combat when it launched. However, after conquering the introductory biomes and growing complacent, the third boss Nemesis ripped away my hubris. I battered myself against its defenses for sleepless nights until finally overcoming the challenge through rigorous optimization.
In this detailed guide, I‘ll impart everything I wish I knew earlier for dominating Returnal‘s most notorious foe as a casual player.
Internalizing the Dance of Death
Nemesis demonstrates staggering aggression right from its first phase. However, cataloging and practicing against attack patterns allows you to anticipate dangers instead of simply reacting. I poured over gaming forum posts to compile the most common attacks:
Phase 1
- Homing missiles
- Linear blue rings
- Slow orange orbs
- Minion laser sweepers
Phase 2
- Accelerating blue rings
- Orange Ricochet barrages
- Void rift debuffs
- Coordinated minion lasers
Phase 3
- PurpleExpanding nova mines
- Radial blue energy waves
- Laser carpet bombardment
- Platform destruction
| Attack | Calls | Frequency | Damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homing Missiles | Distinct launch audio | Frequent | High |
| Linear Mortars | Mortar firing sound | Occasional | Low |
| Radial Shotgun | Rapid burst sound | Rare | Medium |
I ran stopwatch analytics while observing speedrunner footage to record attack intervals and tells. Understanding these patterns allows you to move preemptively instead of reactively once memorized.
Becoming the Weapon to Surpass Nemesis
While any firearm can chip away at its health pool, taking advantage of the Hollowseeker‘s unique traits accelerates Nemesis‘ demise massively. According to research from gaming site Vulkk, the ideal mod configuration for destroying this boss is:
Trait Slots
- Portal Beam
- Waves
- Serrated Projectiles
- Auxiliary Detonators
I‘ll explain the purpose behind each trait before detailing my recommended farming route for acquisition.
Core Damage
Portal Beam causes each shot to ricochet between targets rapidly. Combined with the multidirectional properties of Waves, your bullets blanket the field, shredding hordes of minions.
Serrated Projectiles amplify damage over time up to a stacking 300% bonus. You effortlessly cleave through Nemesis itself with these two traits active.
Support Fire
Detonators create sub-munitions when hitting terrain or enemies. This supplemental area barrage destroys projectiles and minions while bombarding Nemesis.
With this assembly, no target survives your overwhelming firepower for long!
Acquisition Guide
Many recommend save scumming the Fabricator at the start of Biome 2 until it offers an early Hollowseeker. However, I found the following route most efficient for farming traits quickly:
- Rush through first two biomes collecting Obolites
- Purchase Hollowseeker from Fabricator if available
- Dash through Biome 3 to boss, die intentionally
- Repeat focusing Fabricators and hidden rooms
- Forced detached traits every third run
You should acquire a fully optimized Hollowseeker within 7 cycles, turning Nemesis‘ own realm against it!
Mastering the Murder Ballet
Even with ideal equipment, the non-stop assaults require flawless positioning and reactions. Based on painful experience, here are my key tips for dodging while dealing destruction:
Maintain Route
Circling the perimeter of the arena provides the maximum window to engage Nemesis while avoiding crossed fire. Break line of sight from minions whenever possible.
Interrupt Locks
Certain attack chains can leave you stunned temporarily. Use the Icarian Grapnel artifact to slingshot out before getting shredded.
Preserve Verticality
Dropping into pits drastically cuts your offensive uptime. Save double jumps and grapple charges for recovering height after dodging wide barrages.
Reset Disadvantage
If RNG geometry leaves you stranded, don‘t waste health trying to salvage the attempt. Intentionally fall to reset positioning rather than getting cornered.
Trust Your Training
Initially Nemesis seems impossible with the sheer number of threats. But sticking to positioning fundamentals, attacking during safe windows, and evading telegraphed strikes leads to victory.
With mastery over your gear and the combat arena, you dictate the tempo of the battle. Now go forth and end the ancient mechanisms‘ reign of torment!
Share Your Own Returnal War Stories
I poured everything I learned while overcoming Nemesis alone into this guide. What strategies worked for you against Returnal‘s toughest boss? Have alternate tips for casually getting past this brutal barrier? Share your own stories of hardship and triumph clashing with this epic enemy!
