Returnal: How To Walk On Lava

With many hellish biomes for players to traverse, the eventual need to cross lava in Returnal will show up. Much like in real life, standing or walking on lava is a deadly and impossible feat. However, after discovering that, players should be happy to hear that there is a way to tread on the molten exo-planetary rock.

Much like with other trials that players will face through the various biomes, lava is something that needs an extra tool to handle. In particular, players will need to unlock the gear upgrade called Promethean Insulators. These will allow players to traverse any extreme climate, including lava.

How to Successfully Tread on Lava in Returnal

To unlock this upgrade, players will need to make it fairly far into the game. Into the fifth biome, known as the Fractured Wastes. Players will also need at least one Atropian key. Atropian keys can be found throughout the different environments of the game, however, to ensure finding one, players should traverse the previous biome, the Echoing Ruins until they find one. Don’t forget to check the optional pathways for it.

After this, players can head into the Fractured Wastes. Within the Wastes is an antechamber with four pathways branching off of it. While three of these pathways must be traversed for the main questline, there is the fourth optional path. This is the one that houses the Promethean Insulators. The optional branch is identified by a dark blue triangle icon on the map. This is what players will need the Atropian key for, as opening, this chamber is impossible without one.

Though players won’t yet have the ability to cross lava on foot, there is a lot of lava in this room. Players will need to use the platforms coming out of the wall to make it across the room with the help of a grappling hook near the end. Once past the lava, players should see the Promethean Insulators sitting atop a pedestal on the far side of the room. After being unlocked, players will gain immunity to extreme elements, which include lava and deathly cold water. This will allow the player to traverse both easily and safely. Once this task is completed, players have nothing else left to do besides finish the quest for the Fractured Wastes and collect as much as they can along the way.

Returnal is exclusively available on PlayStation 5.

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