Start each new area by activating its map pylon, finding the ice-cream-truck vendor and checking the nearby upgrade opportunities. Before pushing into another Resonant fight, spend the resources you already have in the Gap. These steps improve both navigation and your available combat options.

Get your bearings before chasing markers

The central pylon needs three satellite sensors activated first. In the opening Downtown area, IGN's route finds them northwest of the pylon, east of that point, and south near the basketball court and fast-travel spot. Return to the central pylon afterward. The unlocked map helps record nearby points of interest and paths blocked by abilities you do not yet have.

Do not treat a blocked route as a failed puzzle. Traversal abilities let you return to earlier areas with new ways to cross gaps and change orientation.

Learn the objects inside the Gap

Hold down on the D-pad outside combat to enter the Gap. The objects have different jobs:

ObjectUse
Stairs to the leftCraft artifact recipes you have obtained
Large slabChoose combat powers
Sword-like stoneUpgrade Aberrant forms
Small rock formationSpend Talent Points
ArenaTry your current loadout against a practice enemy

Hold down again to return. Receiving an artifact recipe is not the same as crafting and equipping it. Check the artifact station after a quest reward.

Make upgrades count

Weapon upgrades raise Aberrant Strength, and reaching 15 unlocks the option to purchase a combo finisher. New forms use Living Shards. They broaden your options even when you do not intend to switch your main attack immediately. A loadout can be changed between fights, not during one.

Vendors can supply missing upgrade materials, while the neighboring ice-cream stand can hold a health upgrade. Explore before spending everything: enemy encounters and world feats also contribute to zone progression.

Before the next boss

Defeating a Resonant begins another cycle: encounters repopulate and enemies become stronger. Test the kit you intend to use, collect available upgrades and choose a primary weapon that suits your positioning. If the difficulty is getting in the way, inspect the game's Assist Mode options; the cited launch guide describes damage and dodge adjustments rather than a requirement to restart the campaign.