Saros tips and tricks: 6 essential gameplay tips for beginners

Saros is finally here, and much like Housemarque’s previous PS5 game, it’s pretty tough. So, we’ve put together some tips and tricks for new players to use when starting out on Carcosa.

We’re also focusing on tips you can use from the very first Biome. This should give you the best chance of success in the early game before you get more familiar with the “bullet ballet” and figure things out as you play.

Saros tips and tricks

Never stop moving

Saros’s gameplay loop takes many elements from Returnal, and this was always my go-to tip for new players exploring Atropos for the first time.

The best way to avoid getting hit is to not stay still. Keep running.

Putting more space between yourself and the enemies and rotating away from their attacks gives you more time to react, avoiding some of those crucial hits that could end your run and ruin 20 minutes of progress.

If you keep moving, it also negates the negative side effect of any Corrupted Artifact that reduces your damage when you stay still. An added bonus!

Understand the different bullet colours and what to do

Saros has three different bullet types, and in order to beat the many bosses in store, you need to instinctively react to each one coming your way (especially when you face the second boss).

As a breakdown:

• Blue: Dodge or Absorb these for Power using your Shield.
• Yellow: Dodge or Absorb these for Power using your Shield (although this also builds Corruption).
• Red: Dodge these or Parry.

Some attacks may combine two different bullet types within the beam, so always be mindful, especially against bosses.

Save your Carcosan Keys for doors or until before a boss

One of the most valuable items in Saros is the Carcosan Key. This can open up special items in locked containers, or unlock doors throughout the biomes.

It can be tempting to use this at the first opportunity once you pick it up, but I’d recommend either holding it for the rooms, or to use on a container just before the boss.

Rooms are the best choice for these keys as they give you several items and usually a good handful of Lucenites. But if one doesn’t pop up during your run, then opt to hold it until the container just before a boss fight. This will mean your proficiency will be at its highest, meaning the Power Weapon you get will be stronger than one unlocked several levels before.

Always choose Halcyon

Occasionally, you’ll get given the choice between unlocking an Artifact and a Halcyon. The best choice is almost always the Halcyon.

This is a vital resource to unlock permanent upgrades via the Armor Matrix, granting you new abilities or significant attribute improvements such as extra Artifact slots or Aether upgrades.

So, while it can be tempting to go for that Artifact to give you a better chance on your run, picking the long-term investment is the recommended option.

Use the Alt-Fire Mode

Alongside your normal fire mode, pressing L2 down halfway allows you to use the weapon's alt-fire mode.

These unique modes will have different effects depending on the weapon, so make sure to double-check what it is whenever you pick up a new one.

Explore the side rooms

While it can be tempting after just losing to that latest boss to quickly push through the biome to try again, you’ll have a better chance taking your time. Pick up those Lucenites. Go and grab that Artifact. And crucially, go into those side rooms.

Most of the time, these rooms will be free of enemies and hold a variety of upgrades via containers. Better weapons, Artifacts, Aether and often Carcosan Keys. So don’t rush past!

Read more on Saros:

• Saros Cast: Who stars in Housemarque's latest game?
• Saros Release Date: When did it launch?

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