Returnal Third Boss: Nemesis [Definitive Guide]

Nemesis is a tough boss battle, but with a weapon such as the Hollowseeker, nothing can stand in Selene's path to escape Atropos!

The Third boss in Returnal has players facing Nemesis, located at the end of the third biome called the Derelict Citadel. The fight is notorious solely due to the fact that it tends to be pretty drawn out due to his large health bar as well as the fact you can only damage him at long distances. Hence why it is pretty understandable that players can have a tough time overcoming it, especially if they bring in an inadequate loadout for the encounter.

Before You Start: It is strongly advised that you use the shortcut for the Derelict Citadel from the first biome by using the grappling hook (unlocked by defeating the 2nd boss, Ixion, for the first time in the Crimson Wastes.) You can get more preparation for Nemesis, but we found that skipping straight to the Third biome from the first one didn’t prove to be any extra tougher.
Important: Nemesis is a boss fight that can only be fought at long distances, so a weapon such as the Hollowseeker or the Tachyomatic Carbine will be the best choice here.
Key Takeaways
  • Nemesis is the third boss fight, located in the third biome of Returnal, known as the Derelict Citadel.
  • Players can have a hard time defeating him with an improper loadout or not knowing the correct strategy to take him down efficiently.
  • While players can freely use any weapon they want, it is strongly recommended that they use a long-range weapon such as the Hollowseeker due to the arena’s layout.
  • The first and second phases of the fight are fairly identical in nature, with the latter phase introducing platforms to make the fight more chaotic than usual.
  • The last phase can push players to their limits as they will need to travel from platform to platform in order to deal damage to Nemesis while simultaneously avoiding the attacks.
  • The Optimal strategy can involve saving helpful consumables for the fight as well as learning to timely evade or dodge incoming attack patterns, which are pretty easy to telegraph.
  • Upon defeating Nemesis, players will have now completed the first half of Returnal, automatically transporting them to a new area.

The Best Loadout & Third Biome Shortcut

returnal third boss
Shortcut for third biome (Image Captured by Us)

Before we begin with the loadout, we would like to remind you that you can head straight to the Derelict Citadel to take on Nemesis right from the first biome. The shortcut is shown in the image above, and you will essentially need to have the Hookshot to access it, which can be rewarded by the 2nd boss of the game, Ixion. Only the room where the shortcut will be located is randomized; the shortcut bridge itself should be the same.

While you certainly have the option to explore the 2nd biome, too, we found that preparing your loadout in the third biome should get you well-prepped for the fight against Nemesis instead of wasting extra time.

returnal loadout
The Loadout (Image Captured by Us)

Now the loadout that we went with it is shown in the image above, and it was our 4th completion of the fight after completing the game itself. Now it is worth mentioning that replicating the loadout is by no means straightforward, and it is merely a reference for other players to what had helped us in the encounter. It all comes down to luck and RNG on whether or not you receive the ideal weapon or items that you want.

The boss itself will be situated at a distance, so the best weapon, in our opinion, would be to use either the Hollowseeker or the Tachyomatic Carbine. Even other unique weapons, such as the Thermogenic launcher, will prove highly effective here rather than weapons, such as the dreadbound or the Spitmaw Blaster.

returnal astronaut
The astronaut artifact (Image Captured by Us)

In terms of artifacts, if you come across the Astronaut figure shown in the image above, then it can immensely help as it essentially grants you a free return from death right in the middle of the fight. Consumables that can be great for the fight include the energy barricade as well as the Siphium Viles, which can restore your health and help you last longer in the encounter. For now, let’s discuss each of the three phases of the boss and the strategy.

Nemesis Boss Fight Strategy & Tips

The strategy to take down most bosses in the game comprises carefully learning every attack pattern of the boss fight while being acknowledgeable of when to use your own dodges and evasions. But that aside, we have outlined a basic layout of each of the three phases of Nemesis and how you should approach them.

First Phase

returnal nemesis
The first phase (Image by eXputer)

As depicted in the image we have provided here, the first phase is pretty simple and straightforward. The fight will begin as Selene wakes up, greeted by a gigantic being known as Nemesis. In the first phase, the fight will start on a platform with two additional enemies on both sides of the boss who will launch a laser beam-like ray at you from time to time which you must evade timely.

The barrage of projectiles and their different patterns are pretty easily evadable as long as you can focus your dashes at the right moment since it gives you a pretty sizeable invulnerability window. Aim directly for the heart of the boss where it is glowing, or else you won’t be able to deal damage optimally.

Second Phase

returnal third boss
Platforms will emerge (Image by eXputer)

The second phase of the fight largely remains the same, except as soon as you start, Nemesis will break up the platforms into three to four pieces, allowing you to grapple hook toward them too. In terms of attack combinations, there isn’t much difference from the first phase. The boss will just so happen to teleport on certain occasions, at which you should swap platforms as soon as possible to continue the damage.

returnal third boss
2nd phase is mostly the same (Image by eXputer)

Aside from that, continue whittling away at the health as you dodge the attacks since they’ll be more aggressive than before. There is also no way to take down the other enemies who will continue their ray attacks, so be sure to keep your guard up and heal if you get too damaged. The other two minions will also have a new attack where they will dish out a ray of fire damage onto the arena.

Third Phase

returnal nemesis
The Third and final phase (Image by eXputer)

Lastly, the third phase is where it becomes truly chaotic as now Nemesis will diminish the entire arena flooring to launch Selene across to the other side. There will be a number of platforms floating in the air that you can grapple hook onto but be careful as not only Nemesis, but the other two enemies will closely be launching their attacks too. Which, by the way, can be easily evaded if you timely use your grappling hook on a nearby platform.

While you have the option to get as much close as you can to the boss in order to dish out damage, sooner or later, you will get launched back, so make sure you don’t miss any DPS opportunity here. Keep aiming and shooting for the glowing spot on the third boss, which we have marked in the image above, and you should be well over your way of completing this fight in Returnal without a hitch.

By defeating Nemesis, you will have successfully completed the first half of the game as well as unlock the Trophy/achievement “Trial by Judgement.”

The Wrap-Up

According to a Subreddit Post, it is evident that players had a hard time taking down Nemesis. While there is no optimal strategy to take him down, the entire fight mainly revolves around proper evasion using the dash. Due to the nature of the difficulty in Returnal, there is trial and error involved here, so there is no need to feel shame if you have to try again and again, which shouldn’t be the case if you can manage to learn the boss fight.


Up Next:

Was this article helpful?

Thanks! Do share your feedback with us. ⚡

How could we improve this post? Please Help us. ✍

Sameer Tahir


Sameer is a Senior Writer & Editor for all sorts of guides on eXputer. He’s been hooked on games since the age of 8, when he found a liking for Pokemon titles on the Gameboy. Since then, he has dove deep into many other genres on all sorts of consoles to feed his love for gaming. Sameer is currently pursuing a Journalism Degree. He has several years of writing experience and has worked for Mashable previously. Experience: 5+ Years || Education: ACCA and Currently doing a Bachelor's in Journalism || Previously Worked for Mashable || Published 200+ Guides

Related Articles