Absolum presents players with a demanding roguelike experience, characterized by a cycle of death and revival. Frequent setbacks are integral to the game, but players can significantly enhance their chances of success by unlocking all available Rituals.
Initially, players will find their character quite weak, making early progress challenging. However, those who strategically navigate the game map to unlock superior Rituals will pave the way for more successful future endeavors.
Understanding Rituals in Absolum
Rituals in Absolum serve as powerful temporary enhancements during gameplay, offering distinct advantages to bolster your character. It’s crucial to make wise decisions regarding these Rituals, as they are not permanent and only influence your current run. Players are presented with a choice of two Rituals each time they become available.
Rituals can manifest in various forms, such as igniting your dashes with fire, generating damaging tornadoes, or unleashing waves that harm enemies. The selection of Rituals considerably impacts the efficiency of your runs, influencing performance and survival.
There are eight distinct types of Rituals in Absolum: Fire, Water, Wind, Thunder, Bramble, Necromancy, Chaos, and Time. Understanding each Ritual’s unique perks is essential for optimizing your gameplay strategy.
Ritual of Fire
The Ritual of Fire is the first enhancement players encounter during the game’s prologue. After rescuing Mother and proceeding down the linear path, she will guide you to a glowing red crystal situated within a large machine.
By breaking this crystal, you will receive Fire Rituals, permanently unlocking them for your subsequent runs.
Ritual of Water (Wild Coast)
Your next opportunity to unlock a Ritual comes with the Ritual of Water, which is easily accessible early in your adventure.
You’ll eventually face a fork in the road; opt to go north towards the Wild Coast rather than head east into the red-hued forest. Proceed through the Wild Coast until you reach another red crystal, which is protected by an enemy. Defeat this foe, then smash the crystal to acquire the Ritual of Water, unlocking its benefits for future attempts.
Ritual of Wind (Giggling Forest)
For the Ritual of Wind, take the eastern route instead of going to the Old Coast at the start of your journey. This path leads you into the whimsical Giggling Forest, adorned with vibrant red leaves.
As you navigate through the forest, you will discover a bridge. Cross this bridge to find the red crystal nearby; destroying it will officially grant you the Ritual of Wind for future playthroughs.
Ritual of Thunder (Old Mines)
Unlocking the Ritual of Thunder requires a bit more effort. First, you must navigate through the Grandery and defeat the game’s first boss, Gazorg, Son of Zorg, before reaching the Underking’s Castle.
Upon arriving at the Underking’s castle, take the southern path into the mines instead of directly entering the castle. Continue along the linear pathway in the Old Mines until you uncover another red crystal. Destroying this crystal will grant you the Ritual of Thunder, available for future use.
Ritual of Bramble (Jaroba)
The Ritual of Bramble, which equips you with Thorn abilities, can be located within the second game region known as “Jaroba.” This area is accessible following your victory against the Underking and after traversing by boat.
Once in Jaroba, follow the main path to uncover a red crystal surrounded by enemies. Defeat these foes and destroy the crystal to officially obtain the Ritual of Bramble.
Ritual of Necromancy (Yeldrim)
The Ritual of Necromancy is elusive, as it is situated within a secret area named Yeldrim. To gain access to Yeldrim, you must first overpower the Underking and take the boat across the sea.
Typically, this boat takes you to Jaroba; however, there is a possibility it will divert to Yeldrim. If you find yourself in Yeldrim, proceed along the main path, combating enemies until you encounter a red crystal. Destroy this crystal to unlock the Ritual of Necromancy.
Ritual of Chaos (Yeldrim)
Another hidden gem, the Ritual of Chaos, can also be found in Yeldrim. Upon arrival, continue until you locate the area’s first safe zone, where you can recuperate from the relentless enemies.
This safe zone provides two routes: one leading into the mansion’s tunnels and another leading directly into the mansion itself. To enter the mansion, you’ll need the proper password, which is the thumbs-down emote followed by the thumbs-up emote. Access the emote wheel by holding L1 on your PlayStation controller.
Once inside, navigate through the mansion to find the second safe zone featuring a Hearthroot. After healing, proceed east and look for a statue; hidden behind it is a secret path that leads you to the Ritual of Chaos.
Be ready to confront a wave of enemies and a formidable boss known as “The Interloper.”Defeating this adversary will unlock the Ritual of Chaos, granting you access to powerful Chaos abilities for your future runs.
Ritual of Time (Asterios)
The final Ritual available in Absolum is the Ritual of Time, which you will unlock at the conclusion of your game journey. To gain this Ritual, you must defeat the last boss, Azra the Sun King, located in Asterios.
Once you conquer Sun King Azra, you will unlock the Ritual of Time for future endeavors. Despite its status as the last boss, expect to encounter additional hidden locations and bosses, where the abilities granted by Time Rituals will prove beneficial.
Upgrading Your Rituals
Unlocking Rituals is merely the first step; players have the opportunity to enhance each Ritual for improved effectiveness. Upgraded Rituals result in stronger drops during your runs, making it significantly easier to combat enemies and bosses alike.
To upgrade your Rituals, seek out Vikhanna the Joyful, an essential merchant located at the beginning of Jaroba, trapped within a vine cage surrounded by foes. Once you defeat these enemies, free Vikhanna to return her to the Sanctuary.
In the Sanctuary, find her south of Ederig the Stalwart. Interact with her to trade Imbued Fruits, earned by gaining experience after each run, to facilitate the upgrading of your Rituals.
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