Returnal Swimming: How to Reach Underwater Areas and Dive to Get Items

Returnal features areas that you won't be able to access until you upgrade your suit. Underwater areas appear from the very first area you come across, usually hiding items and Siphium pickups. To help you get to these underwater items we've put together this guide on how to get to underwater in Returnal. We'll explain how to get the Hadal Ballast upgrade, and how to get down into underwater areas.

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Returnal Swimming: How to Get to Underwater Items

To get to Underwater items in Returnal you will need to unlock the Hadal Ballast. This is done in the following way:

1. Reach the Fractured Wastes biome (it's the fourth one you unlock)
2. Collect three Hadal keys and open the red door
3. Pick up the Hadal Ballast upgrade

How to Access the Underwater Areas and Items

Once you have the Hadal Ballast upgrade in Returnal you can just jump down into water and collect items. This upgrade will stay with you during each run, as it's a permanent suit upgrade. Be sure to use it to access items you couldn't get to before.

That's how to reach the underwater areas in Returnal. For more help with the game check out our guide on getting the grapple hook. Once you're done with that you should head over to our Returnal Tips and Tricks guide.