In Ghostrunner, a small change in your approach can take you from stuck in a rut to a master of the deadly, high-speed action. The game’s challenges are as much mental as they are physical, and sometimes, all it takes is breaking free from a fixation to overcome obstacles. Here’s everything I wish I knew sooner about Ghostrunner, and how tweaking your strategy can make a huge difference.

1. Change Your Approach to Break Mental Blocks

Sometimes the best way to overcome a tough section in Ghostrunner is to simply change your rhythm. If you’re stuck on a particular part of the game, try switching things up: if you always go right in a room, try going left. This simple trick can break your brain’s fixation on a particular approach, giving you a fresh perspective. It’s easy to fall into a mental loop, especially in challenging segments. I personally died 160 times on one level before realizing that a small change in my tactics could break that cycle.

2. Focus on Upgrades that Suit Your Playstyle

The cybernetic upgrade system in Ghostrunner is one of the game’s standout features. As you progress, you’ll have access to various upgrades that you can position in a grid. The key here is focus. You don’t need to fill every slot—choose upgrades that complement your playstyle.

For example, Tempest became my go-to ability. This upgrade lets you release a wave of energy that not only kills enemies but also reflects projectiles, which is a defensive tool as well. Instead of splitting upgrades between all the available abilities, I found it far more efficient to focus on improving Tempest and related abilities.

Pro Tip: The Tactical Overlay upgrade, which highlights enemies, may seem minor, but it’s incredibly useful. With the constant motion in Ghostrunner, this upgrade helps you keep tabs on enemy positions—something you’ll quickly appreciate.

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Revisit Your Upgrades

In Ghostrunner, you can change your upgrades at any time, so don’t be afraid to experiment or tweak your loadout as you encounter tougher enemies or situations. If you find yourself stuck on a specific level, consider how your upgrades can give you an edge. Sensory Boost, which allows you to slow down time, can be a game-changer when you need to adjust your strategy.

4. The Power of Tempest

Tempest is, in my opinion, the best ability in Ghostrunner. It lets you eliminate enemies and reflect projectiles, all in one. The ability to handle crowds of enemies and defend yourself against incoming projectiles makes Tempest an invaluable part of your arsenal. Don’t spread your upgrades too thin—focus on making Tempest as effective as possible.

5. The Importance of Strategy in Combat

Combat in Ghostrunner is a puzzle in itself. Every enemy has a distinct pattern or behavior that you can exploit:

• Key enemies (basic pistol enemies) fire projectiles at set intervals, making it easy to anticipate their actions.
• Enforcers have shields and burst weapons that you need to work around.

One trick to overcoming tougher areas is to scout the room before diving into combat. Knowing where each enemy is and understanding their attack patterns can save you a lot of frustration. While this might feel like taking the scenic route, it’s often the most efficient way to avoid unnecessary deaths and get through a level faster.

6. Master Sensory Boost

One of the most versatile tools in Ghostrunner is Sensory Boost, available from the start. This ability slows down time, letting you reposition yourself strategically during combat. It’s especially useful in rooms with lots of grapple points, as it gives you near infinite bullet time when you’re moving between surfaces.

Knowing how to use Sensory Boost effectively can make or break your performance in tricky sections of the game. The more you understand how this ability refreshes with each grapple or touch, the more you’ll realize its potential in controlling the flow of combat.

7. Think Outside the Box

Ghostrunner doesn’t have a fixed way to complete objectives, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different approaches. Sometimes, enemies in certain sections can seem overwhelming, but with a little creativity, you’ll find that ingenuity is often the best weapon. For example, I always dealt with robot walkers first in difficult encounters, but you may find that different enemies give you the most trouble—take them out first to make the rest of the battle easier.

Conclusion

The key to mastering Ghostrunner is understanding that the game is designed to challenge both your physical and mental skills. By adjusting your approach, focusing on upgrades that match your playstyle, and embracing the puzzle-like nature of the combat, you’ll power through even the toughest obstacles. And remember, in Ghostrunner, the most powerful tool at your disposal is often the one between your ears.