The Nemesis fight in Returnal’s Derelict Citadel is a chaotic visual spectacle and a true test of your reflexes and awareness. But with the right loadout and strategy, you can bring down this towering foe. This guide breaks down all three phases, offers combat tips, and outlines how to survive—and thrive—in one of the game’s most intense encounters.

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🔧 Preparation Before the Fight

Weapons & Gear

• Equip a high-level weapon (Level 10–12).
• The Thermogenic Launcher is excellent for burst damage.
• Prioritize alt-fire modes with tracking or AoE damage.

Consumables

• Bring Shield Vials, Healing items, and anything that restores health from damage dealt.
• During the tower climb, defeat enemies for a chance at Level 12 weapons—take the highest level, even if it’s not your favorite.

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⚔️ Phase 1: Core Combat on the Tower

Objective:

Shoot the red chest core of Nemesis while managing incoming attacks.

Key Attacks:

• Purple Orbs: Delay your dash—they hover before striking.
• Blue Orbs: Faster projectiles, dodge on reaction.
• Crimson Waves: Dense bullet patterns—dash or weave through.
• Alien Beams: Horizontal lasers from two side aliens. Look for white lines connecting them to Nemesis as a warning.

Survival Tips:

• Stay mobile and hug the core platform’s edges to avoid beams.
• If the aliens cut the platform into a V shape and Nemesis spams orb patterns, circle-dodge continuously.
• Push damage quickly to skip repeated patterns.

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🪝 Phase 2: Grapple & Pressure

Objective:

Follow Nemesis as platforms shift and use your grappling hook to close gaps.

Key Mechanics:

• Platforms move—stay alert for grapple points.
• Aliens fire diagonal beams and shockwave rings.
• Blue & Orange Orb Bursts: Come in rapid waves.

Survival Tips:

• Grapple immediately when platforms shift.
• Prioritize staying close to Nemesis—the farther you are, the harder it is to hit.
• Don’t waste time attacking the aliens—focus fire on the boss core.

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⚡ Phase 3: Intensity and Chaos

Objective:

Stay alive through heavy attacks while platforms shift constantly.

Key Attacks:

• Gold Alien Beams: Sweep the arena—dodge or use cover.
• Purple Orb Clouds: Only a few actually target you—stay focused.
• Repulsion Pulse: Nemesis may knock you back—recover quickly with grapples.

Survival Tips:

• Keep pressure on the core; the longer this phase lasts, the more chaotic it becomes.
• Use platform edges and structures as cover from beam spam.
• Save your heals and defensive items for this phase—it’s the most punishing.

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🧠 General Strategy Recap

• Stay Close: Long-range damage is weak; grapple into position ASAP.
• Dodge Deliberately: Especially against purple orbs and beam timings.
• Use Consumables Smartly: Don’t pop heals too early—save for close-range pressure phases.
• Watch the Aliens: Their beam setup gives clues about incoming attacks.
• Keep Moving: Never stand still. Dash, jump, grapple—momentum is survival.

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🏁 Conclusion: Chaos Can Be Controlled

While the Nemesis fight may look overwhelming at first, it follows predictable patterns once you learn its rhythm. With good positioning, proper dodge timing, and aggressive damage output, you’ll crush this boss and move forward stronger than ever.

Keep your cool, trust your reflexes, and don’t stop moving. Good luck, Scout!