The Tower of Sisyphus in Returnal is a challenging endless mode introduced as part of the game’s post-launch updates. Designed for players who enjoy testing their skills against wave after wave of increasingly difficult enemies, this mode adds layers of replayability to the already intense gameplay. While Returnal now includes co-op functionality in its main campaign, many players are curious whether the Tower of Sisyphus also supports co-op gameplay. This topic will explore everything you need to know about the Tower of Sisyphus and its relation to co-op mode in Returnal, alongside tips for mastering this punishing challenge.
Understanding the Tower of Sisyphus
What Is the Tower of Sisyphus?
The Tower of Sisyphus is a special survival challenge mode in Returnal, structured as an endless tower with procedurally generated floors. Each level, or phase, presents enemies of increasing difficulty. The goal is to climb as high as possible, scoring points by defeating enemies quickly and efficiently while maintaining a multiplier. This mode emphasizes skillful gameplay, quick reactions, and deep understanding of Returnal’s mechanics.
How to Access the Tower
To access the Tower of Sisyphus, players need to have progressed far enough in the base game and installed the free Ascension update. After reaching the Echoing Ruins biome, a new door becomes available in the crash site area, which leads to the Tower.
- You must play in single-player mode to access the Tower.
- The Tower resets if you die or quit mid-run, so preparation is essential.
Is Co-Op Available in the Tower of Sisyphus?
Single-Player Only Challenge
As of now, the Tower of Sisyphus does not support co-op gameplay. While co-op was introduced in the campaign via the Ascension update, the Tower remains a solo experience. This decision aligns with the Tower’s design, which centers around leaderboard rankings and individual skill.
Why Co-Op Isn’t Included
There are several reasons why co-op is excluded from the Tower of Sisyphus:
- Balance Issues: The Tower is finely tuned for single-player performance and relies heavily on time-based scoring. Co-op could undermine the scoring balance.
- Leaderboard Integrity: Scores from the Tower are posted to global leaderboards. Allowing co-op could result in unfair advantages or score inflation.
- Design Philosophy: The developers designed the Tower as a test of endurance and personal skill, echoing the rogue-like roots of Returnal.
While players may enjoy co-op in the main game, the solo-only restriction in the Tower is intentional and supports a purer high-score challenge.
Co-Op in Returnal Explained
Main Campaign Multiplayer
Though co-op is not available in the Tower, it is fully functional in the main story campaign. Players can invite friends or connect with random players online to tackle the game’s biomes together.
In campaign co-op:
- Both players share the same progress within a biome.
- If one player dies, the other can revive them within a time limit.
- Progress made in co-op still contributes to individual unlocks and records.
This feature allows for a less stressful experience compared to solo runs and provides newcomers with a helping hand while also encouraging teamwork.
Limitations of Co-Op Mode
Even in the main campaign, co-op has its restrictions:
- Story progression is tied to the host’s game.
- Some trophies and milestones can only be achieved in single-player mode.
- Network issues may interrupt longer co-op sessions, especially in challenging areas.
Despite these limits, co-op remains a welcome addition for players looking to enjoy Returnal’s gameplay with a friend.
Tips for Climbing the Tower of Sisyphus
Mastering Combat Mechanics
Success in the Tower requires more than just good gear. To survive and thrive, players need to:
- Perfect their dodge timing
- Memorize enemy attack patterns
- Use environment objects strategically
- Maintain high adrenaline levels for bonuses
Understanding when to engage or retreat is critical, especially as the tower introduces more elite enemies in higher phases.
Maximizing Score Multipliers
The Tower of Sisyphus is as much about high scores as it is about survival. To earn the best score, players must maintain their multiplier by:
- Defeating enemies quickly
- Avoiding damage at all costs
- Picking up score-enhancing artifacts
Taking too long to eliminate enemies or receiving damage will reset your multiplier, significantly reducing your potential score.
Best Weapons for the Tower
Certain weapons tend to perform better in the Tower thanks to their rapid fire rate or area-of-effect damage. Popular choices include:
- Hollowseeker: Great for crowd control with its portal turret trait.
- Electropylon Driver: Effective at high levels, dealing damage over time.
- Thermogenic Launcher: Devastating when enemies are grouped closely together.
Upgrading weapon proficiency early and choosing traits that align with your playstyle is key to surviving longer in each session.
Endgame Value of the Tower
High Replayability
The Tower of Sisyphus gives players an endless mode that is ideal for refining skills and chasing personal bests. With procedurally generated layouts and evolving enemy patterns, no two runs feel exactly the same.
Unlocks and Rewards
Though it doesn’t advance the main storyline, the Tower does offer unique narrative snippets and lore for those willing to climb higher. You can also unlock permanent upgrades and earn powerful artifacts that boost your chances in future runs.
These rewards offer both immediate and long-term incentives for players dedicated to mastering every aspect of Returnal.
Community Demand for Co-Op in the Tower
Will Co-Op Ever Come to the Tower?
Many players have expressed interest in seeing co-op added to the Tower of Sisyphus. Whether this will happen depends on several factors:
- Technical challenges in balancing score-based gameplay with two players
- The developer’s vision for the mode’s intended difficulty
- Maintaining leaderboard fairness across all users
As of now, there are no official announcements regarding co-op support for the Tower, and it’s likely to remain single-player to preserve its core design philosophy.
The Tower of Sisyphus in Returnal offers a thrilling and intense solo challenge designed for players who crave high-skill combat and endless replayability. While co-op adds a dynamic new layer to the main campaign, the Tower is a different beast entirely one that requires patience, reflexes, and strategic thinking. Despite the lack of multiplayer support in this mode, it continues to be one of the most engaging post-game experiences in Returnal. For those looking to prove themselves and climb to the top of the leaderboard, the Tower of Sisyphus stands as the ultimate test.