Returnal Guide | How to Defeat Phrike Boss

Here's a guide on how to defeat Phrike Boss in Returnal.

Game Guide by Ragib Rawnak on Dec 03, 2025

This guide will help you to win the fight against Phrike, the first boss in Returnal. Once you defeat Phrike, you do not have to fight them again in later cycles, even if you die after the encounter.

Throughout the fight, you have to aim for Phrike’s head to deal the highest amount of damage. You can hit any part of the body, but head shots produce more serious damage during every phase.

Phrike uses three phases during battle, each marked by a health bar. Each phase contains patterns you have to read and avoid to move forward.

Returnal, Guide, How to Defeat Phrike Boss

Phase One

In the first phase, Phrike fires red homing projectiles. You have to strafe left or right and dash when they get close. These projectiles usually come in sets of two or three, so you have to stay ready to dodge repeatedly in Returnal.

After that, Phrike fires orange orbs upward. These spread out and drop from above. While this happens, Phrike shoots a line of purple projectiles that follow your movement slightly. You have to dash away from the purple stream while also avoiding the falling orange orbs.

Phrike then uses a red laser attack that begins on the ground and sweeps upward. You have to dash to either side to avoid the beam.

Returnal, Guide, How to Defeat Phrike Boss

Next, Phrike drops under the fog. You have to watch for the orange glow under the fog to see where they are moving. You have to avoid standing above the point where Phrike emerges in Returnal.

Phase Two

In the second phase, Phrike uses the same laser sweep more often, so you have to stay alert for it.

Two new moves appear here—first, Phrike charges up and releases red lightning. When you see the charge motion, you have to run backward to avoid being hit. Second, Phrike charges at you for a melee strike. You have to dash sideways to avoid getting hit.

Returnal, Guide, How to Defeat Phrike Boss

Phase Three

In the third phase, Phrike continues using the same moves from earlier stages, but each move produces more projectiles and requires more movement to avoid in Returnal.

A new move appears where Phrike releases orange orbs in an incomplete circle at their feet. These expand outward, and you have to jump or dash through the gaps while avoiding red projectiles at the same time.

Another new attack consists of red rings that expand from under Phrike. They appear in pairs. While you dodge these rings, Phrike may also rush in with a melee strike, so you have to be prepared to dash away from both threats at once.

When you defeat Phrike, the boss drops the Crimson Key at the point where they fall in Returnal.

Also, check our Returnal Review and other guides below: