Returnal Guide | How to Use Datacube Processor

Here's a guide to using the Datacube Processor in Returnal.

Game Guide by Ragib Rawnak on Dec 03, 2025

This guide will help you understand Datacube's role in Returnal and how to use the Datacube Processor to unlock artifacts for later runs.

Returnal, Guide, How to Use Datacube Processor

Datacube Limit

You can carry only one Datacube at a time. If you die before placing it in a Datacube Processor, the cube is lost, and you have to find another one during a later run in Returnal.

Returnal, Guide, How to Use Datacube Processor

Using Datacube Processor

During your time on Atropos, you may encounter Datacubes. These cubes contain artifacts that you have to unlock by placing the cube inside a Datacube Processor. Once an artifact is unlocked, it becomes available to appear in later playthroughs.

Every Datacube carries the name of an artifact. The artifact listed on the cube is the one you unlock after processing that cube in Returnal.

For example, an Unfed Pod Datacube contains the Unfed Pod artifact. To unlock it, you have to bring the cube to a Datacube Processor, which is usually found after defeating a boss or in a hub area. Once processed, the artifact can appear in future cycles.

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