The short answer
Stay in motion, leave yourself an oxygen exit margin, and choose upgrades that reinforce one plan. A run that teaches you enemy spacing and returns progression value is better than a greedy run that collapses at the edge of your oxygen budget.
First-run checklist
- Move before you aimLearn the safe orbit around enemy groups; damage uptime comes second.
- Watch oxygen earlySet a personal retreat threshold before the screen becomes chaotic.
- Commit to a damage planFavor upgrades that support your current weapon or solve a clear weakness.
- Collect safelyDo not cross a dense enemy path for a small pickup unless it changes the run.
- Bank the lessonAfter a loss, identify whether oxygen, positioning, or scattered upgrades caused it.
Three mistakes to avoid
Greedy depth
Pushing deeper with no oxygen margin turns one bad enemy pattern into a failed run.
Random upgrades
Many average effects do not automatically become a coherent build.
Reactive movement
If you dash only after being surrounded, the escape route may already be closed.
What to read next
Use the oxygen guide for survival decisions, then compare weapon roles and ability priorities.
Last verified: August 24, 2026 · Early Access facts may change.