Scars Above: Scars Above 100% Achievements

Scars Above is a short, mostly linear adventure game. All achievements can be unlocked at any difficulty level. Only one playthrough is required, but some achievements can be missed. There are limited opportunities for backtracking and your save file will automatically be deleted upon completing the game, so this guide will help ensure that you collect all achievements in a single playthrough.

This is not intended to be a walkthrough or strategy guide, nor will it provide solutions to any puzzles. Instead, this will be a text-based summary with minimal spoilers that focuses on the essential actions needed to avoid missing any achievements in your playthrough. If you would prefer to read through an achievement list, that is also provided.

If you are a vigilant player that fully explores the environment, then you may find this guide unnecessary. Key items are generally highlighted well in-game and aren’t too difficult to find as long as you explore all paths and interact with everything in the environment.

As the game only contains a single autosave slot, I would recommend making a manual backup of your save folder each time you reach a new area or checkpoint. Many users have reported bugs that may prevent you from making progress or obtaining certain achievements, so these backups may be useful if you run into any similar issues. The standard location of the save folder is:

The most important objectives to keep in mind for this game’s achievements are:

• Scan everything that you come across, especially enemies and resources. You can track the things you’ve scanned in the menu.
• Activate all of the pillars (checkpoints) that you come across.
• Obtain all gadgets and weapons.
• Obtain at least one upgrade per weapon.
• Find as many knowledge cubes as possible. There are more than enough for what you’ll need, but you’ll still have to collect a large majority of them.

Section overview:

• Achievement progress: 3/45
• Weapons to craft: 1

Scars Above begins with an introductory sequence that serves as a sort of tutorial and lore dump. You may proceed through this section at your own pace as all necessary actions are story-related.

“Construction Work” will be unlocked after you have crafted weapon #1, VERA.

“Beyond the Horizon” will be unlocked shortly after you wake up and follow the path through the new area.

“He Ruined Us” will be unlocked at the transition between the end of the prologue and the beginning of Chapter 1.

Section overview:

• Achievement progress: 21/45
• Pillars to activate: 5
• Hostile creatures to scan: 6
• Unique natural resources to scan: 5
• Consumables to find: 4
• Gadgets to craft: 1
• Weapons to craft: 2
• Weapon upgrades to find: 1
• Knowledge cubes to find: 25

This chapter spawns you next to pillar #1 Approach the pillar to activate it.

Exit the cave to encounter and defeat hostile creature #1, the Arachnid Jumper. After killing one, scan the corpse. This will unlock “Darwin’s Theory.”

Along the side of the body of water, you will find unique natural resource #1, the Sky Fresia. Scanning this will unlock “Aristotle’s Apprentice.”

After reacquiring VERA, defeat and scan hostile creature #2, the Arachnid Scorpiod. Shooting the scorpiod with VERA should unlock “Newton’s Third Law.”

Once you’ve opened and passed through the first Alien Gate, kill and scan hostile creature #3, the Arachnid Exploder, in the pool of red liquid.

In the same pool of red liquid, you can find knowledge cube #1 in a small recess on the right side. Obtaining this cube will unlock “Knowledge is Power.”

Drop down the ledges into the next area, then immediately climb the ledges on the left marked by a red fluorescent light to find knowledge cube #2.

Activate pillar #2 in this same area. This should unlock “Pillars of the Earth” if that did not already unlock after activating pillar #1.

Knowledge cube #3 can be found behind a large tree to the left of pillar #2. At this point you should have earned your first ability point. Open the abilities menu and select any ability to unlock “Ready and Able.” You will need to acquire all abilities, so you can unlock them in any order.

Continue down the path after sidling through a narrow passage to find and scan unique natural resource #2, the Poplium, on the right side.

Beyond the Poplium, explore the shelter and craft weapon #2, the Thermic Charger. This will unlock “Destructive Tool Printing.”

Proceed past the webbing into the next area to find knowledge cube #4 on the ground to the left of the second Alien Gate.

Slash your way into the path to the right of the second Alien Gate. After climbing a couple of ledges, you will find knowledge cube #5 on the edge of the right side. Continue along to find knowledge cube #6 at the top of the path.

Returning to the left side of the Alien Gate, search the shore of the marsh to find and scan unique natural resource #3, the Pile of Bones.

Shortly into the marsh, cut down the vines on the left side to find a hidden path. Knowledge cube #7 is found at the end of this path.

Following the path through the marsh again, on the right side you will find consumable #1, the Resistance Booster. Obtaining this will unlock “Survivor.”

Just past the Resistance Booster is a small area with two knowledge cubes. Knowledge cube #8 can be found on the right side along the outer edge of the area, and knowledge cube #9 can be found on the small island in the center of the area.

Destroy the next webbing and find knowledge cube #10 directly along the path on the left side. Shortly after this cube, go up the slope on the right side to find consumable #2, the Ammo Cache.

Back down the slope, burn your way behind another webbing on the left side to find consumable #3, the Healing Injection.

After the animation where you pass through a small gap, find knowledge cube #11 to the left of a large rock in the middle of the path.

“The Body Must Be Cleansed” will be unlocked after completing the AR Reconstruction in this area.

Continue into the open area past the monolith and the second alien gate. Climb up the ledges on the right side of this area marked by a blue fluorescent light to find knowledge cube #12.

Pass under the tree branch into the next area to defeat and scan hostile creature #4, the Exo-Alluvial.

Take the left path at the fork ahead. On the left side of this path, you will find unique natural resource #4, the Cryo Egg.

Down the right path of the same fork, locate the short downhill path on the left side leading towards a distant blue light to find knowledge cube #13.

Along the side of the icy path later on, scan unique natural resource #5, the Mortis Beetle. Before continuing down the second section of icy path, wrap around the left side of the terrain to find knowledge cube #14 atop a short slope.

In the area ahead, activate pillar #3. Extract the data from the large creature nearby to craft weapon #3, the Cryo Launcher.

After using the Cryo Launcher to cross the first section of worm-infested water, find the uphill slope on the right side leading to an alcove containing knowledge cube #15.

At the next section of worm-infested water is the first opportunity to unlock “Shattered,” which requires you to kill an enemy while it is in a frozen state. Freeze an Arachnid Scorpiod with the Cryo Launcher, then kill it with VERA.

“Alpha” will be unlocked after defeating the Alpha. Scan its corpse for hostile creature #5.

Upon scanning the Alpha, you will be prompted to craft gadget #1, the Protective Barrier. This will unlock “Improvise, Adapt, Overcome.”

When crossing the worm-infested waters past the monolith, build a path towards the ledge on the right marked by the red Poplium flower. Knowledge cube #16 is found on this ledge. Finish crossing the worm-infested waters to activate pillar #4.

On the right side next to the forked path ahead of pillar #4, you will find consumable #4, the Battery Recharge. Obtaining this will unlock “Master Survivor.”

Take the left path of the fork all the way to the end to find knowledge cube #17 beyond a small pool of water.

The right path of the fork leads to some Exo-Alluvials. Activate the Pulse Scan (default: C) near one of these enemies to unlock “Real-time Analysis.”

From the right path of the fork, hug the left side to find an uphill slope containing knowledge cube #18 on the edge of a jutting rock.

After crossing through a rocky passage, enter the webbed cave on the right side to find knowledge cube #19.

Continue past this cave and follow along the right side of the path until you find the first Alien Artifact. Beyond this artifact is knowledge cube #20 at the top of a cliff overlooking pillar #4.

Heading back from this area, take the uphill path to the right of the Electric Blisters to find knowledge cube #21.

Pass under the branch marked by the red fluorescent lights. Hug the left side of this area to find knowledge cube #22 next to a red Poplium flower. Go back to where you entered this area and now move along the right side of it. At this corner of the marsh is knowledge cube #23. Continue exploring this area to defeat and scan hostile creature #6, the Omnivorous Colossus.

Back at the console near the waterfall in the previous area, use the two Alien Artifacts to solve the puzzle and unlock “Putting Together the Initial Pieces.”

Once you’ve passed through the storm and entered the cave, follow the first short path on the left to find weapon upgrade #1, the Cryo Reservoir upgrade for the Cryo Launcher. Crafting this will unlock “Tinkerer.”

At the bottom of the cave, take the path to the left to find knowledge cube #24.

After using a fallen tree as a bridge outside the cave, enter the shelter on the left side and activate pillar #5. This should unlock “Pillars Everywhere.”

Head further into the shelter past pillar #5 towards the ledge overlooking the center of the cave to find knowledge cube #25.

“Fear Keeps You Sharp” will unlock following the cutscene that plays at the end of chapter 1 after defeating the Alluvial King.

Section overview:

• Achievement progress: 27/45
• Pillars to activate: 1
• Hostile creatures to scan: 3
• Gadgets to craft: 2
• Weapon upgrades to find: 3
• Knowledge cubes to find: 23

With the Alluvial King defeated, scan it for hostile creature #7. After scanning it, use the next prompt on the corpse to craft gadget #2, the Flammable Liquid. To the left of the narrow passage leading out of this area is knowledge cube #26.

“Blades of Grass” will automatically unlock as you continue down the trail to the next area.

Following the cutscene in the area with the animals, head to the left corner of this area to find knowledge cube #27 as well as weapon upgrade #2, the Electricity Storage upgrade for VERA.

Proceed up the path out of this area to find knowledge cube #28 directly on the right side of the path. Further ahead on the same path you can find knowledge cube #29 hidden behind a red & blue bush on the right.

Another cutscene will play shortly afterwards, unlocking “Lost Scientist” after the prompt to pick up the doll. In this same area, hug the right side of the path ahead to find knowledge cube #30 between two of the red & blue bushes.

Continue into the cave to activate pillar #6 over a pool of water.

Now is a good time to go for one of the few remaining achievements that you’re unlikely to unlock through standard gameplay, “Final Destination.” This requires you to use the Protective Barrier to shield from incoming damage that would have killed you. Allow the enemy in the upcoming area to attack you to drop to very low health, then activate the Protective Barrier and let it attack you again. It’s best to attempt this shortly after activating a pillar to allow yourself to have multiple attempts without losing any progress if you accidentally die.

In the next hallway after pillar #6, defeat and scan hostile creature #8, the Flesh Alluvial. At the first fork in the hallway, find knowledge cube #31 in the short path on the left.

Shortly afterwards at the next fork, head to the upper portion of the right path to find knowledge cube #32 next to a red Poplium flower.

The left path of this fork presents an opportunity for “CAUTION: Flammable,” which requires you to ignite multiple enemies with a single Flammable Liquid charge. Next to the large tree in this path are several Scorpiod Cocoons. Allow them all to hatch into Arachnid Scorpiods, then launch the Flammable Liquid in front of the group of enemies and ignite the liquid with a shot from your Thermic Charger.

Behind the large tree in this area is knowledge cube #33 over some roots.

When reaching the top of the curved ramp around the edge of the cave, continue forward to find knowledge cube #34 near a dead-end. A bit further ahead on this path, find knowledge cube #35 on the left side near some mossy roots.

Just before heading to the light shining into the cave, take the short path on the left to find knowledge cube #36 and knowledge cube #37.

Knowledge cube #38 sits directly on the left side of the main path near the gap you need to crouch through.

At the point where light shines through a hole in the ceiling of the cave, knowledge cube #39 awaits on the left side.

Finally out of the cave and into a large open area, defeat and scan hostile creature #9, the Feliform Ripper.

In the far left corner of the large grassy field, you will find knowledge cube #40 near the ledge overlooking some waterfalls. Hidden to the left side of the metallic ramp leading out of this area is knowledge cube #41.

The next cutscene will lead to a prompt to craft gadget #3, the Holo-lure. Completing the tutorial for this gadget should unlock “Baited.”

Before proceeding forward after the cutscene, head back and to the left to find knowledge cube #42 amongst the wreckage.

Once Kate talks about the crash site, two Arachnid Jumpers will appear on the left. Go down the path that they came from to find knowledge cube #43 between two waterfalls.

Nearby, shoot the Electric Blister over the hanging crate to create a climbable platform. Climb up to find knowledge cube #44 and weapon upgrade #3, the Current Augmenter upgrade for VERA.

After exiting out of the large pipe, hook around the right side to find knowledge cube #45 inside another pipe. Next to this pipe is an uphill backtracking path that contains knowledge cube #46.

“Fallen Deity” will unlock once you’ve reached the crash site. Before entering the ship, knowledge cube #47 can be found tucked on the right side between two sleeping bags.

Inside the ship’s first room on the right, knowledge cube #48 is concealed behind the crate containing a fire extinguisher.

With the keycard, go to the ship’s second room on the right side. Open the locker in the middle of the room to obtain weapon upgrade #4 for the Electric Cutter.

Chapter 2 ends after fully exploring the Hermes and exiting the ship.

Section overview:

• Achievement progress: 29/45
• Pillars to activate: 4
• Hostile creatures to scan: 5
• Unique natural resources to scan: 1
• Gadgets to craft: 1
• Weapons to craft: 1
• Weapon upgrades to find: 3
• Knowledge cubes to find: 46

Head up the path to activate pillar #7 marked by a green light.

Beginning with the path to the right of pillar #7, find knowledge cube #49 directly along the right side. At the point where this path stops ascending, knowledge cube #50 can be found on the right side in a small area not covered with snow.

The cutscene at the waypoint concludes with a prompt to craft weapon upgrade #5, the Flux Igniter upgrade for the Thermic Charger.

Now taking the path to the left of pillar #7, knowledge cube #51 sits on the right site just before the small sheet of white ice. Knowledge cube #52 is found shortly afterwards to the right of the ice that you will need to break to proceed through this path.

After picking up the Info Capsule and crawling through a small passage, you can use the capsule on the device on the left marked by a red light for an additional knowledge boost.

At the top of the hill on the right side of this next area, knowledge cube #53 is hidden behind the alien device.

Following the cutscene at the transit station, grab knowledge cube #54 to the left of the large sphere.

On your way to the next area, defeat and scan hostile creature #10, the Fur Colossus.

At the point where this uphill path bends, pick up knowledge cube #55 on the left side. Knowledge cube #56 can then be found on the right side halfway up the next uphill climb. Activate pillar #8 on the left side.

Wrapping around the ledge below the pillar, knowledge cube #57 and knowledge cube #58 are directly along the main path.

After crossing through the windy passage, shoot the breakable icy wall on the left side to reveal knowledge cube #59. Crawl through the narrow gap in this same area to find knowledge cube #60.

Returning with the Power Source, defeat and scan hostile creature #11, the Glacial Alluvium.

Once you’ve solved the bridge puzzle, knowledge cube #61 is concealed on a structure on the right side along the shortcut leading back to pillar #8.

With a Power Source in your possession, traverse backwards down the winding path past pillar #8 and back towards the transit station. Continue backtracking until you see an console that you can interact with along the wall and marked by a red light. Use the Power Source here to unveil a small room containing knowledge cube #62, knowledge cube #63, and weapon upgrade #6, the Freezing Booster upgrade for the Cryo Launcher. Don’t forget to grab the Power Source again on your way back.

Through the first gate opened by the Power Source, knowledge cube #64 is next to the structure behind the pool of water marked by a red light.

To the far left side of the entrance to this area you can find knowledge cube #65 next to another Info Capsule.

Investigate the device near these two pickups to craft gadget #4, the Gravity Trap.

On the right side of the laser barrier, scan unique natural resource #6, the Stationary Dispenser. Past the lasers and next to the second Power Source is knowledge cube #66.

Past the larger gate requiring both Power Sources, defeat and scan hostile creature #12, the Tunnel Serpent. Just beyond this first enemy, destroy the breakable icy wall on the left to find knowledge cube #67.

After the hall of Tunnel Serpents, take the path on the right towards knowledge cube #68 atop a large arch. Circle around to the path on the opposite side to find knowledge cube #69.

Shortly after entering a cave, knowledge cube #70 sits directly on the right side of the main path.

Here is a decent spot to try for the “Trapped” achievement. This requires you to keep an enemy within the Gravity Trap for its whole duration, though it seems that the timing may be lenient. The weak Arachnid Jumpers in this area are good to use when attempting this.

Knowledge cube #71 rests under the small bridge on the lower path ahead. Heading up to cross this bridge, you will find knowledge cube #72 nearby and knowledge cube #73 further back along the ledge. Another Info Capsule sits on the ledge on the opposite side of these cubes.

Be quick to collect knowledge cube #74 on the right side near some white ice shortly after you exit the cave and begin progressing towards hypothermia again.

Passing through the small gap, knowledge cube #75 will be directly ahead. Activate pillar #9 here as well.

Entering the cave after the fight, activate pillar #10 on the left side. Take the lower path ahead to grab knowledge cube #76.

On the upper path, defeat and scan hostile creature #13, the Winged Leech. Continue straight ahead to collect knowledge cube #77 against an icy wall.

Prior to crossing the icy bridge above, grab knowledge cube #78 to the right side. At the corner of the ledge on the left side ahead you can find knowledge cube #79.

Knowledge cube #80 sits to the left of the first breakable icicle that Kate points out.

Before entering the small gap ahead, shoot the breakable icy wall on the left side to reach a small area containing three knowledge cubes. Knowledge cube #81 can be found by the pillar near the entrance, knowledge cube #82 sits by the back wall at the end of the area, and knowledge cube #83 is up the nearby slope overlooking the previous area.

Outside the cave, you may see a knowledge cube sitting atop a ledge on the right. Hug the right wall and wrap around the long path on the right of the fork to find knowledge cube #84 and weapon upgrade #7, the Thermic Bolster upgrade for the Thermic Charger.

From the point where you fall into another cave, knowledge cube #85 can be found on the far left side near a chasm.

Further ahead after exiting this cave, the path diverges in three directions. Take the path on the right to find an Info Capsule as well as knowledge cube #86 at the spot where you fell into the previous cave. The left path of this same fork contains knowledge cube #87.

After crossing through the middle of the large metallic structure, knowledge cube #88 can be found on the inside of the large ledge on the right side.

At the point where the uphill path curves to the left, knowledge cube #89 sits on the edge of the ledge on the right.

Head up to the red Laser Fence on the left side to activate pillar #10.

Into the area with heavy snowfall, stick to the lower path on the right side. At the point where this path stops descending, search for knowledge cube #90 beside a large rock on the right side. When this path continues uphill, knowledge cube #91 will be found directly on the left side.

Knowledge cube #92 will be found at the entrance to another cave. Straight ahead from where you entered, knowledge cube #93 rests in a small alcove along the left wall of this cave.

Up ahead after passing through a small gap, knowledge cube #94 is found in the middle of the path leading back to the Laser Fence and pillar #10.

Once the Construct is defeated, scan it for hostile creature #14. This kill also unlocks “Deconstructed.”

After scanning the Construct, interact with it again to craft weapon #4, the Chemical Atomizer.

Section overview:

• Achievement progress: 32/45
• Pillars to activate: 2
• Hostile creatures to scan: 2
• Weapon upgrades to find: 1
• Knowledge cubes to find: 31

Proceed through the halls of this first area until there is a 45-degree turn to the right. Knowledge cube #95 can be found on the right side just before the elevator.

After taking another elevator to a lower level, grab knowledge cube #96 on the left.

Across the nearby bridge, find knowledge cube #97 near the elevator shaft on the left. Then head in the opposite direction to get knowledge cube #98 on the right side and activate pillar #11 nearby.

Knowledge cube #99 is near the next Power Source that you will collect.

Up the next elevator, defeat and scan hostile creature #15, the Security Drone.

Taking another elevator up, defeat and scan hostile creature #16, the Mechanical Arachnid. In the hall where these enemies first appear, find knowledge cube #100 along the left wall.

After encountering the first Automated Turret and before crossing a bridge, knowledge cube #101 is hidden on the left side behind some fallen debris.

You will see knowledge cube #102 sitting directly on one of the bridges that you need to activate in this area.

Once you’re up the elevator to the transit control room, knowledge cube #103 is just behind the console and knowledge cube #104 is to the left of the ramp ahead.

In the new area after taking the transit system, knowledge cube #105 rests to the right of the ramp. Activate pillar #12 on the left.

Entering the next room will trigger some dialogue and unlock “The Code of Life.”

This room with the hologram of a double helix contains three nearby knowledge cubes. Knowledge cube #106 to the left, knowledge cube #107 behind, and knowledge cube #108 to the right, each sitting atop a crate.

Following a cutscene in the next room, collect knowledge cube #109 along the left wall and knowledge cube #110 along the right wall.

Before going through the doors after taking the elevator down, grab knowledge cube #111 on the right. Shortly down the hallway, knowledge cube #112 sits on a crate on the right.

Three more knowledge cubes can be found in the next room. Knowledge cube #113 is on the right side next to the ramp leading to four incubation chambers. In the small alcove at the back, you can find knowledge cube #114. Across from the ramp leading up to a console is knowledge cube #115.

Using the console to move the incubation chamber into position will unlock “A Healthy Mind.”

With the Alien blood sample, backtrack up the elevator and past the room with the double helix hologram. Just before reaching the transit system, use the sample on a console on the left to open another secret room. This room contains knowledge cube #116 as well as weapon upgrade #8, the Thermic Barrel upgrade for the Thermic Charger.

Continuing back on the main path and into a room with more holograms, grab knowledge cube #117 on the left side. Wrap around the nearby pillar to find knowledge cube #118 also on the left.

Past the first hologram, check for knowledge cube #119 on the ground behind some crates on the left.

Proceed down the door behind the second hologram. Use the sample on the console on the right to open a small room containing knowledge cube #120 and knowledge cube #121.

Head back and take the other door near the second hologram to find knowledge cube #122 and knowledge cube #123 to each side of a beeping audio log. Activate this audio log to unlock “Control Variable.”

After the next cutscene, circle around the outer wall of the room to find knowledge cube #124 and knowledge cube #125. Chapter 4 ends after interacting with the central console.

Section overview:

• Achievement progress: 37/45
• Pillars to activate: 4
• Hostile creatures to scan: 4
• Unique natural resources to scan: 1
• Gadgets to craft: 1
• Weapons to craft: 1
• Weapon upgrades to find: 3
• Knowledge cubes to find: 43

Activate pillar #13 ahead.

At the point where some Arachnid Jumpers attack, hug the left wall to find knowledge cube #126. Just ahead from here, knowledge cube #127 sits along the right wall.

Knowledge cube #128 is to the right of the narrow passage you will have to squeeze through.

In the next area, defeat and scan hostile creature #17, the Bipedal Stalker.

Activate pillar #14 on the right side. Beside the pillar, pick up knowledge cube #129.

At the front of the nearby gate, collect knowledge cube #130.

After crawling through a small gap, knowledge cube #131 sits directly on the right side of the path. Wrap around to the right side of this area to find knowledge cube #132 in a small alcove. Shoot the breakable icy wall over the pool of water to reveal knowledge cube #133. Knowledge cube #134 sits on the left side of the path forward between two red fluorescent lights.

Once you’ve squeezed through another narrow passage, find knowledge cube #135 along the left wall between two fluorescent plants.

About halfway up the hill in this same area, scan unique natural resource #7, the Acidulous Worm. This scan should unlock “Master Scientist.”

Continue to the top of this hill to find knowledge cube #136 and weapon upgrade #9, the Acid Focus upgrade for the Chemical Atomizer.

Shortly after crawling through another small gap, collect knowledge cube #137 along the right wall. Past a couple pools of water you will find knowledge cube #138 directly along the path.

Around this point you may have earned enough knowledge xp to unlock “Peak Potential”, which requires you to unlock a tier 4 ability.

Hug the right wall up ahead to locate knowledge cube #139 in the small alcove where Kate experiences another hallucination.

In the area where some more Arachnid Jumpers attack, search for knowledge cube #140 behind a pillar. Knowledge cube #141 can then be found directly in the middle of the path ahead.

Along the wall in front of the gate leading back to pillar #14, knowledge cube #142 can be found. In the far right corner across the pool of water, knowledge cube #143 sits on a small section of land.

Head up the hill on the left closer to the entrance of this area to find knowledge cube #144 atop a ledge. Enter the small gap nearby to find knowledge cube #145.

Now going up the hill marked by the red lights, wrap around to the left to grab knowledge cube #146 near another ledge.

After squeezing through the metallic structure, take the first left turn to find knowledge cube #147 and knowledge cube #148 next to each other in a small dead end.

When the cave opens to an area with a much higher ceiling, continue along the left wall to find knowledge cube #149.

Up ahead in this area, defeat and scan hostile creature #18, the Purulent Exo-Mutant.

To the right of the small gap leading out of this area, collect knowledge cube #150 and weapon #5 the Fire Ray.

Follow the path to find and activate pillar #15. Pick up the nearby knowledge cube #151 along the wall to the right.

At the point where you drop down a small ledge near a membrane, turn around to find knowledge cube #152. Up ahead where the path splits, head up the left side to find knowledge cube #153.

Continuing in the opposite direction, stay along the wall until you come across knowledge cube #154.

Head down towards the water, then take the first path on the left. Proceed up the bend to find a small alcove containing knowledge cube #155 and weapon upgrade #10, the Heat Accelerator upgrade for the Fire Ray.

Drop down to the water to defeat and scan hostile creature #19, the Feliform Cadaver. After scanning, interact with the corpse again to craft weapon upgrade #11, the Acid Multiplicator upgrade for the Chemical Atomizer. This kill will additionally unlock “Flesh and Bones.”

Squeeze past the growths to find knowledge cube #156.

When some Tunnel Serpents appear, follow the path up the left side to knowledge cube #157.

In the next area, knowledge cube #158 sits atop the arch that you pass under. Wrap around the left side to reach it.

Knowledge cube #159 will appear in a small alcove on the right side along the main path. Straight ahead from this point, knowledge cube #160 sits among some mushroom-like structures at a point where the path forks.

Shortly down the next hall, look for another small alcove on the right side containing knowledge cube #161.

In an area with another Tunnel Serpent nest, activate pillar #16. Ahead of the pillar, take the path down on the right for knowledge cube #162.

After crossing a bridge and entering an area where the path forks, head right to find knowledge cube #163 on a ledge.

Knowledge cube #164 will be directly along the left path of the fork. Further ahead, knowledge cube #165 rests in a circular structure along the right side.

Just before entering another small circular hallway, knowledge cube #166 is hidden by the wall on the left side.

Entering the next area, follow the wall along the right side to reach knowledge cube #167. Before passing through the narrow gap leading out of this area, head to the left of it to pick up knowledge cube #168.

In the final area of the chapter, defeat and scan hostile creature #20, the Neuro-parasite. Killing this creature will unlock “Face the Nightmare.”

After scanning the corpse, interact with it again to craft gadget #5, the Spatial Shift. Crafting this final gadget will unlock “Science Wins.”

Note: it is recommended that you avoid quitting out of the game at the start of chapter 6 until after you have teleported to the research facility in order to maintain a cleaner checkpoint.

Section overview:

• Achievement progress: 45/45
• Pillars to activate: 3
• Hostile creatures to scan: 1
• Weapons to craft: 1
• Weapon upgrades to find: 3
• Knowledge cubes to find: 54

Once you’ve used the monolith to transport to the research facility, head to the right side to grab knowledge cube #169.

When you pass between two large trees with the red door in the distance, hug the left wall for knowledge cube #170.

Shortly after entering the doorway, pick up knowledge cube #171 on the left. Along the right wall, pick up the item needed to craft weapon #6, the VOLTA. Crafting this final weapon will unlock “Destructive Tool Collection.”

In the next room, knowledge cube #172 is found along the left wall. Continue wrapping around the left wall for knowledge cube #173 nearby.

On the new path back to the monolith, find knowledge cube #174 on the right just before a bridge.

The next three areas can be visited in any order. Beginning in the swamp biome, follow the waypoints to reach the field outpost. Once inside, activate pillar #17. “Worlds Without End” unlocked for me at this point even though there are still more pillars to find, so it may unlock for you as well.

After climbing up three ledges ahead, check the left side of the path for knowledge cube #175.

Once you’ve dropped down to the water, head to the dry area on the right and search for knowledge cube #176 in a clearing surrounded by fungal plants.

Nearby, interact with one of the bodies in order to defeat and scan hostile creature #21, the Fungus Humanoid. This is the last creature scan required to unlock “Scientific Collection.”

With the Access Rod, continue through the water towards the waypoint and search for a small gap in the wall on the left. Inside, grab knowledge cube #177. Around this point, you may have earned enough knowledge xp to unlock “Masterclass” for obtaining all abilities. Once this is unlocked, you can safely ignore all remaining knowledge cube pickups.

Before interacting with the console at the next door, climb up the path on the left side for knowledge cube #178. To the other side of the console, find knowledge cube #179 along the right wall.

Past the door, knowledge cube #180 sits directly along the path not far ahead.

Following the waypoint beyond the second locked door, find knowledge cube #181 along the right wall in front of a broken door.

In this same cave, traverse into the water ahead and past the waterfall on the right to find weapon upgrade #12, the VOLTA Expander upgrade for VOLTA. Crafting this upgrade should unlock “Applied Science.” If you now have 42/45 achievements, you will not need to worry about any remaining collectibles as the last three achievements are all story-related and not missable.

Taking the path out of the cave, grab knowledge cube #182 on the ledge straight ahead before wrapping around the bend.

Further up the path ahead, knowledge cube #183 sits on the left side in front of a waterfall. After dropping into the next area with the red console, knowledge cube #184 will be on the wall directly behind you.

Knowledge cube #185 can be found along the left wall at one of the turns of the marshy path ahead.

Entering another cave ahead, knowledge cube #186 sits by a ledge on the left side.

After taking the Monolith to the lake biome, turn left to find knowledge cube #187.

When the path ahead forks, head to the end of the left path to find knowledge cube #188 and weapon upgrade #13, the Beam Enhancer upgrade for the Fire Ray.

On the right path of the fork, knowledge cube #189 is hidden behind the small structure along the right side.

Inside the next cave, take the path on the right to grab knowledge cube #190 along the inner wall. Continuing up the ramp, knowledge cube #191 is on the left side near some icicles. Activate pillar #18 ahead.

Once you’ve cleared the wave of enemies and passed through the small gap, head to the left side to find knowledge cube #192 in a small alcove and knowledge cube #193 at the top of the ledge nearby.

Past the door requiring the blood sample, knowledge cube #194 overlooks the large opening on the right side. Shortly afterward, knowledge cube #195 sits directly in the path after dropping down some ledges.

At the end of the path with the laser fence leading to another Power Source, knowledge cube #196 and another Info Capsule sit nearby.

Down the path with a trail of white ice, find knowledge cube #197 on a structure along the left side.

Ahead, take the path on the right to knowledge cube #198 near another Power Source.

Before taking the elevator, find knowledge cube #199 among some crates on the right side.

In the pool of red liquid, search for an alcove along the right wall containing knowledge cube #200.

After opening the door requiring four Power Sources, knowledge cube #201 is immediately on the right side. To the right of the elevator behind the console is knowledge cube #202.

Knowledge cube #203 sits directly on the right side of the long path leading back to the monolith. After dropping down the first ledge, grab the nearby knowledge cube #204 before dropping down again to the monolith.

Past the first waypoint in the grassy plains biome, hug the left side to find knowledge cube #205.

When the path descends to another pool of water, head to the far right to find knowledge cube #206 near some Scorpiod Cocoons. Back to the left side of the main path, knowledge cube #207 sits near a set of three Scorpiod Cocoons.

Into the dark area after squeezing through a narrow gap, stick to the left side to find knowledge cube #208 behind an illuminated pillar near an Automated Turret. To the right of the narrow passage leading out of this area is knowledge cube #209.

Shortly after climbing up a ledge, knowledge cube #210 can be found along the right side.

Further up this same path, along the left wall there is another ledge that you can climb. This leads to an area with knowledge cube #211 and weapon upgrade #14, the VOLTA Arc upgrade for VOLTA.

Activate pillar #19 directly along the path ahead.

Knowledge cubes can be found behind each of the doors in this area that open to reveal an enemy. The first door contains knowledge cube #212 atop a crate on the left, and knowledge cube #213 on another crate at the back. The second door leads to a smaller room with knowledge cube #214. The room behind the final door has knowledge cube #215 on a crate on the right side.

After passing through the small gap to exit this area, knowledge cube #216 is directly to the left.

Knowledge cube #217 sits directly on the path after returning outdoors.

Once you’ve dropped down to the river, knowledge cube #218 can be found directly ahead. Take the path to the left to climb up to a small area containing knowledge cube #219, knowledge cube #220, and knowledge cube #221 all right next to each other.

Head back down to the opposite end of the river and follow the uphill path to find knowledge cube #222, then drop down the ledge to its left to return to the monolith.

Following some exposition at the research facility, “I Just Wanted You To See Her” will be unlocked.

After defeating the Omega, you will unlock “Omega.”

After completing the game, you will unlock “We are SCARs” as the credits roll.

These achievements are listed roughly in chronological order by earliest attainability.

VERA assembled.

Story-related, prologue.

Discovered the Metahedron vista.

Story-related, prologue.

Weathered the mysterious storm.

Story-related, prologue.

Scanned the first hostile creature.

Hard to miss, earliest unlock in chapter 1. To scan a creature, simply interact with its corpse after killing it.

Scanned first natural resource.

Hard to miss, earliest unlock in chapter 1. These are found throughout the game. Interact with the natural resource to scan it.

Caused an elemental reaction.

Hard to miss, earliest unlock in chapter 1. Very likely to unlock when shooting an enemy.

Scanned a Knowledge Cube.

Hard to miss, earliest unlock in chapter 1. Pick up one of the many knowledge cubes scattered throughout the environment. They are commonly hidden in side paths and along walls.

Activated your first pillar.

Not missable, earliest unlock in chapter 1. It seems that “activating” a pillar just means approaching it, but it’s a good idea to always interact with them as well since they serve as checkpoints.

Unlocked the first ability.

Hard to miss, earliest unlock in chapter 1. Use the knowledge experience gained from environment scans and knowledge cubes to unlock an ability in the menu.

Used the Mobile Printing Unit to craft the Thermic Charger.

Story-related, chapter 1.

Crafted the first consumable.

Hard to miss, earliest unlock in chapter 1. Some containers provide these consumables, which can be crafted after they are first discovered.

Investigated the area around Richard’s backpack and figured out where he went.

Story-related, chapter 1.

Killed an enemy while it was in the frozen state.

Hard to miss, earliest unlock in chapter 1. Use the Cryo Launcher obtained in chapter 1 to freeze an enemy, then kill it before it thaws.

Defeated the Alpha.

Story-related, chapter 1.

Crafted the first gadget.

Not missable, earliest unlock in chapter 1.

Used the shield to deflect incoming damage that would have killed you.

Very missable, earliest unlock in chapter 1. The “shield” is the Protective Barrier gadget that you obtain after defeating the Alpha. It is best to attempt this on a strong enemy shortly after making a checkpoint at a pillar. Activate the shield after allowing the enemy to drain nearly all of your health, then let it hit you again.

Crafted all consumables.

Hard to miss, earliest unlock in chapter 1. The four consumables to collect are:

• Resistance Booster
• Ammo Cache
• Healing Injection
• Battery Recharge

Each can be found in containers around the environment as early as chapter 1.

Used the pulse scan to reveal an enemy weak point.

Hard to miss, earliest unlock in chapter 1. This ability is unlocked after defeating the Alpha mini-boss. Simply use the pulse scan (default: C) near an enemy.

Solved the Alien Console puzzle.

Story-related, chapter 1.

Crafted a weapon upgrade.

Hard to miss, earliest unlock in chapter 1. Weapon upgrades are typically only found in side paths, and a few are hard to find.

Activated 5 pillars.

Not missable, earliest unlock in chapter 1.

Discovered Robinsons’ transformation into the Alluvial King and had to kill him.

Story-related, chapter 1.

Reached the Grassy Plains.

Story-related, chapter 2.

Found Mr. Jefferson.

Story-related, chapter 2.

Ignited multiple enemies with a single Flammable Liquid charge.

Missable, earliest unlock in chapter 2. The Flammable Liquid gadget is obtained after defeating the Alluvial King. Find a group of enemies, throw the Flammable Liquid near them, then shoot the liquid with your Thermic Charger to ignite the enemies.

Killed an enemy while it was affected by the Holo-lure.

Hard to miss, earliest unlock in chapter 2. You will likely unlock this by completing the tutorial for this gadget.

Found the crashed remains of the Hermes.

Story-related, chapter 2.

Kept an enemy within the Gravity Trap for its whole duration.

Hard to miss, earliest unlock in chapter 3. A good method for this is to use the Gravity Trap on a slow, tanky enemy such as the Glacial Alluvium.

Defeated the Construct.

Story-related, chapter 3.

Learned of the mysterious code hidden in genes.

Story-related, chapter 4.

Solved all puzzles.

Story-related, chapter 4.

Learned of Kate’s special status.

Hard to miss (story-related?), chapter 4. Towards the end of chapter 4 there is a room with hologram panels for each of the four SCAR members. In the middle of this room is an audio log that unlocks this achievement when activated. It’s not clear if activating the audio log is required for the achievement; there may be other non-missable triggers for this achievement later on.

Unlocked a tier 4 ability.

Missable, earliest unlock around chapter 4-5. You will need a minimum of 22 knowledge points to unlock a tier 4 ability, so be sure to collect as many knowledge cubes as you can.

Scanned all available unique natural resources.

Missable, earliest unlock in chapter 5. Most of these resources are very commonly found throughout the game. It’s not clear which exact set of resources are required for this achievement. You may only need the four bolded resources, but be sure to have scanned all seven of these to be safe:

• Sky Fresia (chapter 1+)
• Poplium (chapter 1+)
• Pile of Bones (chapter 1+)
• Cryo Egg (chapter 1+)
• Mortis Beetle (chapter 1+)
• Stationary Dispenser (chapter 3+)
• Acidulous Worm (chapter 5+)

Defeated the Feliform Cadaver

Story-related, chapter 5.

Defeated the Neuro-parasite.

Story-related, chapter 5.

Crafted all gadgets

Hard to miss, unlocked in chapter 5. The five gadgets you will need to craft are:

• Protective Barrier (chapter 1 after scanning the Alpha mini-boss)
• Flammable Liquid (chapter 2 after scanning the Alluvial King boss)
• Holo-lure (chapter 2 during a prompt after a cutscene)
• Gravity Trap (chapter 4 from investigating a device, likely required to progress)
• Spatial Shift (chapter 5 after scanning the Neuro-parasite boss)

Crafted all weapons.

Hard to miss, unlocked in chapter 6. There are six total weapons not counting the Electric Cutter (melee weapon). Only the last two are missable but they are found not far off the main path.

• VERA (story-related, prologue)
• Thermic Charger (story-related, chapter 1)
• Cryo Launcher (story-related, chapter 1)
• Chemical Atomizer (story-related, chapter 3)
• Fire Ray (chapter 5)
• VOLTA (chapter 6)

Activated all pillars.

Hard to miss, unlocked in chapter 6. All pillars are found along the main path, you would have to go out of your way to avoid activating one. There are 19 total pillars: five in chapter 1, one in chapter 2, four in chapter 3, two in chapter 4, four in chapter 5, and three in chapter 6.

Scanned all hostile creatures.

Very missable, unlocked in chapter 6. There are 21 creatures to scan for this achievement. The bosses can only be killed once so they must be scanned before progressing. Other enemies may only make a few appearances, but all can be found along the main path.

• Arachnid Jumper (chapter 1+)
• Arachnid Scorpiod (chapter 1+)
• Arachnid Exploder (chapter 1+)
• Exo-Alluvial (chapter 1+)
• The Alpha (chapter 1)
• Omnivorous Colossus (chapter 1+)
• Alluvial King (chapter 2)
• Flesh Alluvial (chapter 2+)
• Feliform Ripper (chapter 2+)
• Fur Colossus (chapter 3+)
• Glacial Alluvium (chapter 3+)
• Tunnel Serpent (chapter 3+)
• Winged Leech (chapter 3+)
• The Construct (chapter 3)
• Security Drone (chapter 4+)
• Mechanical Arachnid (chapter 4+)
• Bipedal Stalker (chapter 5+)
• Purulent Exo-Mutant (chapter 5+)
• Feliform Cadaver (chapter 5)
• Neuro-parasite (chapter 5)
• Fungus Humanoid (chapter 6)

Unlocked all abilities.

Very missable, unlocked in chapter 6. You will need 50 out of the possible ~63 knowledge points to unlock all abilities, which requires collecting a majority of the knowledge cubes and scanning most of the environment. Passive abilities are not required for this achievement.

Crafted a weapon upgrade for all weapons.

Very missable, unlocked in chapter 6. There are 14 weapon upgrades which are typically found on some of the longer or more hidden side paths. Each weapon has at least two upgrades, and only one is required per weapon. The upgrade for the Electric Cutter (melee weapon) is likely not required for this achievement.

• Cryo Reservoir (Cryo Launcher upgrade #1, chapter 1)
• Electricity Storage (VERA upgrade #1, chapter 2)
• Current Augmenter (VERA upgrade #2, chapter 2)
• Electric Cutter upgrade (chapter 2)
• Flux Igniter (Thermic Charger upgrade #1, chapter 3)
• Freezing Booster (Cryo Launcher upgrade #2, chapter 3)
• Thermic Bolster (Thermic Charger upgrade #2, chapter 3)
• Thermic Barrel (Thermic Charger upgrade #3, chapter 4)
• Acid Focus (Chemical Atomizer upgrade #1, chapter 5)
• Heat Accelerator (Fire Ray upgrade #1, chapter 5)
• Acid Multiplicator (Chemical Atomizer upgrade #2, chapter 5)
• VOLTA Expander (VOLTA upgrade #1, chapter 6)
• Beam Enhancer (Fire Ray upgrade #2, chapter 6)
• VOLTA Arc (VOLTA upgrade #2, chapter 6)

Discovered Naya’s fate.

Story-related, chapter 6.

Defeated the Omega and the Custodian.

Story-related, chapter 6.

Completed the game.

Story-related, chapter 6.

Thanks to the creators of the following resources for providing essential cross-referencing material for this guide. Consider checking out these links if you find this guide lacking or difficult to follow:

• Whytewolf416’s PSNProfiles trophy guide[psnprofiles.com]
• Plasma SKX’s video guides for collectibles
• Zhain’s full-game video walkthrough
• RagingTasmanian’s guides on Neoseeker[www.neoseeker.com]

Thanks for taking the time to check out this guide. Please let me know if you have any feedback/suggestions, or if you find any mistakes that need to be corrected.