Tips, Tricks, and Strategies to Defeat All Your Enemies and Save the World in Contra: Returns

The famous Contra run-and-gun shooter game series, which first debuted in 1987, is making a comeback this summer, with Konami, the franchise's producer, recently releasing a new version designed specifically for mobile devices.

Contra: Returns is the latest sequel to the renowned vintage game, created in collaboration with Tencent's Timi Studio Group. The new entry keeps the side-scrolling action of the original while adding its own modern spin. This new version includes a fresh new storey arc that spans 200 levels, as well as new characters and weaponry. Fans can now participate in a new one-life option in which they can put their endurance and talents to the test to see how long they can go without dying.

In Contra: Returns, the year is 2638, and an unnamed cosmic object is orbiting close to Earth, causing "black zones" to develop, which are rapidly inhabited by zombies, who declare war on humanity. The elite guerilla task team codenamed "Contra," which includes members like Bill Rizer and Han Feng, is now in charge of preventing Earth's destruction.

The group proceeds to the Galuga Archipelago, where they discover a zombie-infested laboratory, which turns out to be the consequence of Dr Geo Mandrake's failed attempts to resurrect his daughter Lucia. To find out what happens next, players are welcome to enter storey mode, where they will be entrusted with completing missions in order to advance the tale.

In addition to the storey mode, which is the first to be unlocked in Contra: Returns, there are a variety of other modes to check out and play, such as Team mode, PvP, Challenge, and more. The new game incorporates features from across the Contra franchise, but it also introduces various new characters and concepts, as discussed previously.

In any case, if you're new to Contra: Returns, you might be surprised by how much content is packed into this game. Stay with us as we unravel our Contra: Returns guide, which features a collection of tips, methods, and tactics to get you started in the proper way. We'll concentrate on storey mode for now, but we'll touch on the other game types and explain how they all contribute to your ultimate goal of preventing the destruction of the Earth.

1.Try out the Story Mode. To Level Up And Unlock New Heroes

When you initially start playing Contra: Returns, the first option you have is to play in storey mode. It's the quickest way to get your hands on the first few heroes and start levelling up so you can take use of the game's numerous other features.

Furthermore, because Story Mode levels are the primary source of EXP points and other resources (covered later in this section), spending time in this mode should be high on your priority list.

As you go through the game, you will be denied entry to subsequent stages unless your squad has levelled up to a specific amount. It's a good idea to go back and retry prior levels for bonus EXP if this happens. After completing each stage, players are given a rating between 1 and 3 stars based on their performance during the task. If you haven't been able to complete a level with a perfect score yet, go back and replay it. Hopefully, you'll be able to gain 3 stars this time, as well as more EXP and other stuff.

Additional tip: You can raid on levels where you've already gotten three stars. This will give you more EXP and allow you to obtain additional things that you will need to upgrade your weapons. Six stamina points are required for each raiding session. You can utilise the 10x raiding button to obtain a boatload of resources in addition to EXP if you have enough. Keep in mind, though, that if you continue to use the choice, your stamina will quickly deplete.

We advocate using EXP in moderation, as tempting as it is to earn a rapid score. You won't be able to play the following level in Story mode if you run out of stamina, and you'll have to wait until the energy you need is recovered (although there is another option, which we'll discuss in section 12).

2. Extra EXP is gained by completing missions.

You'll need to learn how to level up swiftly and efficiently in Contra: Returns if you want to make quick progress. EXP is required for levelling up, and as previously stated, you can get it quickly by participating in raids.

Completing Missions and collecting Activity points are two alternative ways to get the coveted EXP. Keep an eye on the Missions hub to see what you can accomplish. Redeem what's offered across all tabs, including Missions, Daily Training, Weekly Training, and Legion Training. Get proactive as well and see what tasks from the list you can tackle. For example, in exchange for 5x Activity points and 5x CP points, you can play 1 Arena Mode game.

You'll be able to access chests with a nice number of EXP, gold, EXP tickets, and other resources once you've accumulated enough Activity points.

So, if you need some EXP to help your squad move to the next level, check the Missions hub to see if there's anything fresh to redeem. The incentives are especially beneficial in this situation.

3. Boost the firepower of your weapon

Each of your Contra heroes carries two weapons: a main and a secondary, which you can quickly switch between when fighting zombies and aliens on the quest. Naturally, it's critical to continually developing these weapons, and increasing their firepower is the first step. It will be easier to burn through a level and deal with the boss waiting at the end if you have weapons with more firepower.

Before pressing the "Action" button to start the stage, make a mental note of the suggested firepower needs for each level. While it's best to follow the game's advice, don't panic if you don't satisfy the requirements; it doesn't always mean you're doomed. It is still possible to complete a level, albeit it is doubtful that you will receive a top 3-star rating.

Getting a 3-star rating, on the other hand, can be critical for upgrading your weapon firepower. To accomplish so, you'll need a variety of rubbish things, which are included in each level's reward package. You can go back and raid if you discover you're still missing some. But keep in mind that you can only do so if you've completed a level with a 3-star rating. If you don't succeed the first time, don't worry; you can go back to a stage and retry it as many times as you like.

You can improve the weapon's firepower from the Advancement menu once you've acquired enough things. If you're ever confused where to find these resources, simply tap on the ones you don't have. The game will provide you with a list of options for obtaining those materials. Raiding is the most popular method of obtaining these. You can also take part in a Challenge. And so forth. In Contra: Returns, things are made a lot easier because you're told exactly what to do to acquire access to a specific resource, thus there's no guesswork involved.

At the same time, check up the Proficiency area, which boosts firepower by utilising all of your accumulated Weapon Upgrade Cards, which you normally earn as a reward for participating in various activities. You'll be able to unlock a new upgrade every time you level up your hero, so keep an eye out for that. In addition, by upgrading Mods (Skill Modifications), firepower can be boosted.

Don't waste your resources by upgrading all of the weaponry you've already unlocked. Heroes use one main gun and one secondary gun in battle, thus you should concentrate on these two when completing improvements. Given that the cost of upgrades rises steadily as you continue, upgrading will become increasingly difficult as you progress, so don't make it any more difficult than it needs to be by spending money on guns other than the ones you're used to.

You may add new guns to your arsenal in Contra: Returns by simply playing the game and completing in-game activities like Story Missions, Boss Challenges, and Ranked Matches to collect weapon fragments and eventually assemble the weapons themselves.

There's also an unique shop where you can buy new weapons with Arena or Legion coins. In addition, you can use Diamonds from the Item Shop to purchase your favourite weaponry. It's also worth keeping an eye out for limited-time events, as they can be a wonderful way to find more unusual weaponry.

In any case, the first guns you'll be able to use will be from the lower-grade category. These can be B, C, or D-tier weapons. You'll unlock an S-tier weapon, which is the higher-end variety, on your second day of play. We recommend that you use your resources to refining the S weapon and another from the B/C/D crop as your secondary weapon. You might want to swap to an A-type gun later on if you've unlocked one.

It would be a fantastic idea if you could first try out each gun to see what they can do before deciding which one to continue with. Make sure you choose a backup gun that works well with the primary. For example, the Spread Gun, which has a mid to long-range, wide-area spreadshot, might be paired with a weapon like the Jaguar Sniper Rifle, which has a precise, long-range, and penetrative firing.

Extra tip: As the game progresses, you'll require ever more resources to advance your guns. However, if you follow our advise and concentrate on developing two weapons, you'll be able to put the others you've been keeping in your inventory to better use. You can try to extract them in exchange for some loot, which includes gear for improving weaponry as well as a great quantity of money. Keep in mind that you must upgrade a weapon at least once before it may be extracted.

4. Increase the number of stars assigned to your firearms.

A gun's star rating indicates how strong it is. The greater the star rating, the more powerful it is. You'll need to collect appropriate gun fragments until you have enough to permit the upgrade in order to advance your weapon this way.

The weapon's firepower, weapon mod, and barrage capacity will all improve if you add an extra star to its rating. Are you unsure where to look for the fragments you'll need to promote a specific gun? Don't be that way.

Tap the "+" next to the progress bar that shows how many pieces you've collected so far on the Promotion tab. A tiny window will appear, displaying all of the options for obtaining fragments. Please keep in mind that some of these events may not be available at the time. If you don't think you'll be able to use anything on the list straight away, return later.

5. Take a chance on each new hero.

You'll be able to unlock new heroes as you continue through the storey (usually at the end of a chapter). While all of your heroes can use the weapons you've unlocked so far, they each have their own set of skills and abilities that make them better or worse suited for different levels.

Learning to play with each new hero and understanding their strengths and weaknesses is our advise. One of the most crucial aspects of Contra: Returns is that all of your squad members can level up and upgrade their weapons at the same time. As a result, you won't have to worry about having a level 20 hero while another is stuck at level 10 since you haven't used him/her as much during raids.

With this arrangement in place, players may easily switch between heroes based on their in-game needs and preferences. Unfortunately, you may be needed to purchase a premium package or other such bundles in order to acquire access to top-tier heroes. This is especially true for S-class heroines such as Alice, who is included in the V Premium Pack.

6. During the levels, look for a safe spot.

As previously said, being able to clear levels with a perfect score is crucial. You might not be able to accomplish this accomplishment the first time you enter a new level with unknown geography and adversaries.

Fortunately, you can attempt again once you've gotten used to the surroundings and know where the most dangerous foes are likely to appear, as well as which configuration they'll appear in. All of the levels in Contra: Returns follow a recurring pattern, and if you can memorise it, you'll be fine and able to get the highest possible score. Even bosses follow a pre-determined script that is simple to pick up.

Because completing a level with more than 50% health is frequently a condition for receiving a star, you should also work on developing the ability to jump (do a double jump to reach higher). This will keep you safe from being attacked by adversaries who are constantly shooting at you as you approach them. Jumping is extremely useful in boss challenges since it allows you to avoid the larger creature's assaults.

Another strategy is to look for secure spots where you can position yourself and shoot your opponent without putting yourself in danger. For example, you can seek cover on a higher level where the boss' poison can't reach you and use your weapon to shoot it from there. Most levels have such a safe haven, although they may be harder to find if you're rushing through the level and don't take enough time to observe your surroundings.

To win, you'll often have to rely on your talents and quick reflexes. Remember, if you don't get all three stars on a level right away, come back later and try again. Perhaps with a better gun and the experience gained from past attempts at the level, you can win.

Extra tip: While playing stages in narrative mode, it's not a good idea to continuously blasting the fire button. While it may be tempting, resist the temptation and let the weapon cool down and replenish ammo. Basically, shoot only when necessary.

You have infinite ammo in Contra: Returns, but there is one little condition to be wary of. When you finish a cartridge, your weapon goes into a cool down mode (varies from gun to gun). When this happens, the hero will be compelled to reload the weapon, preventing you from defending yourself. The easiest method to avoid this is to stop using the weapon for short periods of time to allow it to regenerate. To save your health and prevent being critically wounded, try using the dodging approach during these respites.

7. In battle, don't forget to use your hero's special abilities.

As we previously stated, each hero possesses a set of unique abilities that can be extremely useful in battle. Just make sure you put them to good use! Some of them are incredibly powerful, and while they do have a cool down period, they replenish fairly quickly.

Don't become too dependant on pressing the fire button; there are a few more options. Sheena, for example, has a very useful Skill called EM Cannon, which can hit foes in the Cannon's line of fire seven times. It takes 5 seconds for the Cannon to recharge.

It's also vital to keep in mind that each of these Skills can be upgraded via the Hero hub. Put as much gold into them as can to improve them and make them even deadlier. Later on, you can add a Bonding Skill.

8. Increase the power of your super weapon

Your hero will have one Super Weapon in addition to the two standard weapons he or she will utilise during the stages. This cannon has the ability to deal massive quantities of damage at one moment, but it takes a long time to recharge and become active again.

In any case, make sure you put money towards upgrading your Super weapon. Increase its firepower by expending Nuclear batteries, which you can get by playing Endless mode in Challenges, for example.

When you're faced with a big influx of foes piling on top of you, the Super Weapon can come in help in boss battles as well as any hard stage. You may quickly disperse them with this big gun, then withdraw to a safer area where you can begin shooting out the remaining ones.

9. Take Advantage of Your Benefits They'll be available whenever the game makes them available.

To increase your resource reserve, make sure you collect all of the goodies that appear as you play. When anything new is available to redeem, the game promotes it by placing a small red dot on top of that tab. If you see a red dot on the Event Center hub, for example, it signifies there's something fresh to redeem. Alternatively, the identical dot on Weapon or Hero could indicate that a new upgrade has been unlocked, and you can authorise it now.

In the Event area, you'll find a number of these things. Examine all of the daily, limited, and other events, as well as all of the tabs with a red dot. Take anything you can find. Look for the Laboratory in Daily Events, for example, and redeem the free stamina potions.

Make it a point to visit all of the locations in Contra: Returns that potentially yield rewards. You'll need as much money as you can gather to upgrade your hero, so the more you can get, the better.

10. Become a part of PvP battles, challenges, and a legion.

Contra: Returns has a plethora of gaming modes that you'll gradually discover as you level up your heroes. Participating in each of these tasks will provide you with some of the extra resources you desperately require, so you should definitely participate.

You can participate in PvP without sacrificing any stamina, and the benefits can be pretty nice. For example, you can earn EXP, and as you progress through the levels and earn PvP points, you'll be able to unlock a variety of rewards.

Alternatively, you can participate in Challenges to increase your chances of winning more prizes. During the Boss Challenge, for example, you can obtain highly wanted rifle parts. In Event mode, on the other hand, you have the opportunity to earn EXP and EXP cards, which are required to improve the proficiency of your weapons.

Likewise, you should strive to join a Legion as soon as possible. It will help you develop faster by providing you with additional incentives. You just have to pay attention because some of these modes are only available on specific days of the week. You're also urged to donate to your Legion to help it expand and flourish, which will improve the quality of the gifts you receive.

11. Use diamonds to increase your stamina.

If you run out of energy but want to keep playing, you can purchase more using your Diamond hoard. We don't recommend spending Diamonds on anything else, however there are a few possibilities, such as purchasing new firearms, that might be appealing.

These Diamonds will accrue while you play the game, so you should have plenty if you choose to spend some on stamina now and then. In any case, you're only allowed to buy two stamina every day.

When you're undertaking raids or playing levels in Story mode, your energy quickly depletes, but the good news is that other game modes, such as PvP, don't require you to spend in stamina. So, if you ever run out of stamina but want to keep playing, you may switch to another mode while your stamina regenerates in the background.

Our Contra: Returns guide comes to a close with this final tip. We hope that by following our advice, you will be able to become a master zombie and alien annihilator. Although the game has many more layers that you will find as you fight foes and strengthen your hero(s), our guide should provide you with the majority of the information you need to get started. For the time being, if you have any more tactics that you think should be included in this guide, please let us know in the comments area below!