First run priorities
Use the first run for main bosses, collectibles, Shells, Tarstones, Beacons, weapons, sidearms, Tarforge upgrades, dungeons, and healing upgrades. Keep a checklist as you move between regions so that a late collectible is not confused with a task that belongs to a later cycle.
The Ova Siphon in Marrow Keep starts the ending and the next playthrough. Finish the cleanup you can complete before using it, because the next cycle is for progression that cannot fit into a single run.
Missable early choice
"Mid Summer?" requires accepting Marigold's flower crown during the opening section. Keep a separate save before that choice if you want a recovery option without replaying more of the opening.
This is a specific missable choice, not evidence that every early decision is permanent. Track it separately from story progress and collectible cleanup.
Shell Memories and repeated cycles
There are eight Shells with five Memories each, for 40 Shell Memories. Maximum bonding across all Shells requires 216 Glimpses, or 27 per Shell, and one playthrough does not provide enough Glimpses for every Memory.
"Seeking the Past" requires all eight Shells at Tier 4 and all Shell Memories. Treat it as a multi-cycle goal, not a first-run errand, and record which Shell Memory you have already opened before entering the next cycle.
Related videos
Watch the route and combat use
The first guide starts muted. Scroll on and it stays in the lower-right corner on desktop; close it at any time.