In the world of Hyper Light Breaker, Gold Rations stand out as one of the most crucial currencies you can obtain. Acquiring these items frequently is key, as they enable permanent enhancements for your character that persist across multiple Cycles, helping you become more powerful for future challenges. However, achieving large quantities of Gold Rations often requires some level of failure.
It’s important not to confuse Gold Rations with Cores, another currency used for character improvements. Cores unlock various Tier paths within the Pherus Bit progression framework, but do not grant access to specific buffs in those categories. Along with Cores, you have Medigems, Abyss Stones, Bright Blood Material, and Holobytes in Hyper Light Breaker, which can lead to some confusion regarding the distinct purposes of these currencies.
What Are Gold Rations Used For in Hyper Light Breaker?
Acquire Permanent Upgrades and Enhance Relationships
Gold Rations have several key functions, including:
- Investing in Pherus Bit Upgrades
- Unlocking New Services from Vendors
- Cultivating Relationships with Vendor NPCs
You will primarily use Gold Rations to purchase upgrades from the Pherus Bit trees, which you reveal using Cores and Abyss Stones. These upgrades apply to the character you’re currently playing, offering a range of benefits. For instance, one upgrade from the Pherus Bit path allows you to carry more Medkits in Hyper Light Breaker, helping you last longer in the Overgrowth.
Even after completing a Cycle and watching the Overgrowth reset, any upgrades you have purchased through the Pherus Bit remain intact. Additionally, Gold Rations can be used to expand available services from certain vendors once you’ve repaired their shops within the Hub. Initially, some vendors might only stock basic items, but offering them a Gold Ration can enhance their inventory and unlock new items.
Some vendors may not initially provide gear upgrades. By presenting them with a Gold Ration, you unlock this service for future use.
Another effective strategy for using Gold Rations is gifting them to vendors to negotiate lower prices. This gesture increases your Affinity with the vendor, allowing them to offer items at reduced rates. This can help you conserve vital resources like Bright Blood within Hyper Light Breaker for other important initiatives in the Overgrowth.
How to Farm Gold Rations
Finish Cycles and Find Hidden Labs
The simplest method for farming Gold Rations is to complete Cycles by navigating through all four Rezes. Rezes represent your “lives” in Hyper Light Breaker and are depleted each time you die in the Overgrowth. If you die four times, a Cycle ends, resetting the Overgrowth and erasing any temporary perks you’ve gained during your runs.
Resetting the Overgrowth after a Cycle incurs resource costs. You might need to sell older gear to gather the necessary Material and Bright Blood to create a new world setup.
After completing a Cycle, return to the Telepad in the Hub to reset the Overgrowth. This action also allows you to rank up based on your performance during the previous Cycle. As part of this process, you earn Gold Rations with each rank increase. The more impressive feats you accomplish, the more points you earn, facilitating your rank advancement.
You can also find Gold Rations by exploring hidden Labs scattered throughout the Overgrowth. These Labs are marked by shiny silver and purple trapdoor platforms that you may encounter during your runs. They typically remain locked initially, and you’ll need rare items called Keys to access them. Keys are commonly found in chests dispersed throughout the Overgrowth.
Labs house formidable enemies much tougher than those encountered on the Overgrowth’s surface, designed to provide a significant challenge. Ensure you have sufficient supplies before venturing into these areas, and consider teaming up with friends in Hyper Light Breaker‘s online co-op mode for a smoother experience.
After defeating foes within a Lab, you can open various chests found inside. While some chests require Bright Blood to unlock, most Labs will yield at least one Gold Ration for you at no extra cost. Those who manage to gather more Gold Rations in Hyper Light Breaker will find it easier to level up their characters and enhance the services of vendors in the Hub.