Take Your Time
Quantum Break is all about time. Controlling time, saving time, breaking time, time travel. You name it, and if it involves time, then chances are it’s in the game. With this in mind, know that you should take your time while playing. You are never rushed from place to place. There’s no invisible force pushing you along, nor is there a timer during levels.
There are a lot of important collectibles hidden about, which include Upgrade Points, so you’ll want to take in the sights instead of just running through. Controlling the pace will also help in battle as you take the time to figure out who you’re fighting and what you can use to your advantage.
Time may be your enemy throughout the game, but it is also your friend.
Time Vision
Time Vision is the first ability afforded to Jack Joyce during Quantum Break. It is essentially your locator ability. Hit the “Y” button and certain things in the world will glow a specific color depending on what they are.
- Red – Enemies and explosives.
- Blue – Weapons and ammunition bags.
- Yellow – Interactive items such as computers and collectibles.
- Locator Circle – This only appears when a Chronon Source is nearby. Head in the direction of the smaller white circle to find it.
- Yellow Arrow – Your objective. You can pull up this same indicator by tapping up on the d-pad.
There is no charge on this ability, so use it as much as necessary. Some of the more open areas of Quantum Break can be a bit confusing, so if you’re ever feeling lost or turned around, use your Time Vision.
If Your Controller Randomly Vibrates, Search Nearby
Like all modern games, Quantum Break makes use of the vibration function of your controller. While in combat, jumping around, and hitting obstacles, you’ll get a nice little jolt. There are times however when the controller vibrates for seemingly no reason.
When this happens, it means there are one of three things around. The first is a time memory. These are short snippets that you can watch unfold that either provide more story insight or a clue informing you of what to do next. They’ll play out as quick conversations, or you can follow a character’s motions from the past.
The second is a rewindable structure. There are environmental puzzles scattered throughout the game that all focus on traversal. Sometimes a pathway exists, but is blocked by debris or some other obstacle. If you get a vibration, initiate your Time Vision to locate the area that can be rewound. This will open up new options for you.
The final possibility is a Chronon Source. Collecting these glowing lights will grant you Upgrade Points that can be used to improve the six skills unlocked throughout the game.
Chronon Barrels
There are several different types of interactive elements during combat. Fire extinguishers, oxygen tanks, propane tanks, oil drums, and these odd looking canisters that look like large batteries. These contain Chronon, the mysterious element that powers anything related to time.
The barrels are extraordinarily powerful, able to completely decimate an entire area with a stronger version of your Time Blast. You can’t simply shoot at them though. They require one of your time powers, namely Time Stop, to be cracked open. Simply launch a Time Stop bubble (RB) then start pumping rounds at the Chronon barrel. When it explodes, enjoy the cool time warping that occurs within its blast radius.
There are usually a couple of these in most combat areas, but they can only be used once each. Make sure to round up as many enemies as possible before setting one off.
Collectibles Menu
During Quantum Break you’ll be able to find collectibles that serve several purposes. Some give more insight into the story, some unlock more scenes during the live action segments, and others help to make you more powerful.
Using your Time Vision you can highlight these items in the world to collect, but it is still possible to miss some if you’re just running through. Luckily, it’s rather easy to keep track of what you’ve missed.
By hitting the View button on the Xbox One controller (the one that looks like it has two screens on it) you will bring up the Timeline Screen. Hit “X” and you’ll be able to view the collectibles for the part you’re in. The space on the timeline lets you know how far apart they are from one another. See a group of collectibles with one in the middle missing? That means it’s near the others. Is there’s a large gap between the one you just got and the next? That means it’s in the next area so you can stop searching where you are.
Go Back and Replay Junctions
This won’t help you with gameplay, but it will allow you to experience certain things differently. Scenes in the live action segments will change. You’ll face different characters during gameplay, and particular story elements will go in a completely different direction.
Once you make a decision, everything afterwards is altered in a sort of butterfly effect. It’s a nice touch that definitely improves the replay value of Quantum Break. If you’re looking for some more action after completing the story, this is the best way to do so.
Cover is Contextual
It’s easy to forget that you can take cover in Quantum Break. With all of the bullets whizzing by and the time powers lighting up the levels, you will feel all powerful…until the moment you take a shotgun blast to the chest.
There will be times when you need to take cover in order to catch a breath during combat. In a panic, it’s easy to forget that there isn’t a button to hide behind a rock and hold your head down until all of the noise stops. You simply need to move next to cover and remain still. Aiming will allow you to pop up and take shots, and releasing your aim will put you back into safety.
Do keep in mind that some cover can be destroyed, and moving may remove you from safety. It takes a bit of getting used to, especially with the floaty nature of the controls.
An Ability Won’t Charge While Active
There are six abilities in Quantum Break, five of which run on charges. Now don’t worry, you don’t have to collect any resource to keep your abilities powered up, they recharge over time.
Some skills, like Time Stop and Time Dodge, can be used more than once before a full recharge is needed. If you don’t use the skill for a couple of seconds, it will start to recharge even if you have some uses left. While a skill is in use however, even if it’s something that’s just left behind like a Time Bubble, the ability will not charge. Keep this in mind as you go spamming your abilities.
If you manage your timing properly, keeping an eye on each meter (located on the right side of your screen), you can always ensure that you have a trick up your sleeve.
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