Microsoft took a bold turn by unveiling and releasing a rhythm action game, Hi-Fi Rush, on the same day. Critics praised it, and the player count grows daily thanks to free access through Xbox Game Pass. Hack and slash can be tricky, especially when you must time your strikes to the beat. In Hi-Fi Rush you need to manage timing, memorize combos, stay in step with the music, and fight the tempo itself. For newcomers, this blend may feel overwhelming, so this guide offers practical tips to acclimate to the game’s unconventional rules.
How to learn the rhythm, rack up more points, and reach the highest rank
Every element in the game moves to the music, including the hero. As actions sync with the melody, the hero’s latent power awakens. That rhythm amplifies damage, unlocks bonuses, and boosts the final score.
- Not every player catches the rhythm right away, so the developers built in helpers to speed up mastery of the combat system.
- Watch the main character closely. He keeps perfect time by snapping his fingers and stamping his foot.
- The robo-cat Eight stays beside the hero and sends rhythm impulses. If keeping up with her metronome is tough, open Settings, go to Special Settings, and in Rhythm Visualization (808) choose the pulse visualization that fits best.
- If the eight pulses slip away, press the Select button on the left side of the Xbox controller or Tab on a keyboard to summon the metronome. It makes staying in rhythm easier.
- Talk to Mint and enter the training stage. Increase the metronome tempo and practice the combos until every hit lands on the beat. Each correct strike is signaled by voice prompts and a notice beside the hero.
- Choose a training level opponent and enable immortal mode in the training options. Display every available combo on screen and attempt each one. When a combo is mastered, a checkmark appears in its field, helping to sharpen the patterns into automatic reflexes.
- Feel free to nod or stomp along with the beat. Sometimes that focus on rhythm and keystroke frequency helps a lot.
- The world itself moves to the rhythm. Stay aware of surroundings and time your button presses to the music’s cadence.
- Enemies attack to the beat as well. This timing makes parries and counterattacks more effective. Ranged foes signal their attacks with a distinctive sound and image.
- Don’t fear breaking a combo to dodge or parry. Target ranged and flying enemies first, then the rest. The grappling hook lets you reach the target quickly.
- Use teammates often in combos. They disrupt enemy shields and add a big bonus to total damage.
What to do if you keep getting killed in fights
If the first attempts feel brutal and slashers aren’t familiar, open Settings, choose Special Settings, and enable Auto. With Auto enabled, the hero performs movements with a single key press.
How to collect parts for upgrading and powering up the hero
Hi-Fi Rush hides plenty of secret spots and nooks filled with valuable gear. Explore each area carefully, look up often, and don’t fear leaving the main path. The game stays fairly linear, so the risk of getting lost is minimal. Upgrading the hero does not require shopping at a store, and early combos plus items found throughout the levels are enough to tackle medium to high difficulties.
How to pass fire barriers in Hi-Fi Rush
From early levels, fiery barriers guard useful items. The hero cannot pass them until Corsica joins the team, which happens midway through the first act. There is no need to worry, as revisiting earlier areas after finishing the main story lets players collect the hidden items.
How to open numbered iron doors
During the first playthrough, doors with numbers cannot be opened. After the credits, a post story endgame becomes available, revealing the doors. If players choose a second run, those doors unlock and reveal significant plot points that enrich the epilogue.
How to simplify the platforming sections
In exploration mode the hero moves slowly, so it can be hard to judge jumps. Use dash frequently and time the dash with the music for faster movement. Sprinting while jumping helps reach hard to access places.
Dodge to maintain position
To keep a high battle score when enemies are scarce, string together dashes to the beat. This approach saves time and preserves score.
Other guides
- Hi-Fi Rush boss walkthrough covering QA-1MIL, Rekka, Zanzo, Corsica, Mimosa, Roquefort, and Cale