Deathloop is one of the relatively few titles to be made specifically for current generation consoles, and its ambitious approach was praised by critics when it first launched in September of last year. The game focuses on protagonist, Colt, and his mysterious antagonist, Juliana. Colt, alongside the rest of the game's cast, is stuck in a time loop, reliving the same day over and over. The day is split into four segments: morning, noon, afternoon, and evening. Players must kill several key characters, known as Visionaries, all in the same day if they are to break this seemingly endless cycle.
The game's developer, Arkane, has released several updates recently, with the latest coinciding with the anniversary of the game's release on PlayStation 5 and its launch on Xbox Game Pass and PS Plus Extra and Premium. This latest Goldenloop update has brought with it a host of new content, including a new ability, new enemy types, cross-platform play, and an extended ending cutscene. However, one of the most valuable additions is a new weapon, the HALPS Prototype, which can incinerate enemies and even make short work of Visionaries. Here's how players can get their hands on this powerful weapon to make breaking the loop a lot easier.
Where to Find the HALPS Prototype
The HALPS Prototype is found in Dr. Wenjie Evans' lab in The Complex. It's most easily accessible in the morning, when Wenjie is away, as there are very few Eternalists to deal with and the water around the lab is frozen and can be walked upon. Players should exit Colt's tunnels via the left door and follow the cliff edge straight ahead, dealing with the Eternalist that patrols up there. Then, they should look out for a large satellite dish up ahead and keep heading in that direction. Next, players should take the second left, past the small building near the cliff that overlooks the sea. It's easily identifiable by the ammunition dispenser outside and a guarding Eternalist that stands next to it. From there, players will see Dr. Wenjie Evans' lab ahead.
From here, players need to head towards the green building on the left, being careful of the Eternalist near the water. Enter the building via the unlocked double doors on the left and locate the small room straight ahead that houses two surveillance cameras. Players should make sure they DO NOT hack these cameras. The HALPS Prototype will be in a display case inside this room.
How to Unlock the HALPS Prototype Display Case
To open the display case, players need to break it. Unfortunately, other weapons are not strong enough, so Colt will need to harness the power of the HALPS Prototype's own laser to get access. To turn it on, pull the left level, then the right lever underneath the display case. The beam will follow the surveillance cameras' target, so players will need to stand near the display case to direct the beam to break the glass. As the weapon is so powerful, it's very easy to get caught by the laser and die, so ensure Colt has a few Reprise charges left so that he can be revived. Once the case is open, players can hack the cameras to avert the danger and simply walk in to take the weapon.
How to Make the Most of the HALPS Prototype
The HALPS Prototype is unlike other weapons in the game as it runs off battery power rather than ammunition and can be charged with batteries or at battery charge stations. It can either fire in a straight line, or its beam can be redirected along the paths of turrets or sensors when fired at them. The weapon is powerful enough to disintegrate even Visionaries in mere seconds, so it's an incredibly useful tool for both breaking the loop and warding off invading Julianas.
Although players can't add trinkets to the HALPS Prototype, the weapon can still be complemented by other aspects of Colt's loadout. The most prominent way of getting the most out of this hefty laser beam is by combining it with the Nexus Slab, which is dropped by Harriet Morse and occasionally by Juliana, to turn it into a devastating death machine. Nexus links enemies together, and with upgrades can link more enemies and even heal Colt himself. Combining this ability with the HALPS Prototype's power means that players can make short work of a large group of enemies with just one blast. Breaking the loop is no easy feat, but this devastating combination can make the task a good deal easier.