The 'Recursions and Iterations' mission in Control Resonant challenges players to traverse the enigmatic Underpass, a region increasingly affected by the pervasive patterning. This lengthy and intricate quest requires the completion of 'The Subway Fault' mission to progress, as it grants a crucial navigational ability.
Starting 'Recursions and Iterations'
The mission begins after completing 'Enemy of My Enemy.' To move forward, 'The Subway Fault' must be finished to acquire the necessary navigational skills that prevent softlocking. It is also highly recommended to undertake 'The Underpass Fault' concurrently, as it is essential for story progression.
Players will first need to return to the bottom of the Sinkhole. The quickest access point is via the 'Main Street' fast travel point in the Evacuation Zone. Upon arrival, head towards the two large spotlights on the right side of the road to find the Sinkhole entrance. Before descending, collect the Power Upgrade Point located behind the scanner in the former laundromat. Descend into the Sinkhole, activating the fast travel point at the edge of the newly appeared stairs. Before entering the Underpass, grab another Power Upgrade Point near the stairs.
Navigating the Underpass
Once in the Underpass, players will find themselves in a complex area of blocks and office spaces beneath the Oldest House. To locate the research team, follow a string of lights that mark their path. This involves a series of jumps, shifts, and combat encounters with the Hiss. Key points include shifting onto a red carpet, navigating patterning platforms that appear and disappear, and defeating Hiss enemies. After reaching the 'Research Team Staging Area,' report it to Zoe. Continue to find and report a 'distant beacon' and an 'Interdimension Breach,' which unlocks 'The Underpass Fault' and 'The Underpass Resonant' missions, respectively.
Unlocking the Underpass Map
To aid navigation in the blocky, void-filled Underpass, unlocking the map is advised. The Map Kit is located to the left of the research camp, accessible by carefully dropping to a lower level. Players must activate three radars and then the Map Kit. This area is populated by Hiss, so clearing them out before attempting the platforming is recommended. After securing the map, proceed to unlock the 'Halfway Trail' fast travel point to avoid backtracking.
The Subway Fault and The Underpass Fault
Progressing in 'Recursions and Iterations' is contingent on obtaining the 'Reach' ability from completing 'The Subway Fault.' After unlocking 'The Spire' fast travel point, head towards the island with orange pipes. Report a 'distortion phenomenon' to Zoe. If Dylan notes an inability to make a jump, it signifies that 'The Subway Fault' has not yet been completed. Following its completion, players must then tackle 'The Underpass Fault' mission, which can be guided by a dedicated walkthrough.
Locating the Research Team and Transmission Tower
With the Reach ability acquired and the Underpass Fault closed, the search for the research team resumes. Head towards a flashing beacon, then navigate through a grey stone corridor using jumps and Reach abilities. Combat the Hiss and find a resource chest within an office. Continue by shifting across to another area, defeating more Hiss, and reaching the Research Base. Report findings to Zoe, noting the strange occurrences with the research team.
Further exploration leads to additional Research Sites. At one site, players will find an alive research team who turn into corpses upon interaction, a phenomenon to report to Zoe. At another site, players meet Dr. Grist, who reveals that time has become unstable. After picking up Grist's device, players must track time fluctuations, identified by whirlpool symbols on the map or visual cues in the environment. This involves restoring power to a research site by locating and interacting with power cores that phase in and out of existence due to temporal anomalies.
Tracking Fluctuations and Reaching Grist
After restoring power, players return to find Ayad kneeling over his own body, a sign of the temporal distortions. The next objective is to track another time fluctuation, leading to a Research Site where the entire research team is alive, albeit briefly, before providing information about locating Grist. Grist can be found by following relays. Subsequently, players must locate the transmission tower. This involves navigating back through familiar areas and a challenging combat encounter where the player fights alongside or against temporal echoes of themselves and Dylan.
The Final Relay and Mission Completion
Following the transmission tower encounter, players track a final time fluctuation. This path leads to a cable car, where Grist vanishes into time. After crossing the chasm, players follow relays through the deeper Underpass, avoiding hazards like Mold monsters and infected floors by staying elevated. The path leads to another Research Site with a time fluctuation, and then through a corridor with dead Dylans, before a final series of jumps and shifts to reach the last relay. The mission concludes with placing the final probe relay at the base of a sapling, signaling the completion of 'Recursions and Iterations.' The player is rewarded with a Living Shard, the Prime Candidate Restraint Suit outfit, Grist's Tracking Device, and 600 XP. The next mission, 'The House in Distress,' begins automatically.