Transistor Recursion and Backdoor tests: what to do after the story
Plan Transistor’s replay and practice challenges without confusing them with campaign progress.
Edition covered
The original 2014 Transistor campaign and its Recursion replay mode. Pictures are Supergiant’s PC Steam promotional imagery.
Recursion follows the first ending
After completing the story, Recursion provides a replay with retained progression and changed battles. It is the main place to keep developing combinations after the first campaign.
| Activity | Access context | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| First campaign | New save | Learn the Process and core Functions |
| Backdoor | Campaign access points in the story | Tests and a resting space |
| Recursion | After completing the story | Replay with expanded build possibilities |
| Function profile completion | Use Functions in different roles | Reveal associated character information |
Use the Backdoor as a practice space
The Backdoor offers a quiet hub and tests with their own conditions. Read the specific test rules instead of assuming your normal unrestricted build applies.
| Goal | Method | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Practise a weak attack | Test it with a simple loadout | Whether its active role fits |
| Survive recharge | Finish plans near cover | Enemies that destroy the cover |
| Try duplicate Functions | Use Recursion unlocks | Total Memory cost |
| Finish a challenge | Follow the displayed test rule | Restrictions that override the usual setup |
Separate test goals
Some tests restrict time, available Functions or the way encounters unfold. Treat a failed attempt as information about that rule rather than evidence the main campaign build is unusable.
Explore Function combinations
Repeated unlocks in Recursion expand what can be combined. A duplicate Function gives new configuration possibilities, but the Memory allowance still matters.
Read the test’s conditions first; a fast damage build is not automatically the answer to every test.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| Transistor publisher listing | store.steampowered.com |
| Supergiant Transistor page | www.supergiantgames.com |