Returnal guide: Obolite Repository

Resources are rare in Returnal. Almost everything you pick up disappear when you die. However, if you have pockets full of ether or obolites, you can exchange them if you find the right terminal in the game.

In this Returnal guide, we’ll explain how to use the Obolite Repository, where you can find them, and how to use them. We’ll also tell you the exchange rates for obolites and ether.

How to use the Obolite Repository

The Obolite Repository is a terminal that lets you exchange obolites for ether and vice versa.

• Obolites are mostly used to fabricate items and different stat-boosting artifacts. Obolites disappear when you die.
• Ether has many uses, from cleansing malignant objects to serving as currency for stations like the Reconstructor.

Being able to exchange both freely has advantages, depending on which resource you need more.

You can usually find a Obolite Repository in special areas that function like shops inside each biome. The Obolite Repository will usually be right next to a fabricator station where you can purchase items.

When you inspect the Obolite Repository, a description reads:

A device that exchanges Ether and Obolites for one another.

It seems poised to do something if enough Obolites are placed in it. Cooperation with other Scouts is encouraged.

Image: Housemarque/Sony Interactive Entertainment via Polygon

If you have enough of either currency, you can exchange them for one another. In our experience, the exchange rate is usually:

• 200 obolites for 5 ether
• 5 ether for 300 obolites

Since each resource has different uses, you might find it helpful to exchange one for another.

For instance, let’s say you're having a good run and have a surplus of obolites. You can exchange them for ether since it’s a harder resource to come by.

Another option might be that you have done several runs and have an excess of ether. You are doing well but are low on health. You can trade your ether for obolites to buy health-boosting items at a fabricator.

The Obolite Repository also has a counter of obolites deposited in it likely from multiple players via the game’s online servers. While we haven’t had a chance to test out what happens when it reaches a certain threshold, the terminal’s description states that something will happen when a certain obolite deposit limit is reached.