Once you clear the main campaign in Saros, you will unlock the Eclipse Layers New Game+ from the free Zenith update, which is an optional challenge mode with several altered rules. This guide will provide you with tips and tricks on how to unlock Eclipse Layers NG+ in the game.
How to Unlock & Access Eclipse Layers
If you finished the main story campaign of Saros, you can install the free Zenith update, which is available to all owners on PS5. Then, follow these steps to start playing Eclipse Layers:
- Return to the Passage hub after completing the campaign.
- Open the Armor Matrix, where you should see new nodes appear.
- These nodes will unlock access to the Eclipse Layers.
- Select the appropriate node to move to the next Eclipse Layer.
Note that Eclipse Layers do not replace or overwrite the original campaign, so you can still play the base game, use other Zenith features, such as Overlord Rush, and apply other options independently of NG+. Also, while playing Eclipse Layers, Arjun equips a Crown and his armor gains a golden glow after entering Eclipse Layer 2. The more Trial Modifiers you equip and the higher your overall Modifier Balance, the larger and more elaborate the Crown becomes.
How to Start an Eclipse Layer Run
Once you enter an Eclipse Layer, the very first thing you need to do is select a loadout of Carcosan Modifiers. Here’s how this works:
- Since each layer requires a minimum Modifier Balance threshold, you cannot start without equipping enough Trial Modifiers to meet that threshold.
- Higher layers demand higher thresholds and thus more Trials.
- There are 25 Trials total in the full pool, including 10 new ones exclusive to the Zenith update.
- You also have access to Protection Modifiers.
- You can choose which specific Trials to take on and customize the challenge around your playstyle.
This means that you have to watch the Modifier Balance meter carefully while selecting Trials, so you meet the layer’s threshold without over-stacking deadly synergies too early. When you’re ready for your first run, here’s what you need to do:
- Start with familiar Trial effects, which you can easily counter rather than going with the unknown.
- Use Zenith options, such as Slow Game Speed, Auto-fire, Motion Sensor, etc.
- These new abilities will provide you with better reaction time and reduce pressure.
- Note that Armor Matrix progression can feel limited in higher layers, which plays more like a harder new game than a full NG+.
- Also, try Overlord Rush via the Primary Unit in Passage, for some faster challenges of about 10 min each.
Lastly, there are 12 Visions scattered across Carcosa in Eclipse Layers, which appear as messages etched in stone. But you’ll need higher Crown levels to fully perceive and read the additional story text on them.
