Struggling with the healing pulse in Hell is Us? Learn why your RB/R1 button isn’t working, how to time it perfectly with the white ring, and pro tips to master this crucial survival tool.
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The healing pulse is a core survival mechanic in Hell is Us, but many players find it frustratingly difficult to activate. If you’re pressing RB (Xbox) or R1 (PlayStation) and nothing happens, you’re not alone. This is not a bug—it’s a mechanic with very specific timing and conditions. This guide will break down exactly how it works and provide pro tips to master it.
Why Your Healing Pulse Isn’t Working
The primary reason the healing pulse fails is incorrect timing. It is not a simple button press; it’s a reward for skillful play. Here’s what you’re missing:
- You Must Generate “Particles”: The grey bar that appears under your health represents potential healing energy. You fill this bar by successfully hitting enemies.
- You Must Stop to Charge It: This is the most counterintuitive part. To convert the grey bar into a usable heal, you must stop attacking and avoid getting hit for a brief moment.
- Wait for the Visual and Audio Cue: After a short delay of not attacking or taking damage, the particles will swarm around your character and then form a solid white ring. Simultaneously, the grey bar under your health will flash solid white. There is also a distinct audible chime.
- Press RB/R1 at the Exact Moment: You only have a very short window to press the heal button when the ring is solid white. Pressing it before or after this window will do nothing.
In short: Deal damage → Disengage → Wait for the white ring → Then press RB/R1.
How to consistently activate the healing pulse
Follow this step-by-step process to turn this mechanic from a frustration into a reliable tool:
- Aggressively Build the Meter: Land a few hits on an enemy. A full combo or a charged attack will fill the grey bar faster.
- Create Space: Immediately after attacking, dodge away from the enemy to break their targeting and give yourself room.
- Stop Everything: Do not attack, block, or dodge. Stand still for approximately 1-2 seconds. Watch your character—not the enemy.
- Watch for the Ring: The particles will coalesce into a bright, solid white circle around your character. This is your cue.
- Listen for the Sound: A clear audio cue will play at the same time the ring appears.
- Activate: The moment the ring is solid and the sound plays, press RB/R1. Your character will perform a healing pulse, restoring a portion of your health.
Pro Tips & Advanced Strategies
- Animation Lock is Your Enemy: You cannot activate the pulse during an attack or dodge animation. You must be in a neutral state. This is why creating space is so important.
- Parry and Defend: Instead of dodging, a well-timed parry or block can create the perfect opening to then stop and activate your heal safely.
- Use the Health Bar: If you find the ring hard to see, watch the grey bar under your health. When it flashes solid white, that’s your signal to press the button.
- Find the Heal Glyph: Several players have discovered a powerful Heal Glyph mod that can be socketed into your weapon. This can be found in the blacksmith’s basement early in the game and provides a more consistent source of healing to supplement the pulse mechanic.
- It’s a High-Risk, High-Reward Mechanic: The design forces you to choose between relentless aggression and a moment of vulnerable healing. Mastering this push-and-pull is key to mastering the game’s combat.
Should This Be Fixed?
Many in the community agree that while the mechanic is intentional, it could be more forgiving. Allowing players to activate the pulse during a dodge or extending the activation window slightly would make it feel less punishing without removing the skill requirement.
