Unlock every playable character first

No Return features ten playable characters, each of whom has a default starting loadout and can get different equipment drops between encounters. Unlocking them is a bit time-consuming, as you’ll have to play a run or two as the base game’s characters to gain access to new ones. You’ll start with Ellie and Abby and unlock more characters as you complete encounters. This structure lets you get a feel for each character as you work towards unlocking the next, and it’s a good way to determine who best fits your playstyle. So while you might feel attached to Ellie and Abby, if you’re looking to get the highest scores possible, it’s best to try every character out. The full list of playable characters includes:
Ellie
Dina
Jesse
Tommy
Joel
Abby
Lev
Yara
Mel
Manny