Here's Something Returnal Absolutely Doesn't Tell You
You'll need a lot of different upgrades to access all the side paths in Returnal, but the lighter orange force fields might confuse you. Here's how to deal with them.
One of the first Metroid-like upgrades you get in Returnal is the Atropian Blade, a sword that gives you a melee attack. It also allows you to destroy red force fields that sometimes block your path, and more often, protect enemies from your guns. But not long after you encounter red force fields you can slice through with your sword, you'll start to find orange force fields blocking doors that your sword apparently can't handle.