There are many different ways to “power up” in Dead Space 2. Aside from the obvious experience gains, weapons and new abilities, Isaac, the protagonist, can also collect different power ups scattered all around the game world that give both temporary and permanent power boosts. There are different types of power ups scattered in the game.

First the schematics

These little pages of weapon, ammunition and armor plans are scattered all around the game world in places you least expect them to be. You just have to look carefully. These schematics can be used to upgrade your weapons and unlock more powerful abilities for them. They can also be ammo upgrades, for example, to make your Flamer more effective by instantly combusting the enemies that you shoot at. These schematics of course don’t work for free. You upload them to the computer terminal at the store and then you can purchase the upgrades via the shop using credits collected in game.

The power nodes

These are the second type of power ups. These usually unlock more significant abilities than the schematics. An example would be unlocking your Contact Beam’s Stasis module. They can be both found throughout the game world or purchased. Purchasing them is not recommended as they cannot be sold again once you find the free ones. They are very expensive as well.

The workbench

Here is where you will be able to utilize the power nodes. Use save points or your locator to find these workbenches scattered throughout the game world.

The Standtech™ store

You purchase most of the goods you want to use here, as well as sell booty and use schematics. You can buy the newly upgraded items here after uploading the schematics, as well as store extra items and unused weapons. You can even change space suits here.