Once a slot is filled with a Power Node, it unlocks all adjacent branches and slots. Each slot requires a Power Node to be 'welded' into place. Each entry contains a 'tree,' a specific arrangement of slots unique to each entry. Using the Bench activates an Upgrade Interface, which has an entry for each weapon contained in the user's inventory, as well as the RIG and Stasis module.

Power Nodes can be used to upgrade equipment by finding a Bench.

Power Nodes are not featured in Dead Space 3, and are instead replaced by Upgrade Circuits (found in same wall lockers as Nodes before) and torque bars (used for opening supply rooms). Scouring large environments, such as Zero-G sectors, often pays off with Nodes whose locations are otherwise easily missed.

In Dead Space 2, Power Nodes can now be found in various places in the world, sometimes outside of their signature wall boxes. Power Nodes, unlike most other items bought/collected in-game, do not take up any space in the player's inventory no matter how many nodes they have, and are instead tracked by their respective counter.

They can be used to upgrade player equipment, or to unlock 'emergency supply rooms' which contain random items.

They can also be purchased at the Store for 10,000 credits, but cannot be sold back. Power Nodes are uncommon items that can be found scattered around the environment, usually in their special solid blue wall lockers.

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