Remnant 2 is much bigger than the original, presenting various threats that can steamroll you, even if you’re prepared. Given the new mechanics and features, it’s a lot for the average person to pick up, though the game does a decent job with its tutorials. Here’s what you should know to increase your chances of survival.
For more details on the co-op shooter, which launches July 25th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC, check out our review here.
How to Unlock New Archetypes
In Ward 13, at the beginning, you can choose one Archetype from the Medic, Handler, Hunter and Challenger (with Gunslinger available for those who pre-ordered). Once you can equip a Secondary Archetype, you must find specific items to unlock the other Archetypes. For instance, upon locating the Broken Whistle, speak to Mud Tooth in Ward 13 to get the Handler class. Other Archetypes exist outside the starting options, but you’ll need to explore each world for their relevant items.
Converse With NPCs
If there’s one thing that’s beneficial and costs nothing, it’s speaking to different NPCs, whether you’re in Ward 13 or on N’Erud. Those familiar with Mud Tooth from the first game will remember his long-winded stories and the Pocket Watch received as a reward. In Remnant 2, it simply serves as the means to access his wares, but you need to get through the initial conversation first. Speak to others in the Ward and check out what they may be selling – you could find items which provide an edge.
Get Consumables
Don’t sleep on consumables, whether it’s Ammo Boxes to refill your ammo in the heat of battle or other items that can boost movement speed, stamina regen and more. They may cost some Scrap, but it’s worth going out of your way to farm some and have these items handy.
Dodge-Rolling, Invincibility frames and Weight
Similar to Souls-likes, Remnant 2 has dodge-rolling, with invincibility frames during the animation. You can also slide, which costs slightly less Stamina but has fewer invincibility frames. Depending on the armor and its weight, you’ll consume more Stamina through either action, so it’s important to balance both aspects. Given the combos and projectiles that enemies can throw out, having more Stamina on demand for dodge-rolling is good.
When to Dodge and When to Sprint
Of course, it’s also a good idea to know when to sprint and when to dodge. Sometimes, it can be more practical to reposition rather than trying to dodge-roll everything coming your way. There’s at least one particular boss where dodge-rolling isn’t the be-all, end-all solution, so get to practising with your sprinting (with perhaps some occasional sliding).
Side-step While Not Aiming Down Sights
On the other hand, some attacks don’t necessarily require dodge-rolling. You move faster when not aiming down sights, making it easier to side-step past projectiles. The caveat is that you can’t fire any weapons. Get used to aiming down sights, firing, side-stepping oncoming fire, and then back to aiming down sights again to save Stamina.
Archetype Traits Don’t Need Trait Points
Each Archetype has a dedicated Archetype Trait, like the Gunslinger carrying more reserve ammo. You don’t need to put Trait Points into these, as they’ll automatically level up alongside the Archetype, freeing up said points for other Traits. If you want to put points into Archetype Traits to max out their bonuses earlier, by all means (especially since you can reset Trait Points later).
The Right Weapon for the Job
This should go without saying, but every gun doesn’t fit every situation. The lightning gun, which chains to nearby targets, is pretty great, and excels in close to mid-range combat. In the wastelands of N’Erud, where enemies are further apart? Not so much. It’s one of the benefits of carrying two guns at a time, so ensure that you’re accommodating for the environment when gearing up.
Listen to the Music
If you’re not a fan of the player characters’ constant call-outs when a battle starts or ends, there’s another way to determine when several threats are en route: The music. While great on its own, when it suddenly swells, except several threats to assault you, from smaller enemies to elites. Enemies can also appear behind you at will. So whenever the music hits, scan your surroundings and get ready to fight.
Critical vs Weak Spot Damage
You may notice different colors for damage numbers. White damage numbers indicate regular damage; red indicates damage from hitting weak spots. Yellow numbers are critical damage and depend on critical hit chance (with the overall amount based on critical hit damage and your attack). It’s worth targeting weak points when possible, but don’t be disparaged if you’re not hitting them consistently.
Create a Separate Adventure Mode Campaign
If you’ve been barely scraping by, but don’t want to reroll your campaign to drop the difficulty, try Adventure Mode. It creates a separate campaign for any worlds that have been unlocked, allowing you to go back and try different scenarios, farm for materials and Archetype experience, discover new weapons and Trait Points, and more. Of course, new enemies and bosses that will curb-stomp you mercilessly may appear, but it’s still a worthwhile option if you’ve cleared the first world and upgraded some decent weapons. Plus, you can always play on a lower difficulty.
Adjust Control Settings on Consoles
The sensitivity settings on consoles (at least on PS5) are a little iffy. When starting, things may feel incredibly sluggish, so change your horizontal and vertical sensitivity when moving and while aiming down sights. Adjust the deadzone, and enable aim snapping as well (which isn’t as harsh as it sounds). These should provide a smoother experience, even if you need to mess around for the perfect set-up.
Get to the Checkpoint/Worldstone
Dynamic threat generation is a funny thing. Once the music hits and you know you’ll be swarmed, it’s not always the best idea to hightail it to the nearest Worldstone, since you can’t use it while in combat. However, if you’re low on healing and resources and want to race ahead to at least get to the next checkpoint, go ahead. You don’t need to interact with it – simply getting to it is enough. Even if you die, at least you spawn further ahead.
Weapon Mod Powers and How They Work
Weapon Mods, unlike Archetype Skills, don’t have timed cooldowns. Instead, they’re reliant on the amount of damage dealt with that weapon. Each Mod has an associated Mod Power number, which determines how much damage is necessary to recharge it. If you want to use Weapon Mods at a quicker rate, make sure to put points into Mod Power Generation.
Don’t Fully Upgrade Starting Weapons
While upgrading some of your starting weapons is necessary, try not to dump too many resources into them. About halfway into the Labyrinth, you’ll get materials to craft much better options with strong Mods. Plan and save your resources to craft and upgrade them for a smoother time (especially if you’re not keen on farming).
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