Highlights
Remnant 2 surpasses its predecessor in various aspects, particularly in the realm of melee combat. With an enhanced array of melee weapons and seamless animations, it becomes a trustworthy option for numerous confrontations.The Challenger archetype in Remnant 2 revitalizes the potential of melee-focused gameplay. Boasting the finest initial melee weapon, along with advantageous perks and traits, this archetype compensates for the weightiness of armor and weaponry. It effectively addresses any concerns that fans voiced regarding the melee combat in the first installment.
Remnant 2 offers enhanced options and customization to cater to players' preferences. The various starting archetypes cater to different play styles, and the inclusion of hybrid classes opens the door to exciting character builds and hundreds of hours of gameplay.
As the long-awaited sequel to the unexpectedly successful Remnant: From the Ashes, Remnant 2 faced high expectations in the gaming community. The years between the two releases not only saw the original game become a cult classic among fans but also witnessed the emergence of several impressive entries in the Soulslike subgenre. Despite this challenging landscape, Remnant 2 rises to the occasion and surpasses its predecessor in every imaginable aspect, particularly in terms of melee combat.
Remnant 2's Approach to Melee Feels Better and Expands Available Options
: The Archetypes in Remnant 2 offer players a wider range of options compared to the previous game. Instead of just three basic classes, there are now five starting points, each tailored to a specific play style. Moreover, the ability to create hybrid classes later in the game adds even more depth and customization potential. With hundreds of hours of content, Remnant 2 truly embraces the essence of "Dark Souls with guns" and brings viability to melee playthroughs that was lacking in its predecessor.Remnant: From the Ashes has always been associated with discussions on melee combat due to its similarities to the Souls series. A good Soulslike game should incorporate the deliberate and strategic combat system that the Dark Souls games are renowned for, in which managing stamina is crucial. However, in the past, melee combat in Remnant often felt more like a last resort or an emergency solution, rather than a viable strategy to develop a player's character. However, right from the start of Remnant 2, it becomes evident that Gunfire Games has effectively addressed any previous shortcomings concerning close-range combat.
The Challenger Brings Melee Build Viability to Remnant 2
Melee combat in Remnant 2 has undergone significant improvements, resulting in smoother and more fluid animations. Additionally, players now have a vast selection of melee weapons to choose from, offering a much wider range of options. This enhancement has transformed melee combat from an afterthought to a reliable and viable choice in numerous encounters. While ranged combat remains the central focus, the developer has cleverly introduced the ability for players to build characters specifically tailored towards melee combat. As a result, the game not only lives up to the Soulslike comparisons but also enhances its replay value for those interested in running multiple characters with diverse builds.
The Scrapper class, known for its close-quarters combat style in Remnant: From the Ashes, has made a triumphant return in Remnant 2 with the introduction of the Challenger archetype. Archetypes serve as counterparts to the classes in the previous game, allowing players to choose their starting archetype and switch between them later in the game, fostering experimentation. With its exceptional traits and a formidable starting loadout, the Challenger surpasses the Scrapper as an even more formidable melee-focused build.
The Challenger starts with the Iron Greatsword, undoubtedly the finest melee weapon to begin with. This two-handed greatsword not only boasts exceptional speed but also resembles a hilted chainsaw, making it quite an impressive sight. Its effectiveness in close combat perfectly illustrates the exhilaration of melee combat for a class that thrives on getting in the thick of battle and dealing damage up close. Furthermore, with the inclusion of perks and traits that compensate for the class's preference for heavy armor and weaponry, The Challenger offers the best of both worlds in Remnant. Not only does it provide other classes with excellent melee options, but it also serves as a solid foundation for a predominantly melee-focused playstyle. With these enhancements, Remnant 2 greatly addresses any concerns fans may have had about the game's melee combat.
Remnant 2 is now available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.