Bulwark is one of Remnant 2's unique buffs that you have access to. If you're interested in making good use of Bulwar??k, here's what you need to know abou??t it.

What is the Bulwark buff in Remnant 2?

As the name of this buff implies, Bulwark is a defensive buff that gives you a stacking, duration-based damage reduction, helping you stay alive even in the direst of situations. Its use?fulness depends on how you wield it in your build, as it very much wants to be stacked up quickly to gain its full effectiveness. A single stack of Bulwark is not noticeable, but if you find ways of stacking up, you can?? turn into a literal tank while the buff is active.

How to gain Bulwark in Remnant 2

There are many, many sources of Bulwark, with the most obvious coming from accessory items like Whispering Marble, which ?gives you three stacks of it permanently just by equipping the item.

You can compound Bulwark effects by using other items that also grant the buff, such as the Fae Bruiser Ring, which gi??ves you two stacks whe??n you land a melee attack on an enemy.

The more sources of Bulwark you have, the more powerful it becomes. Some items also work exclusively off the fact that you have it active rather than just giving you the buff. For example, the In??sulation Driver increases your damage by 15% and gives you the Haste buff while you have Bulwark.

Additionally, the other method of obtaining Bulwark is by playing the Challenger archetype. Its Prime Perk, Die Hard, grants you a stack as a passive effect while it is on cooldown. Naturally, this Archetype-based Bulwark works with all other item-based Bulwark stacks, so you can compound them together to make a build around it. Just keep in mind that Challenger needs to be set as your Prime Archetype to get the Bulwark stack from the class.

Is Bulwark worth using in Remnant 2?

I've completed Remnant 2 on the hardest difficulty without ever making use of Bulwark, as I used Shields instead to mitigate damage. That said, one of my coop partners used Bulwark exclusively throughout the entire game (and DLC), and played with the buff to make a powerful, functional, melee build. In conclusion, Bulwark is worth using only if you build around it.

Other items and abilities that give Damage Deduction will function well with Bulwark. Stacking Base Armor, Armor Bonus, and Damage Reduction through the new Fragment/Prism System will further ?benefit Bul??wark. Just don't expect it to be effective if you're using the buff half-heartedly, as it requires several stacks to be even remotely effective.

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Remnant 2 is an RPG full of various stats and traits that dramatically alter how your character performs. The best stats in Remnant 2 will be the ones that define how you wish to play the game and, depending on the setup you're using,?? may be different from others.

What are the Best Stats in Remnant 2?

While there are plenty of stats that alter gameplay, there are a few key stats that tend to be a part of every type of build due to their highly influential nature. These are stats that keenly define a playstyle, an?d focusing upon any one of the following (includin??g gear, mods, and weaponry) tends to make strong, viable builds.

Ranged Damage

Remnant 2 is a Shooter first and an RPG second, and that means investing in this stat does nothing but improve your ability to shoot things dead. Throughout your entire playthrou?gh, you'll be constantly shooting things. Whether you're keenly set on using a flamethrower or you've got a trusty rocket launcher you care for, Ranged Damage will improve their direct damage proportionally to how much of this stat you have. Needless to say, Ranged Damage is a very important stat in a game about shooting things oft??en.

Armor

In most games, favoring DPS tends to be the better route because the faster something dies, the less damage you'll take anyway. While this is still true in Remnant 2 at lower difficulties, on higher ones, Armor plays a deceptively major role in your?? self-sustainability and should not be ignored. A high armor rating adds to your Total DR (Damage Reduction), which helps you survive high-damage encounters.

Skill Cooldown

Every single class in Remnant 2 makes use of Skills, and while not every build will be around them, having a 50% shorter cooldown can make a massive difference. As I play the Invader class myself, having a high Skill Cooldow??n stat means I can make use of Invader's very powerful skillset constantly.

Skill Damage

If you have offensive Skills as part of your kit, then investing in Skill Damage can be invaluable. Engineers especially wa??nt to consider hyper-investing in this stat as it makes all their turrets deal more damage. The more Skill Damage you have, the more valuable Skil??l Cooldown becomes.

Skill Duration

While not all Skills need this stat to be improved, any Skill that lasts a certain amount of time can reap the benefits of Skill Du??ration. As the name implies, the more you've invested in Skill Duration, the more impactful time-based skills tend to be. A high Skill Duration means your time-based skills will last much longer, which can be a huge benefit depending on which skills you're using.

Mod Power Generation

Every weapon you ever use in Remnant 2 will have some sort of Mod on it, whether it's one you equip yourself or it came with the base. Mods are really powerful alternative Skills based o??n the weapon, and they can make or break your build depending on what you're doing with them. Havin?g more of this stat means you can use these weapon-based skills more often.

Mod Damage

If you're using weapon Mods constantly, then consider investing in M??od Damage to make sure they do their job on the first or second cast. The more Mod Damage you have, the more valuable Mod Power Generation becomes.

Explosive Damage

While not as prominent as Ranged Damage because it only applies to certain weapons, Explosive Damage can certainly be a major stat when making a build. Most Explosive Weapons are also Ranged Weapons, w?hich means you can double-dip stat effectiveness by investing in both Explosive and Ranged Damage at the same time.

Melee Damage

If you make use of that giant rocket hammer you just picked up??, then investing in the Melee Damage stat is a no-brainer. Melee Weapons have some of the highest possible damage in all of Remnant 2, and making a proper functional build around them can have some seriously devastating results. Melee Damage is just the beginning for this kind of build. However, you need to make sure you have live to tell the tale.

Fire Rate

A build based around the Fire Rate stat aims to dish out really high DPS with an already fast-firing weapon. Naturally, investing in this stat will further boost that DPS, but you'll want Ranged Damage as well to improve DPS at a reasonable curve. Also, the faster you fire, the smaller your weapon magazine is going to seem, so you'll need to invest toward dealing with that problem as well if you plan?? to make Fire Rate one of your core stats.

Critical Chance and Critical Damage

In almost every game where these stats exist, they tend to be one of the most important ones for dishing out large sums of damage, and this remains true in Remnant 2. Critical Damage provides you a massive damage bonus (which you c??an increase by investing in this stat) whenever you land a Critical Hit.

However, one ??pitfall you must consider is your Critical Chance to Critical Damage ratio, meaning you need to ensure you have enough Critical Chance to gain this stat's benefit at a consistent rate. Typically, a 1:2 ratio is a good one to maintain. If you don't have enough Critical Chance, this stat does not benefit you much. Certain weapons will naturally come with various Critical Chance and Critical Damage multipliers to make this easier to achieve.

Status Damage

If you're considering investing in this stat then you're a fan of the DoT (Damage over Time) playstyle, as this makes sure your dots deal more damage. Status Damage needs a lot of in??vestment to make status effects your main source of damage, but once you've reached a point where your enemies melt before you without you needing to do much more than afflict them, you'll understand why this status can be so powerful. Without significant investment though, Status Damage can appear underwhelming, so keep that in mind.

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Boss Rush is a new Adventure game mode added with Remnant 2's The Dark Horizon DLC, and it comes with a set of rewards that will be quite useful to an??yone?? looking for more loot. Here's everything you need to know about them.

All Boss Rush in Remnant 2

Boss Rush features numerous rewards for the successful completion of a run, ranging from unique stuff only found in this mode to items you never obtained during the main game. That's right: the rewards are totally random, and you'll tend to get ones you don't already own. There are many, many items to be found in Remnant 2, so don't be surprised if your ??friend potentally gets different rewards from you, every run.

One last thing to note is that your rewards are directly tied to your progress. The further you go in a Boss Rush, the more you'll get at the end, with a total victory rewarding the most trinkets. Also, while I'm not certain about this, I've only obtained accessory rewards at the end of my Boss Rush runs, not weapons or armor sets, but it may be possible with further playthroughs. You'll gain a slew of experience and minor materials while running Boss Rush, making it a great mode for general farming in Remnan??t 2. What you gain here will also depend on how far you progress.

What is Boss Rush in Remnant 2?

Despite the name, Boss Rush is a Rogue-like mode that has you facing off across all of Remnant 2's tilesets at random, with several bosses sprinkled in the middle of them. There ar?e three versions of this mode, with each version escalating the challenge difficulty, the number of 'floors' you need to clear, and the number of bosses you need to face.

In the hardest variety of Boss Rush, you will have to face all of Remnant 2's bosses and win on the first try, or you'll need to begin anew if you fail. You will always face a boss at the end of each floor, and the one you get will be random, though the tileset you get before reaching the boss does influence which one you'??ll face (Fey Kingdom ti?leset can be any of the Fey bosses, like The Red Prince, for example).

The Rogue-like aspect of Boss Rush places nodes on your map that will allow you to choose various buffs to aid your progress if you interact with them. Some of these buffs can be stacked, allowing for profound builds that allow you to breeze through the mode at times. I personally favor stacking Damage Reduction to the sky using these nodes because no amount of damage will? stop a random stray from a boss from one-shotting you. If that happens, your run is over.

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Prisms are Remnant 2's new extended progression system added in the final DLC, The Final Horizon. Leveling it up properly can be quite a time-consuming chore, but there is a method you can use to do so at a more reasonable pace t?han normal.

Best way to Level your Prism in Remnant 2

After reaching the maximum level in both of your classes, the only thing left to upgrade is your Prism. Similar to your classes, Prisms gain a portion of your total experience, and once enough has been earned, you'll receive an in-game notification to level it up. At this point, you’ll be able to choose from three randomly selected stats to enhance your Prism. These stat boosts are permanent a??nd directly apply to your character. Since Prisms can level up indefinitely, they’ll eventually become your primary source of additional stats, surpassing the benefits of your standard build over time.

Now, leveling Prisms early on is a rather quick endeavor, but as you progress, they take more and more experience to increase. In normal Remnant 2, there are rarely more than a few enemies on screen at a time. Killing enemies in the normal game mode will eventually take too long to be worth your time. Enter the new Boss Rush mode.

Boss Rush functions much like a roguelike, where you're dropped into a random tileset and tasked with surviving waves of enemies while earning various buffs along the way. Each run ends with a boss fight you've encountered previously. Depending on the version of Boss Rush you're playing (there are three types), you'll face a minimum of three bosses before the run concludes. The experience you earn is based on your progress, but the real advantage lies elsewhere. Boss Rush spawns significantly more enemies than standard modes, making it the ideal place for quickly leveling up your Prisms through constant combat and consistent rewards.

Best stats for your Prism in Remnant 2

The best stats you should focus on should be the stats that align with your core build's primary attributes. An explos??ive build wants ??Explosive Damage as one of its main Prism stats, for example.

Prism can only house five stats, and once all five slots are full, all Prism level-up upgrades can only be one of those five stats. This means that if you're unlucky with RNG, there is a cha?nce you will not receive all the stats you want.

Thankfully, feeding your Prism Fragments with the stats you desire greatly tilts the randomness factor in your favor. Before leveling up your Prism even a single time, make sure to feed it the Fragment stats you want first. This ??reduces how much RNG you'll be forced to deal with.

How to get more Fragments for your Prism in Remnant 2

If you don't have Fragments with the stats you desire, there are two ways to get more. The easiest way is to head to Ward 13 and talk to Dwell, just West of the Checkpoint Stone.

Dwell sells a variety of items, including Prisms and Fragments, for all three stat types: Offensive (Red), Defensive (Blue), and Utility (Yellow). Buying one of these color-coded Fragments will give you a random Fragment with stats associated with its typing. All Fragments cost Relic Dust, which is a very common currency found scattered around the ??gam??e world.

The other way you can get Fragments is to find them whole. It is possible to loot entire Fragments from chests, enemies, and any other interactable container you find in Remnant 2.

The post How to level up your Prism in Remnant 2 appeared first on Destructoid.

If you're a fan of explosive builds in Remnant 2, then it's likely you'll want to get your hands on the Detonat??or Mu??tator as quickly as possible. Fortunately, I am also quite keen on explosives and can tell out exactly how you can obtain this powerful piece of hardware.

Where to get Detonator in Remnant

Detonator is one of several brand new Mutators introduced with The Dark Horizon DLC, and it packs? quite a wallop. This Mutator significantly enhances explosive damage, making it a must-have for players who favor a high-risk, high-??reward playstyle. However, acquiring it can be quite a challenge.

Finding it is tricky due to the vast, labyrinthine n??ew area in N'erud, which is difficult t?o navigate because of its fractured pathways and hidden dangers. The foggy atmosphere and lurking enemies also make exploration potentially deadly, forcing you to stay on high alert. This combination of factors is the primary reason why the Detonator Mutator is so difficult to find.

To obtain the Detonator Mutator though, you’ll first need to reroll your Adventure Mode until you land on the starting area, Devoid Quietus. This zone is unique to the D??ark Horizon DLC and serves as the critical launch point for your journey. Without this specific area, obtaining the Mutator is impossible, so rerolling until you have it selected is essential.

Next, head to the Devoid Quietus, and follow the path around to the left until you reach the edge of a cliff. The path is linear, so it should be easy to find. A cutscene should play the moment you reach the edge of the cliffside.

Watch or skip the cutscene, and you'll end up in the lower part of the area with a Checkpoint Stone nearby. You'll also obtain the Prototype Head if you're in the right place. You will not be using t?his item in any way to get Detonator, however.

Follow the path in front of you around and to the right until you encounter an NPC in the area. Speak with him and exhaust all of his dialogue to unlock the Glider at the edge of the cliff, to his left. You will need this to reach the next? few locations.

Once the Glider is unlocked, take it across the ravine to the other side. From here, you will start ??encountering enemies, so deal with them as necessary before continuing.

When you're done fighting, follow the path to the left to another Glider, and float through the massive canyon in front of you. Unlike the ravine, this is a rather long path, but you'll know you're going the right way if you find a white wind funnel in front of you.

Float to this wi?nd funnel and allow it to shoot you upward so you have more air time. From here, continue down the path until you reach a second wind funnel, and do the same thing. Following the second fun?nel, land on the platform in front of it. You should see a second Checkpoint Stone if you're in the right place.

Activate the Checkpoint Stone and follow the linear path out until you reach a left and right split path. Follow the rightmost path. It should eventually open up into a huge area with a big spider-like alien roaming around.

Avoid it and continue to hug the rightmost part of the area until you reach the cliffside where another Glider is waiting f??or you.

Now, take the Glider and float downward underneath the platform you were on prior to taking it. It might take a little time for it to descend, but be patient. If you're having issues with this step, float out toward the open area first. Then, look for a hidden path underneath you, layered with stalactites. Float toward them as soon as you see them.

Once you've entered this hidden area, you will encounter a third wind funnel which you will need to use to maintain air time. Float into it and allow it to shoot you upward. Then, immediately to your left, float toward the fourth wind funnel and let it shoot you upward as well. If you're struggling to?? gain a?ir, cycle back around into these funnels a few times until you've gained some attitude.

When you let the fourth wind funnel launch you, you should immediately see a land mass to land on, along with a large red spider-like alien roaming about. This is the Astral Harvester boss encounter. Kill this m?onstrosity, ?and Detonator will drop from its corpse.

What does the Detonator Mutator do?

The main benefit of the Detonator Mutator is that it increases the Explosive Damage of the weapon it is equipped on by 20% at level 10. ??This is an incredible damage boost on any weapons that naturally deal damage with explosions?, like the Meridian.

However, every time you fire off 10% of the equipped weapon's maximum magazine, a small explosion will also occur on the target, dealing minor Explosive Damage. This is not very impactful on its own, but whe?n combined with other equipment that benefits from explosions, this effect is more potent than it may seem.

For example, if you equip the Detonation Trigger neckpiece, all explosions you cause will apply the Burning status and deal Fire DoT (Damage over Time). Naturally, the miniature explosions caused by Detonator also count, effectively allowing you to apply the Burning status with any weapon that has the Mutator equipped.

Also, since Detonator requires you to use 10% of the equipped weapon's magazine to activate, weapons with more than 10% of their magazine fired with every squeeze of the trigger will activate Detonator's effect. For example, when equipping this Mutator on a Bow (maga??zine size of one), every single arrow will ca??use an explosion, and with Detonation Trigger equipped, also ignite your target.

The post How to get Detonator in Remnant 2 appeared first on Destructoid.

Stagnant Manufactory is one of several potential side areas you can visit in Remnant 2's The Dark Horizon DLC, and in it, you may encounter a locked door with n??o obvious way of opening it.

If you're struggling to open this special door,?? then you're in luck bec?ause I got the information you need to do just that.

How to open the door in Stagnant Manufactory - Remnant 2: The Dark Horizon

When you first approach the large steel door in Stagnant Manufactory, it is likely you will also encounter four patrolling mechs just outside of it. As with most enemies in Remnant 2, destroying them is a completely viable option to r??emove them from your sight, but doing so is problematic to opening this specific door.

When you first find this door, it is already open (or should be if you press the control button above the room), but you need to have noticed this to realize what is actually happening. The open door is your reward for solving the not-so-obvious puzzle just outside of it, which is reaching the door without being spotted by the mechs.

By engaging the mechs or even being spotted by them, the door will hasten shut, and you'll need to reload the area to attempt it again. Stealth is?? the name of the game here, and unless you decide to embrace the playstyle, you won't be reaching the door while it's open. Thankfully, I've got a few tips to help you out.

Use Hunter's Focus

The area surrounding the door is engulfed in a thick fog, making spotting the patrolling mechs quite difficult. Hunter's Focus is an extremely helpful ability that will allow you to see the mechs through wal?ls ??and the fog while the ability remains active. If you can, reallocate your points toward Skill Duration so that it remains active for longer. While active, plan your routes carefully by watching the routes the mechs take. There are four total, and none of them will deviate from their patrol designations.

Avoid the Hidey Hole

There is a hole you can hide in once you get into the room that may seem like a great place to gather your barrings while scoping out where the mechs are. However, I recommend avoiding taking refuge there beca??use while it does offer you solace, it will not be all that useful for getting past the overlapping routes the mechs take. You'll find yourself 'stuck' waiting for the briefest of moments to make a move, only to be discovered in the final hour.

Watch out for Red Lights

With the low visibility in the room, it will be difficult to see the mechs patrolling there while Hunter's Focus is inactive. This is why I recommend you stop looking for the mechs in this scenario and look for their red searchlights instead. These red lights beam bright through the obscu??rin?g fog, and will immediately alert you when a mech is close while informing you of which way they are looking.

Have an Ally provide Overwatch

The control center for the door is right above it, just before you enter the elevator to go down into the room. There is a large window there that anothe??r player can look through and use to provide helpful intel on where the mechs are moving. Playing with a friend makes solving this stealth puzzle much easier for this reason. Be aware, however, that there are blind spots that the overwatching player cannot see from the control center.

What do you get for opening the Stagnant Manufactory Door in Remnant 2?

Should you manage to bypass the mechs and reach the door without being spotted, you'll be rewarded with the Bypass Primer, a brand-new ring introduced in The Dark Horizon DLC.

It allows you to automatically reload your weapon when you successfully activate a Perfect Dodge, perfect for gun-focused builds that are always in the midst of the action. If you're not yet aware, a Perfect Dodge is a dodge that successfully?? avoids an attack rather than just repositioning you. Rolling 'through' an attack with a dodge's iframes (invulnerability frames) is considered a Perfect Dodge and will activate the reload effect of this ring.

The post How to open the Stagnant Manufactory Door?? in Remnant 2 appeared first on Destructoid.

It goes without saying that Remnant 2: The Dark Horizon is going to inundate you with weird new items and gear from the start. Yet, some of these items, like the Prototype Head, will remain mysteriously unused for a good long whi??le. What do you do with it, then?

While the same cannot be said about almost any other item in The Dark Horizon, it's virtually impossible to miss the Prototype Head. Early on in the DLC, you'll be riding a tram that basically crashes onto a poor, unsuspecting bot down below. Being the tenured Traveler that you ar?e, you instinctively tear off its head and lug it around just in case it ends up being useful down the line. And, indeed, it does. Though it takes a while.

How to use the Prototype Head in Remnant 2?

The Prototype Head is a part of one of Remnant 2's classic item hunt-down questlines, in that you'll need to find a whole bunch of different thingamajigs before you get to turn them in for your reward. Any Remnant 2 veteran will know what I'm talking about here, and if I'm being honest, The Dark Horizon would've been incomplete without one of these.

If you're anything like me, you're going to roam around N'Erud's fancy new post-apocalyptic regions and the odds are good you'll end up finding all of the different bot parts before the bot's body. More on those a bit later, though. It's important that you take note of the specific part of the map where the prototype chassis is suspended, because backtracking to it may otherwise be a pain. You're looking for a fancy room with an audio log, a corpse, some lootables, and a body suspended fro??m the cables. For reference, check the picture below.

What other body parts do you need?

Since you're basically kicking off your Dark Horizon adventure with the most important of the?? prototype bot's body parts, the good news is that you're going to be able to talk to it and assess what other bits and bobs it needs. Here's the full list:

• Prototype Arm
• Prototype Claw
• Prototype Memory Core

Now, due to the randomized nature of Remnant 2, there's generally no telling as to where, exactly, you might find these items. My suggestion is to keep a close eye on red-glowing loot as you explore The Dark Horizon regions of N'Erud. Those are quite hard to miss even from very far away, and? they're Prototype parts almost every time. Otherwise, you'll be talking these parts off of other dead bots, so you also wa?nna be on the lookout for those.

I'm not going to spoil the Prototype Bot's delightfully weird dialogue and rewards, but something you may want to note is that the Prototype Memory Core, specifically, can be interacted with. Just inspect it in your inventory and turn it around until you reveal the strange button at the top of its chassis. This allows you to toggle between two of the Core's modes, which likely leads to different quest resolutions and rewards. In other words, we'll be playing this quest at least twice.

The post What to do with Prototype Head item in Remnant 2: The Dark?? ??Horizon? appeared first on Destructoid.

Remnant 2 is no stranger to complex and engaging exploration opportunities, but the new Dark Horizon DLC really plays to the game's best qualities. Notably, The Dark Horizon map is extremely? vertical, and the only way to move about from one island to another is to use glider drones.

Glider drones are, in my book, one of the most interesting new features of Remnant 2: The Dark Horizon. They're not extremely mechanically deep by a long shot, and it's not even hard to get a sense of how to best make use of them. They do, however, massively open up the explorable area and add a huge amount of verticality to what could've been just one more Remnant 2 area. My only real complaint about glider drones is that they're limited to The Dark Horizon's new regions, meaning you won't find them ??anywhere else.

How to fly using glider drones in The Dark Horizon?

The Dark Horizon's agricultural region instantly drives home and you won't get very far without making use of the glider drones. The new playable region is mostly torn apart, with a huge number of areas being completely inaccessible without these hovering little buddies. Using one is quite similar to how you'd fly with a Relter in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, in fact. You jus?t need to approach a glider drone's ground station, and it's going to pop right up for you to grab onto using the Interact key.

Now, admittedly, glider drones are somewhat janky and awkward in The Dark Horizon. Not quite as much as Survivor's Relters, but still. You need to hold the Forward key for the drone to push onward, and the weight of your character means the drone won't be able to fly straight. Instead, it's genuinely just going to glide downwards at a somewhat forgiving angle.

The trick to moving about with a glider drone lies in not attempting to fly backward (which just results in an awkward, animation-less loss of velocity and a change in direction) and in keeping an eye out for strong gusts of wind coming fr??om the roiling fluid underneath you.

You're not always going to want to fly straight, note. Remnant 2: The Dark Horizon is no less loaded with secrets and extremely well-hidden items than any of its predecessors. Except, this time, you'll often need a glider to reach certain areas and ledges. So, always keep an eye out for curiously detached cliffsides and glo?wing doors, as they'll denote a potential loot spot.

It won't take very long for you to get used to The Dark Horizon's glider drones, but they are somewhat awkward and unwieldy. Yet, the possibility they open up for exploration really makes me wish they were found in the rest of N'Erud, at the ve?ry least.

The post How do glider drones ?work in ?Remnant 2: The Dark Horizon? appeared first on Destructoid.

The new Boss Rush Mode in Remnant 2 is available to all owners of the base game, regardless of any owned DLC. The mode is a great way to focus on action and farming bosses in order to get massive amounts of experience, materials, and even drops you have missed. Here is how to access the new Boss Rush Mode in Remnant 2.

How to play Boss Rush Mode

In order to access the new Boss Rush Mode, you ?must first head to the World Stone located in Ward 13. You can access Boss Rush Mode on any character, as long as you have completed or skipped the tutorial. Once you are at the World Stone in Ward 13, click World Settings at the bottom??. From here, choose the option on the right titled 'Create New Boss Rush Mode'.

From here, choose ??which of the three Boss Rush Modes you ??want to run. Here are the three possible Boss Rush Mode runs:

• Triple Threat - Fight three total bosses.
• Trial by Fire - Fight seven total bosses.
• The Gauntlet - Fight 19 total bosses.

Af?ter choosing the duration of your run, you must now choose the run difficulty. The possible difficulties ar??e the same as story and adventure mode, so pick whichever one you can comfortably defeat bosses on.

Finally, choose the Yes option and you will begin your Boss Rush Mode run. If at any time you? want to start a new Boss Rush Mode run, simply head back to the World Stone in Ward 13 and do these steps again and you will start a new run.

An important note is that you can only fight bosses from the content you have purchased. This means if you have no DLCs, you can only fight the bosses from the base game. On the other hand, if you only have the third The Dark Horizon DLC, b??osses f?rom that DLC can appear in your Boss Rush Mode, but not the previous two DLCs.

The post How to access Boss Rush Mode in Remnant 2 appeared first on Destructoid.

Remnant 2 has?? received three outstanding expansion packs. Each adds even more variety to one of the game's main worlds, and yet I cannot help but feel like Gunfire Games has missed out on something crucial here.

Remnant 2 is still one of my favorite games and one of the finest shooters we've had in years. The Forgotten Kingdom?? and The Awakened King expansion packs were both excellent and while I'm writing this ahead of The Dark Horizon's release, I have no doubt it will be great as well. It's a matter of track record at this point.

I fully understand that this will come off a tad whiny and annoying in the grand scheme of things, then, but I genuinely believe that Remnant 2 would've been an even better game had Gunfire Games looked beyo??nd its three bas??e worlds.

Remnant 2 will remain stuck on its three main worlds for good

By default, without any DLC whatsoever, Remnant 2 takes place across several different worlds, dimensions, or universes, whatever you want to ca?ll them. The main narrative, however, focuses specifically on three distinctive worlds: the Victorian-esque Losomn, the forests of Yaesha, ?and the sci-fi horrors of N'Erud.

Each playthrough rolls a randomized selection of maps, bosses, and progression opportunities. Th?e game comes with two full playthroughs' worth of unique content, and each new campaign rolls from this selecti?on, so you never quite know what you're getting. Due to this formula, Gunfire Games could quite easily insert all-new expansions of existing tilesets, and so each of the three DLCs adds a massive chunk of new goodies into its respective world.

The Awakened King added one new playthrough's worth of stuff to Losomn, The Forgotten Kingdom did the same for Yaesha, and The Dark Horizon will do the same for N'Erud. It's quite phenomenal, really! In the grand scheme of things, the issue I have is that this feels like the setup for more. More worlds, more dimensions, more goodies to chase and puzzles t??o solve.

I can't shake the feeling that this really was the plan at one point in time because the original Remnant: From the Ashes did introduce whole new worlds to its content roster. Swamps of Corsus added, uh, the swampy regions of Corsus, while Subject 2933 took us into the mountainous regions of Reisum. These DLCs weren't outright phenomenal, mind, but they sure did up the ante in terms of variety. Remnant 2 isn't going to have this same opportunity?? afforded to it, sadly.

Why is Remnant 2 not getting any more DLC?

After Gunfire Games announced that The Dark Horizon would be the final Remnant 2 DLC, I was taken aback. Sure, its heyday has passed by now, and I'm all but certain that the expansions weren't nearly as successful as the base game, but the pri??ncipal designer of Remnant 2 specifically said there was a "very good chance" more DLC would be coming after the three originally planned ones. With each essentially doubling a given world's content, Gunfire should have had free reign to redirect the game's next chapter into any direction it chose.

Yet, that's not happening at all. With no word from the developers on the matter, we can only hypothesize as to what happened in the background. Given the quality of Remnant 2's post-launch content, I feel bad that I'm disap?pointed with Gunfire Games choosing to drop the game before exploring a genuinely new world. Yet, at the same time, isn't this more than enough content for dozens of hours of gameplay?

More Remnant is absolutely coming, but who knows when?

There's no way Gunfire Games is going to drop Remnant for good, not given just how successful Remnant 2 was early on. Remember, the game absolutely captured the zeitgeist of its launch window, and everyone and their mum was playing it.

The fact is, though, that Gunfire Games is billing The Dark Horizons as the definitive and final Remnant 2 DLC despite the studio heads' claims that there'd be more content coming down the line. Is Remnant 3 that far along that it makes no sense for developers to stick around working on this entry in the series? I find that hard to bel??ieve. Even optimistically, sequels take three t??o four years to produce in the current industry climate.

While the game's not a live-service title, Gunfire successfully pushed out three massive expansions for each of Remnant 2's main worlds. Why stop there unless something's going on? And, you know, something has gone down: Darksiders 4. Is this a good thing? We'll just have to wait and see. As for myself, though, I feel that Remnant 2 deserved one more year of content.

Remnant 2 is left in a good state, but it could've been even better

It's funny that my only real complaint about Remnant 2, about a year after it first came out, is that it won't get even more content than initially planned. The crux of Remnant 2 is not genuinely novel and unique: it's a gun-fighting Soulslike. Or Souls-lite, if you will. Y??et, the execution of the game leaves virtually nothing to be desired, with engaging combat and progression loops, oodles of?? content, and a better take on exploration and puzzle-solving than I had seen in years.

For what it's worth, I'm hoping that this franchise is, at the very least, thoroughly done with the world of Yaesha for good. We've seen it in the first Remnant, we went back in Remnant 2, and then went back again as part of the sequel's Forgotten Kingdom DLC. N'Erud is infinitely more interesting in my opinion, and I'm happy that we are going back to it as part of Remnant 2's grand and final expansion p??ack. That's a win, at least.

The post Did Remnant 2 miss out on the opportu?nity?? of a lifetime with its DLCs? appeared first on Destructoid.

It's been a heck of an adventure, but Remnant 2 is about to wrap up its post-launch content schedule with the new The ??Dark Horizon DLC, featuring the Warden character class. Much as was the case with, say, the Ritualist, the Warden is DLC-locked, and their spe??cialty is drones.

More specifically, the Warden archetype is a headlining feature of the upcoming The Dark Horizon DLC, which launches on September 24 for $9.99. The general gist of the DLC is that it follows the exact same formula as its two predecessors, The Forgotten Kingdom and The Awakened King. Whereas these DLCs expanded upon Yaesha and Losomn, respectively, The Dark Horizon is all about?? ??N'Erud's horror sci-fi goodness, and the Warden ties into this idea remarkably well.

Remnant 2's Warden archetype is coming as part of The Dark Horizon DLC, on September 24

If there's one thing Remnant 2's developer, Gunfire Games, is good at, then it's making engaging and satisfying build crafting options that remain viable throughout the experience. The Warden is particularly exciting in this context, as it comes in as a meaningful expansion of Remnant 2's already impressive character class roster. Even more interestingly, you get to equip two archetypes at once, which means you can mix your older Handler character with the Warden to wield both an attack dog and an attack drone all at once, which is awesome.

Remnant 2 was, in many ways, one of the best games of 2023. It had an excellent gameplay loop and a fair difficulty curve, yes, but its insistence on hiding important gear behind weird, out-of-the-box puzzles is what really hooked players onto it. I myself was sold when I learned I had to wait 90 real-world minutes ??to access the fancy Meridian grenade pistol on the other side of a certain water tank, honestly.

Now, the bit that I myself am disappointed to see is that The Dark Horizon is the final DLC for Remnant 2. Once it comes out, each of the game's three big "worlds" will basically have doubled in size. However, this also means we're not going to get anything genuinely new and different in this regard, whereas the original Remnant wasn't afraid of going totally ham with its DLCs, for better or for worse. A missed opportunity or an excellent way of rounding off base content? Decide for yourself! Whatever the case may be, I've got no doubt that The Dark Horizon and the Warden, specifically, will be a joy to play around with. And don't forget about the boss rush mode, either.

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The final DLC for the action RPG souls-like Remnant 2 will take players into an all-new area of N'Erud, the sci-fi construct that was once home to the Drzyr as they searched the universe for sentient life, but instead found the center of the universe. Remnant 2: The Dark Horizon adds the drone-wielding Warden?? archetype, a massi?ve sprawling new area of N'Erud, a new Prism system that essentially adds further end-game, and a new boss rush mode.

The Dark Horizon

I recently sat down with Ben Cureton, Principal Designer at Gunfire Games, and Cindy To, Principal Level Designer at Gunfire Games, to get a hands-off preview of everything new coming in the final DLC for Remnant 2, and wow is there a lot. For starters, even though I was expecting The Dark Horizon to take place on N'Erud, what I wasn't expecting is the massive size and verticality of the new overworld area coming in the ??DLC.

As they showed me the new area, To explained that a large portion of the new area takes place in the farming area of N'Erud, where the Drzyr used various types of machinery to cultivate and tend to their crops and food supply. The verticality reminded me of the Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, wh??ere there are plenty of higher and low??er elevation areas to explore.

To assist players with navigating the new area, a new mechanical glider will give players the freedom to glide around the map to traverse longer distances with ease. According to Ben and Cindy, this is the biggest area they've created for ?the DLC, and it certainly shows. Of course, the new area will delve more into the N'Erud-specif??ic storyline, and feature a new world boss for players to take on.

Attack of the Drone

The new Archetype in The Dark Horizon is ??the Warden, who comes equipped with a secret weapon: the Drone. Ben showed off the three different stances of the Drone, in which the automated companion can focus on regenerating yo?ur shields, healing you, or even attacking enemies. This makes the Drone extremely versatile and a potential boon for solo play, but also a powerful option in co-op.

By default, the Drone will automatically follow the player around. But you can "attach" it to an ally instead, in which the ally ??will use its skills to assist the target ally instead. The Warden's Trait, Barrier, increases the effectiveness of any shields the Warden applies. This means if you put the Drone on an ally and it replenishes your ally's shields, it will also replenish yours. As Ben put it, the Warden is a "Master of Shields", and Barrier is a game changer for any shield build.

I'??m curious to see what sort of builds players much better than me will come up with, especiall??y when mixed with some of the other unique Archetypes like Archon and Summoner.

Prisms - A new Grind

Also coming in The Dark Horizon is a new system called Prisms. Players can obtain Prisms through a variety of means such as buy??ing them from NPCs, looting them off bosses, and a few other methods as well. Once you acquire a Prism, they gain experience when you do, allowing you to level them up. Once leveled, you can activate the prism and choose from one of three different stat bonuses that become a permanent addition to the Prism.

In total each Prism can have five stats, and once you've filled all five slots, leveling the Prism will grant upgrades to the five chosen stats. Using this system, you can try and build a Prism that synergi??zes with your build, such as defensive stats, offensive stats, utility, and more. Some stats can even unlock secret bonuses in which they pair up and merge into one, freeing up another slot for another stat. Once the Prism reaches the maximum level of 50, you can choose to wipe it clean and start from scrat?ch.

It's an interesting new system that essentially adds another grind, to Remnant 2, which in my opinion was certainly needed. The great thing is, it's the stat bonuses from Prisms are supplemental. You can certainly complete all content in Remnant 2 without them, ??and even just throw together one that "works" for your build. But the option is also there for min-maxers to super grind out the perfect stats for on a Prism to fit their build,?? which adds a ton of replayability, making it a fine addition to the final DLC.

Boss Rush - A New Mode for all Remnant 2 owners

The final addition with The Dark Horizon DLC actually doesn't necessarilly required the DLC to do. A new Boss Rush mode allows players to take their character into a "triple threat" randomly generated dungeon, killing hordes of enemies to spawn Aberrations. Once the player defeats the Aberration, they can then take on the world boss for the dungeon. Defeating the boss allows the player to choose one of three tempora??ry buffs before h??eading into the next dungeon.

At the beginning of each Boss Rush attempt, players can choose to enter take on three, nine, or a staggering 27 bosses in order to succ?essfully complete their Boss Rush run. Once the run ends, whether in defeat or victory, players receive a lot of XP as well as loot for every boss defeated including elusive drops and weapons.

Through the Boss Rush mode, players will have another option for farming gear they've been unable to get through their Story and Adventure mode runs. The hefty XP gains also compli??ments the new Prism system, giving players a fun new way to farm XP and level their Prisms. This new mode is available to all players without needing to purchase the new DLC. However, you won't be able to encounter DLC bosses in Boss Rush mode unless you own the DLC they ?are from.

All in all, this seems like a hefty final DLC for Remnant 2. All great things—and Remnant 2 is indeed great—must come to an end. But I can't think of no better finale for the action RPG. The new storyline and area could have been enough, but the addition of the new Prism system and Boss Rush mode will add even more replayability to Remnant 2, giving play?ers plenty to do long after they complete the new content. Oh, and I also got to see one one of the new weapons in the DLC. I don't want to spoil anything, but I'll describe it in one word: badass.

Remnant 2: The Dark Horizon releases next week on September 24 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. The Dark Horizon DLC will be $9.99, and is inlcuded in the Ultimate Edition which gives access to a??ll three DLC packs. The major content update that adds the new Boss Rush mode also releases alongside the DLC.

The post Remnant 2: The Dark Horizon DLC adds Warden archetype, new N’Erud area, Boss Rush mode, and more appeared first on Destructoid.

After a two-month delay, Remnant 2 is finally ready to launch its third and final DLC, titled The Dark Horizon. That’s not all, though! Here??’s everything new coming with the new update on September 24, whethe?r you own the DLC or not.

The Dark Horizons of N’Erud

The Dark Horizon DLC features a new storyline set in the desolate alien land??scapes of N’Erud. Explore new levels and dungeons using a new glider traversal system. We only got a brief look at the new locations in the trailer, but it looks like it has a more ??vertical layout that would make gliding useful.

Of course, we can also expect a whole host of new gear like weapons, rings, amulets, and armor. The N’Erud enemies have some of the weirdest alien designs, so I’m looking forward to facing ??off against new bosses and enemies as? well.

New archetype: The Warden

With a new DLC comes a new class: the Warden. The Warden has a small drone companion t?hat can fight alongside them, or provide more defensive utility through shielding and healing. More information on the Warden class will be forthcoming next week.

The Dark Horizon is a paid DLC that will be available for $9.99 on its own. If you bought the Ultimate edition of Remnant 2, then you already own The Dark Horizon.

Free Boss Rush mode

Aside from the paid DLC, the update will include a free game mode for all players. The Boss Rush mode challenges players to face off against a series of bosses, either solo or in a co-op squad. There are three difficul?ty levels: Triple Threat (three bosses), Trial by Fire (seven bos??ses), and The Gauntlet (nineteen bosses). You’ll have to fight through enemies and Aberrations to get to the bosses, but you can enjoy temporary buffs that will help your run.

You’ll be able to access the Boss Rush mode via the World Stone in Ward 13. Boss Rush be??comes available on ??September 24 for all players as a free update �no DLC purchase required! The trailer showcases some DLC-exclusive bosses, so it's possible that players who don't own the DLC will be able to enjoy the DLC boss fights through this mode.

New Fragment system: Prisms

If you, like me, have maxed out all of your Fragment levels, you know the disappointment of picking up a new Fragment and watching it turn into Relic Dust. Luckily, the new update introduces a change to the Fragment system. Details are sparse, but it sounds like Fragments will be rebalanced and can be leveled up to gr??ant additional bonuses.

Remnant 2 is one of the best looter-shooters out right now. If you haven’t tried it yet, and you like some souls-like 3rd-person shooting, now is the best time to get in on the action. The Dark Horizon becomes available on September 24, so there’s two weeks to catch up in Remnant 2. The previous two DLCs, The Awakened King and The Forgotten Kingdom, did not disappoint, so The Dark Horizon promises to be a blast.

The post Remnant 2’s third DLC The Dark Horizon dro??ps September 24, along with a brand new Boss Rush game mode appeared first on Destructoid.

Souls-like looter-shooter Remnant 2 is celebrating its one-year anniversary since its release on July 25, 2023. Though developer Gunfire Games initially promised three DLCs within a year after release, it looks like we’ll be waiting a bit longer for the third DLC: The Dark Horizon. 

We can expect The Dark Horizon to release sometime in September 2024. Though initially promised by July of this year, Gunfire Games has delayed its release to “deliver [players]?? the best possible experience�

In the meantime, there’s no word on the next Aberration Domination event �the only way to efficiently obtain rare Corrupted Shards in Remnant 2. The first two DLCs?? were preceded by an Aberration event in the weeks before their release. This means there will probably be another Aberration event sometime in August before The Dark Horizon launches. Or at least, I hope so. I’m missing a lot of Corrupted guns.

What we know about The Dark Horizon

The Dark Horizon is the third and final DLC for Remnant 2. Since the first and second DLCs were set in Losomn and Yaesha, The Dark Horizon will take place in N’Erud. The previous two DLCs included some new maps with unique aesthetic flair, so it will be exciting to see how Gunfire Games decides to spruce up the desola?te landscapes of N’Erud. 

Along with The Dark Horizon DLC, Remnant 2 will be adding a new game mode and progression system that will be free for all players. Included is a teaser screenshot that shows a third game mode slot next to Campaign mode and Adventure mode. There are no other details regarding these new features, so we’ll just have to wait until the next announ?cement to learn more.

Happy anniversary to all Remnant 2 players and the team at Gunfire Games! I’m looking forward to diving back into Remnant 2 again.

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Despite the somewhat disappointing Essential monthly games for July, the PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium l?ineup is more than making up for it this month.

PlayStation Plus Extra July 2024 lineup is impressive

PlayStation Plus Extra July 2024 fittingly heats up Sony's subscription service with new games, such as Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion, Remnant 2, and a PSP classic Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters.

PSVR 2 enthusiasts can also play Job Simulator through Play??Station Plus Extra if they haven't already.

Starting on July 16, Square Enix fans may be delighted to play the Final Fantasy VII Remake prequel Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion. It features Zack Fair, the hero who stars alongside Cloud in Rebirth. Y?ou can fin??d out more about his story in this triple-A remaster of the PSP classic.

That's not all for PSP fans, however. Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters, which has a surprisingly expensive PS2 port in the second-hand market, will be playable on modern systems for the first time on July 16 alongside all the other games we'll mention in this article. Like the other classic titles, Size Matters is ??only available for PlayStation Plus?? Premium members. Sorry, Extra guys.

Thankfully, Remnant 2, an entertaining co-op shooter is also going to be available for PlayStation Plus Extra subscribers. We gave it a great 8.5/10 score last year. "As much as I enjoyed the cinematography and scope of the world design in Remnant: From the Ashes, the team really knocked it out of the park with Remnant 2," said our reviewer Steven Mills. "There are multiple worlds you’ll find yourself progressing through, ea??ch with a unique setting and story that really immersed me."

You'll have a lot to play this month

There are plenty of highlights in the PlayStat??ion Plus Extra July 2024 lineup. They i??nclude:

• Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
• Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord
• The Jackbox Party Pack 9
• Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous
• No More Heroes 3
• Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes Complete Edition
• Deadcraft
• Steep

PlayStation Plus Premium members will get their hands?? on:

• Job Simulator (PSVR2 version)
• Summoner (PS2)
• Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters (PSP)
• Jeanne d'Arc (PSP)

The post Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reun?ion and Remnant 2 join PlayStation Plus Extra this month appeared first on Destructoid.

Remnant 2’s second DLC, titled The Forgotten Kingdom, is just around the corner. Last week, we learned about most of what’s coming in The Forgotten Kingdom, but a new trailer now has details on the Invoker ??Archetype. Let’s dive in and see what this new class has to offer.

What does the Invoker do?

The Invok??er Archetype harnesses the spirits of Yaesha to unleash nature-based skills and abilities. The trailer showcases lightning strikes and tida??l waves that remind me of shaman classes in other games. 

Invoker appears to be a flexible support Archetype that can enhance the abilities of other classes it’s paired with. The mix of teammate healing/support and enemy debuffs could make it a??n effective co-op option.

Prime Perk: Visionary

The Invoker’s Prime Perk reduces skill cooldowns by 10% and grants double skill charges for all equipped skills. This me??ans that, if you have Invoker in your first class slot, you can spam your secondary class�skill too.

Skill 1: Way of Kaeula

The Invoker’s first skill, Way of Kaeula,?? summons a rainstorm. Enemies in the rainstorm are slowed? and receive periodic damage from lightning strikes, while teammates receive Haste. On cast, it also summons a tidal wave that rushes forward and deals damage to enemies along its path.

Skill 2: Way of Meidra

The Invoker’s second skill is called Way of Meidr??a, and creates a field of flowers. These flowers aren’t just p?retty, though �enemies in this field take increased elemental damage while teammates gain healing and lifesteal.

Skill 3: Way of Lydusa

The third skill, Way of? Lydusa, seems to be the most offensive. With this skill, the Invoker increases Critical Chance and Critical Damage. Continuing to attack b??reaks off parts of the enemy and allows the Invoker to cast an AoE attack called Sandblast.

Archetype Trait: Gifted

The Invoker’s Trait, Gifted, increa?se??s skill duration. This affects secondary class skills too, further increasing Invoker’s synergy with other classes.

When does Invoker come to Remnant 2?

The Invoker Archetype releases together with The Forgotten Kingdom DLC on April 23, 2024.

The Forgotten Kingdom is available on its own for $9.99. The Remnant 2 DLC Bundle includes The Forgotten Kingdom, The Awakened King, and a third DLC coming later this year for $24.99. The Ultimate Edition of Remnant 2 includes all DLC, so if you’ve shelled out on the Ultimate Edition, you’ll be able to play The Forgotten Kingdo??m as soon as it releases.

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Souls-like looter shooter Remnant 2 announced its second DLC expansion with a brand-new trailer. Here’s a quick summary of everything we c??an expect from The Forgotten Kingdom DLC releasing on April 23.

A lost tribe in Yaesha and an angry goddess

The Forgotten Kingdom will include a new story set in the Root-ridden world of Yaesha, though the areas showcased in the trailer have a m??arkedly different aesthetic from the other Yaesha areas we’ve ?seen. Players will discover the history of a mysterious lost tribe, led by a Pan who refers to the tribe as his “brethren.�The new areas are ridden with enemies of living stone, who serve an ancient stone spirit named Lydusa.

Why did this tribe disappear? What’s the deal with Lydusa? Why does this part of Yaesha remind me of Avatar’s Pandora? We’ll find out when The Forgotten Kingdom becomes available for Remnant 2 players.

Everything new in The Forgotten Kingdom DLC

In addition to the new story, The Forgotten Kingd?om will feature new dungeons. Like the rest of the game, the DLC dungeons will probably have an element of r?andomness, encouraging players to experience the region in different ways. 

With th??e new areas come new enemies and bosses to fight, and it looks like the majority of new enemies are made of living stone. They include various iterations of stone golems �some large, some small, and some that look like vases on legs. I can’t help but wonder if there will be loot in the vases when I break them.

A new Archetype is being introduced called the Invoker. This new class draws upon the nature spirits of Yaesha for its abilities, which will be? revealed in a future announ?cement.

The Forgotten Kingdom will also bring new gear, including rings, amule?ts, weapons, and weapon mods. The t??railer also showcased at least one new armor set. Time to get shooting and looting.

When will The Forgotten Kingdom DLC release?

The Forgotten Kingdom will release on April 23, 2024 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

The retail price for the standalone DLC will be $9.99. If you buy the Remnant 2 DLC Bundle for $24.99, you’ll get access to The Forgotten Kingdom as well as the previous DLC, The Awakened King, and a third DLC installment later this year. Players who own the Ultimate edition of Remnant 2 will automatically be granted access ??to The Forgotten Kingdom?? on release day.

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After some pretty solid additions in November, the titles coming to Xbox Game Pass for December look to continue the momentum. Remnant: From the Ashes and Remnant 2 are available on both PC and Xbox starting today while the others will be spread out over the first couple weeks of December. Both Remnant games are a ton of fun, and I'd definitely recommend checking out if you have a Game Pass subscriptio??n.

SteamWorld Build which ??is a city-builder our very own Zoey "The Architect" Handley feels is worth trying will be released as a Day One on Game Pass title. Blacksmith simulator WHile the Iron's Hot is also coming Day One on Gmae Pass.

There's some other very solid titles being added throughout December including Spirit of the North, Rise of the Tomb Raider, World War Z: Aftermath, Against the Storm, and Far Cry 6.

Here are all the titles coming to Xbox Game Pass in th??e f??irst two weeks of December:

Added today to Xbox Game Pass (November 30, 2023):

• Remnant: From the Ashes (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Remnant 2 (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC)

Heading to Xbox Game Pass the week of December 1, 2023:

• Spirit of the North, December 1 (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• SteamWorld Build, December 1 (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Clone Drone in the Danger Zone, December 5 (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC)
• While the Iron's Hot, December 5 (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• World War Z: Aftermath, December 5 (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Goat Simulator 3, December 7 (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC)

Heading to Xbox Game Pass the week of December 8, 2023:

• Against the Storm, December 8 (PC)
• Tin Hearts, December 12 (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Far Cry 6, December 14 (Cloud, Console, and PC)

Chialvry 2 a??nd Totally Reliable Delivery Service are als??o being added to Game Pass Core on December 6.

The post Remnant 2 headlines a solid December ??lineup for Xbox Game Pass appeared first on Destructoid.

Perhaps the biggest highlight of Remnant 2 was its incredible world-building and design. All three core worlds—Losomn, N'Erud, and Yaesha—were so distinct and immersive that they very well could have been their own games. In the first Remnant 2 ??DLC, players revisit Losomn in an attempt to track down the One Tru?e King.

The new Forlorn Coast adds another variant to Losomn, making it one of the zone's three roll possibilities. The mad king thinks everyone has betrayed him, and teleports his castle smack dab in a Dran coastal town. After my roughly seven-hour journey through the new area, I was pleased with the content the DLC added to Remnant 2. To put it simply, this is just more Remnant 2, and that's not a bad thing.

Remnant 2: The Awakened King DLC (PC [reviewed], PS5, Xbox Series X|S)
Developer: Gunfire Games
Publisher: Gearbox Publishing
Released: November 14, 2023
MSRP: $9.99

If it ain't broke don't fix it

The level design in Remnant 2: The Awakened King may be the best by Gunfire Gamers yet. You start on the outskirts o??f the coastal town, with the castle of the One True King looming above. Inside the actual locale are plenty of events, dungeons to explore, and new loot. Eventually, I made my way up the cliffside to the castle of the mad king, overlooking the coastal dark Dran I had just spent hours exploring. It's a cool touch to actually look out over the town f??rom atop the castle, knowing you have actually traversed its streets.

While overall, I enjoyed the new area, there is one specific locale that I found to be incredibly frustrating. The Forgotten Commune is cobbled together with wooden planks and ramshackle hovels inside a deep sewer system. Throughout most the level you have to be careful not to fall off, while also fighting enemies in narrow corridors and tight spaces. If the developers told me they were doing their own rendition of Blighttown from Dark Souls, I'd certainly believe them. I'd be upset, but I wo?uld believe them.

Speaking of which, The Awakened King is definitely on the more challenging side. I started on Veteran difficulty—the second of four difficulty levels—and actually ended up bumping it down to Survivor after slamming my head in The Forgotten Commune for a while. Some of the new enemies are super brutal, often spewing out poison-exploding orbs or exploding themselves on death. At some points, it felt over-the-top difficult, especially after just returning to the game after having not played for months. One of th??e bosses even spawns a slew of the explodey enemies, all while in a tight and narrow space. It not only took a few tries but definitely checked my patience. Have I mentioned how much I disliked The Forgotten Commune?

The master of pain and suffering

I didn't unlock the new Ritualist Archetype until I finished playing through the new content, so I didn't have the opportunity to level it up too high, but I dug even just those earlier experiences. The Ritualist brings a new playstyle to Remnant 2, focusing on a risk-reward system that drains your health in exchange for more damage and lifesteal. I'm eager to dive back into Archetype more, it's a fresh addition that better balances the pain that comes with ?difficulty and another reason to go back.

Speaking of new content, Gunfire Games sprinkled quite a bit throughout the core Remnant 2 game as well, primarily in the form of items a?nd mutators. It's a great opportunity to play with a friend if? they're new. With how the DLC works, the new area will simply be added to the pool of being rolled when you visit Losomn.

I assume that with the first DLC pack being broken into three pieces, we'll also see a new area in N'Erud and Yaesha. I feel like The Awakened King was t?he ideal supplement to Losomn, and I can't wait to see what they do with t??he others if that is the goal.

Remnant 2: The Awakened King doesn't do anything too wild or reinvent the wheel, but that's probably for the best, as the core game is already fantastic. It adds more content to an already outstanding action RPG and continues building on the scale and depth of its world. Content-wise, there's plenty there with a handful of new bosses, dungeons, and an all-new Archetype. If Remnant 2 already had its hooks in you with the base game, you'll?? like what Gunfire Games has to offer here. If you haven't, now is as good a time as any.

_{[This review is based on a retail build of the DLC provided by the publisher.]}

The post Review: Remnant 2: The Awakened King DLC appeared first on Destructoid.

This year's surprise Soulslike hit, Remnant 2, may end up being a substantially bigger game than anyone initially expected, according to Ben Cureton of Gunfire Games. Cureton is the Principal Designer working on Remnant 2?, and he revealed that "there i??s a very good chance" more DLC will be coming.

This information comes from the latest of Gunfire Games??' se?veral AMA threads on Reddit, where Cureton goes into substantial depth about Remnant 2 and its ongoing development by responding to the players' questions. While it has been known for some time now that Remnant 2 would get three major DLCs post-release, R?eddit user Korten12 asked whether more DLC might be coming once they are out. Cureton, using his "verytragic" Reddit account, responded with the quote featured above.

Aside from there being a good shot at more than three expansion packs for Remnant 2, Cureton also talked about how important quali??ty-of-life improvements have been for Gunfire Games, as well as discussing some other ?potential features, like a more hardcore Survival mode or, perhaps, a boss rush, though these are still up in the air.

Remnant 2's commercial success leads to long-term support for the game

While the original title, Remnant: From the Ashes, may have remained a fairly obscure offering in the grand scheme of things, the same cannot be said about Remnant 2. As one of the best-selling games of 2023, Remnant 2 ac??hieved both critical acclaim and fan adoration, having been hailed as a gaming highlight even in a year as loaded with compelling games as 2023 has been. It's not a huge surprise, then, that Gunfire Games would be looking at ways to expand this success with further ??post-launch releases.

Cureton's comments don't offer a surefire promise of there being more than three full expansion packs, of course, but it is, perhaps, telling that the previous Remnant 2 AMA didn't provide any such bombshell responses. With that in mind, it may be that Gunfire now feels more at ease with what Remnant 2 has achieved a?nd t??hat the studio sees more potential in the game than there might've initially been.

Whatever the case may be, Remnant 2's first major expansion pack, The Awakened King, is coming out on November 14 at just $9,99 or your regional equivalent. It promises to expand upon the story of Losomn and its two elven races of humanoids, and the community is eager to bite into it as soon as possible.

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I had a blast playing through Remnant 2 earlier this year. Just a week ago I had the opportunity to see a preview of the first upcoming DLC for the Action RPG shooter titled The Awakened King. Now I loved all of the worlds in Remnant 2, but there was something special about Losomn. With the upcoming DLC, playe??rs will head back to the world of Losomn? to learn more about the One True King.

All hail the One True King

In the roughly 25-minute preview of The Awakened King DLC, I was shown the new region in which we will be visiting. The One True King has awakened, and he is out for blood after being corrupted by the Root. In a fit of rage he teleporte??d his castle above a Dran coastal town where the chaotic weather and angry tides have surfaced all sorts of creatures.

Players will experience a brand new storyline and traverse new dungeons as they uncover the secrets about the One True King. Along the way players will encounter new threa?ts and enemies as?? well as bosses.

From what I saw, the coastal town continued to give off the standard Losomn Bloodborne-esque vibes. But what really stood to me, is the influence from being nestled in a coastal town where the tumultuous tides have cast an eerie feeling over the town. It looked and felt sort of like Innsmouth, a fictional town from the H.P. Lovecraft story titled "The Shadow Over Innsmouth".

The actual environment seemed to be the biggest area yet in Remnant 2. Early in the preview I saw parts of the coastal town up close as the p??layer traversed its streets. But at the end, we stood on the walls of the castle looking down at the massive sprawling town below. This isn't just some small side section of Losomn, but rather its own big entity from it.

New Archtype, Items, and Weapons

Players will also get to play as a whole new Archetype, called The Ritualist. According to Gunfire Games, the Ritualist Archetype lev??erages status effects to punish its foes. They are considered a master of pain and suffering. Actual details on the Archetype will be revealed closer to launch, but it sounds like a pretty unique Archetype compared to those existing in the base game.

Of course, new dungeons and bosses also me?ans ne??w Items and Weapons. The Awakened King DLC includes new Weapons, Modifications, Amulets, and Rings.

Even though I only got to see a small part of the DLC, it definitely has me excited to check it out. The coastal town and castle was full of mini-events that can be triggered based on the player's actions, and it seems like there will be a lot to explore across many runs. All in all, this is more Remnant 2, which I will take any day of the week.

Also, the DLC adds the new area to the rollable regions when play ing Remnant 2. So, if you have friends who have yet to played, this is a great time to get them in to check it out while allowing you both to experience The Awakened King. Alongside the DLC, Gunfire Games i??s also releasing an update that ?adds a few new things to the base game.

Remnant 2's The Awakened King DLC releases on November 14 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S for $9.99. A premium DLC bundle is also available for $24.99 that will grant players access to this DLC as well as two additional DLC packs that are coming next year. Players who purchased the Ultimate Edition of Remnant 2 can access the DLC at no additional cost.

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It's safe to say that the gaming industry's obsession with live-service titles and microtransactions won't wane anytime soon. However, the remarkable success of Remnant 2 has shown that there's still a substantial market for smaller, more contained experiences. Remnant 2's sales have been so remarkable, in fact, that the game managed to dethrone Diablo 4 last month, skyrocketing to the very top of the July l?ist of best??sellers.

This information comes from Mat Piscatella, a renowned gaming industry analyst who often posts sales information on his Twitter account. Piscatella's stats summarize sales data from the Nintendo eShop, PlayStation, Steam, and Xbox platforms, ranking games based on their revenue. This isn't a huge surprise, since Remnant 2 moved over one million copies in four days after its July 25 launch. That said, it does show something very importa?nt.

//twitter.com/MatPiscatella??/status/1693627938569097422

Not every new game needs to be a live service bonanza

Remnant 2 developer Gunfire Games already promised that there's more content coming down the line. But the game doesn't have a permanent loot treadmill, and it doesn't try to commandeer all of its players' time. Instead, it's an AA production that delivers no microtransactions and doesn't rely on time-gated content to keep players coming back. Its success is based pu??rely on its merits as a game.

Obviously Diablo is a far more popular and renowned franchise than Gunfire Games' Remnant. Yet Diablo 4's shoddy seasonal offering is sure to have played a role in allowing Remnant 2 to beat it in sales. Additionally, Piscatella reports that Remnant 2 is now the 18th best-selling new game of 2023. We'll have to see how many players return to the game as it rolls out downl?oadable content in the future.

Diablo 4 is still going to be a more performant title with a longer financial tail for its developer, but the community is clearly eager for games like Remnant 2. Hopefully the industry will deliver more of them in du??e time.

The post Remn??ant 2 was the best-selli??ng game of July in the U.S. appeared first on Destructoid.

Remnant 2 is chugging along, and based on the reception so far, it has a long future ahead of it. Not only is the game a hit commercially and critically, but the development team is also addressing multiple pain points due to player feedback, which you always love to see. A patch was just released on PS5, and like most of the patches?? before it (on any platform?), there's a lot to unpack. Here are the big takeaways.

Crashes and trophies are fixed

Trophy/Achievement bugs are some of the most annoying glitches out there, especially if they only impact one or two seemingly small tasks. It's not uncommon for AAA games to have a few bugged trophies, which can cause problems with the ever-present chase of Platinum status. Thankfully, this fix is retroactive, so your trophies should "ding" automatically. Note, however, that you w??ill need to interact with the World Stone to pop some of them.

This update also comes alongside performance and crash improvements, which can be extremely crushing for a game like Remnant 2. I even went through some launch w??eek crash woes on PC myself. That's on top of a heap of precise bug fixes.

A focus on quality of life

In the past 10 years or so, dev teams have been laser-focused on community feedback, which can help foster a lifelong relationship between some fans: and Gunfire Games is keeping that tradition alive with Remnant 2. Alt??hough the game works just fine there are a ton of things that could be impr??oved, and the August PS5 patch is doing just that.

Big changes include the ability to buy unlocked archetypes from Wallace (an NPC) for all future characters, which is huge for folks who are playing through multiple runs. Some obscene requirements were reduced (like what you needed to do to pick up the Revivalist Trait), and the spawn rate for special rewards from Cass has been increased. No one really likes pointless grinding that potentially exceeds dev intent, so this i?s a step in the right direction.

You can read the full patch notes below!

Remnant 2 PS5 patch - Full patch notes - 08.15.23

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Gunfire Games' Remnant 2 did more than just improve upon its predecessor: it also established itself as the go-to option for gamers that are fans of secrets, bespoke gameplay features, and a remarkably involved procedural generation system that deliver?s plenty of variety. It also had a fair few balancing issues for the dev, Gunfire Games, to deal with, though,? and the latest PC update follows through on them.

Remnant 2 on launch day overwhelmed its players with a wealth of content and a solid progression system, meaning it took a bit longer than expected for its problems to crystalize with the community. Issues with survivability were certainly a highlight, but some unexpected quirks with character archetypes came up, too, and the new Remnant 2 PC update released on August ?10 alleviates a huge deal of these problems.

Not only has Gunfire now improved the game's performance further still, but the studio has also delivered slight survivabil?ity buffs to a huge selection of gear and class passives. In other words, players should now find it ever-so-slightly easier to stay alive when the going gets tough. In co-op, specifically, Gunfire nerfed the multiplayer scaling value by an additional 5%, meaning that a full three-player fireteam will now take 10% less damage in total from all damage sources.

[caption id="attachment_394821" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Gunfire Games[/caption]

Key improvements in Remnant 2 gear availability

Another highlight from the full Remnant 2 August 10 patch notes has to do with a huge variety of rare items - or, rather, the ??lack thereof in many traders' stock rotations. Gunfire claims that players should now find that most world traders - like Cass from Ward 13 or Nimue from Losomn - will stock randomized gear more often. Up until now, it was possible for players to?? never come across certain items exclusive to Cass, limiting their character build options.

Finally, dedicated players are sure to have already found themselves juggling several Remnant 2 character archetypes all at once. While the system is a great deal of fun, unique archetype unlocks didn't apply account-wide up until now, which was an obvious oversight on Gunfire's behalf. That, too, has now been resolved via Wallace in Ward 13, who will sell all previously? unlocked archetype engrams during each subsequent playthrough.

Broadly speaking, it seems that the future of Remnant 2 is bright indeed. With three expansion packs planned for release sometime down the line, and patches coming in?? at a brisk pace, Gunfire Games appears to have got a slam dun??k on its hands.

The post Remnant 2 improves player survivability and quality?? of life features in ??new update appeared first on Destructoid.

Remnant 2 has been a trending game since its release on July 25. Recently, Game director David Adams hosted an AMA on the Remnant subreddit. It was a generally positive AMA, with many fans expressing their love for Gunfire Games' latest title. Adams discussed the future of Remnant 2, revealing that the studio has p?lans for DLC and updates to the game's quality of life.

[caption id="attachment_387141" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image via Gunfire Games[/caption]

More content is coming to Remnant 2

In the AMA, Adams spoke about both the past and future of Remnant 2. Giving a bit of insi??ght into the development process of the game, Adams revealed that a team of roughly 90 people worked on it. Emphasis was placed greatly on the design process, with only about 8 people working as programmers. As for the game's future, Adams claimed that developers have general plans to “tighten up the current game and try to build on it over time�as well as a “lot of plans and schemes for the franchise.�Fortunately, he did go into detail regarding what you can expect.

Adams mentioned Remnant 2 DLC a few times in the AMA. He revealed that work on the first DLC started immediately after the main game was completed, and he promised that developers aren’t planning to “phone it in.�There are currently three DLCs planned, and like the main game, they’ll have plenty of p??uzzles and secrets. At least in Adams' opinion, the first DLC is "already looking pretty cool."

It was confirmed that DLC will bring more armor, allowing players to be a bit more fashionable when they’re out exploring. It was also revealed that there are new archetypes on the way, though Adams predictably did not specify precisely what's in store. Quality of life improvements are in development, and Adams did list some of them, including adding loadouts, improving latency in co-op, including the opt?ion to hold a button to sprint, and tweaking the trait system.

Some Reddit users asked about crossplay, as this would allow players on different consoles to play together. According to Adams, crossplay is something that developers are looking into, though they are encountering “issues with the different platforms and what they require in order to allow crossplay.�/p>

It should please fans to know that Remnant 2 has been a hit, and it has already sold over a million copies. This puts Gunfire ??Games in a good position, and the studio has the chance to i??mpress fans again with the upcoming DLC and updates.

The post Gunfire Games discusses future of Remnant 2 in Reddit AM?A appeared first on Destructoid.

Gunfire Games' Remnant 2 has been making waves since it launched on July 25. The tough co-op shooter wears its FromSoftware influence on its sleeve, which has resonated with fans and critics alike. The developers have revealed that Remnant 2 has already sold over a million copies, exceeding the first game's launch sales by ??a considerable amount.

[caption id="attachment_394243" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Remnant 2 soars to the top of the charts

When Remnant: From the Ashes hit shelves in 2019, it took two months before it sold over a million copies. As Gunfire Games has announced, the sequel achieved this feat in just four days. Yoon Im of Gearbox Publishing stated that "Remnant 2 exceeded our expectations. As a commercial and critical hit, weâ€??™re incredibly proud of the Gunfire team ?and everyone here at Gearbox Publishing who brought this title to life."

There were early signs that Remnant 2 was gearing up for an explosive launch. Before its release, it had claimed the top spot on Steam's best-seller list, overtaking trending titles like Starfield and BattleBit Remastered. It currently sits in third place, surpassed only by Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Baldur's Gate 3. When it was?? finally released, it doubled the number of concurrent players its predecessor had at l??aunch.

The high sales numbers have been accompanied by plenty of critical acclaim, with our own Steven Mills scoring it an impressive 8.5. And with its numerous secrets, we'll likely talk about this ??one for som?e time still.

Remnant 2 is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series?? X|??S, and PC.

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And I believe it

According to Remnant 2 Principal Designer Ben Cureton, no one has seen or obtained 100% of everything the Souls-l??ike has to offer. My 30-some hours in the game are casual numbers to some, but even still I be?lieve this claim.

"For those that love secrets and exploring, no one has seen or obtained 100% of everything #Remnant2 has to offer," Cureton tweeted. "I'm talking about hardcore players with over 400+ hours, reviewers that had early access, even our own internal developers. No one. Remnant 2 has ?secrets within secrets within secre??ts. We made sure obtaining 100% Achievements is very player-friendly and then went far beyond that to keep the game rewarding long after you've hit that goal."

//twitt??er.com/verytragic/status/16820613??81141446657

Randomization probably plays a bit of a role in this

Almost everything in Remnant 2 is random. Even at the beginning of the game, the first world you adventure to is not linear. Therefore, some of the secrets in the game probably require specific parameters to be met under the right conditions. Honestly, it's one of the things that makes Remnant 2 so great. Every run is different, creating the opportunity for infinite replayability. ?Some of the maps also have their own unique side-zones that may hold some clues on discovering these unseen secrets.

Even though no one has seen everything ??just yet, I wonder how long this will hold up once the game releases. As of now, there'??s still a pretty small pool of players that have played.  I'm sure there will be some explorers and completionists that team up to try and hunt down everything there is to find.

Remnant 2 launches o?n July 25 on PC, PlayStation  5, and Xbox Series X|S. Those that pre-order the Ultimate Edition get early access and jump into the game on July 21.

The post No one has seen 100% of everything in Remnant 2 appeared first on Destructoid.

A step forward in almost every way

The souls-like genre has become extremely prevalent in recent years. Despite the increased popularity, few games have been able to pull off the formula and stand toe-to-toe with Demon Souls, Dark Souls, and Bloodborne. Remnant: From the Ashes had a rather modest launch back in 2019, but in the years following acquired somewhat of a cult following. I loved the original, but definitely felt it had room for improvement. Thankfully, Remnant 2 improves on what made Remnant so much fun, while also fixing some of the more glari??ng flaws.

Oh yeah, and also like the original, Remnant 2 is hard.

[caption id="attachment_392524" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Remnant 2 (PC [reviewed], PS5, Xbox Series X|S)
Developer: Gunfire Games
Publisher: Gearbox Publishing
Release: July 25, 2023
MSRP: $49.99

After creating a character and going through a brief tutorial, Remnant 2 introduces you to a hub called Ward 13. You'll be spending a lot of time here crafting mods, upgrading weapons, and stocking up on consumables. Here you will also encounter the first Red Crystal. These act as your checkpoints to heal, replenish ammo, and teleport between worlds. If you've played Dark Souls, this is essentially your bonfire. After exploring Wa??rd 13 it's time to visit your first world.

[caption id="attachment_392520" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Welcome to The Labyrinth

Almost everything in Remnant 2 is randomized. I made? the mistake of choosing Hunter? as the archetype for my first character. Don't get me wrong, Hunter isn't bad, but as a first-choice solo option, there are definitely better picks.

I'll admit, I struggled a bit. I created a new character with the much more solo-friendly Challenger archetype and chose to skip the tutorial since I had already done it. To my surprise, the first and only world I could access from the Red Crystal was different than where I went with my Hunter.  Each world is host to several in?tricate zones laden with checkpoints and mini-bosses, a famil?iarity to this genre. At the end of each world is also a final boss that you must defeat in order to complete the world, get some coveted loot, and move on to the next.

After completing your first world you will unlock the labyrinth, an intricate maze of enemies and loot that may hold some answers as to what is going on in the world of Remnant 2. Ironically, despite the name, the Labyrinth is a non-randomized area that connects all of the worlds. As you defeat the final boss of each world you will go back to the Labyrinth and progress the main story and access other wor?lds.

[caption id="attachment_392521" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Many ways to customize your build

Like the original, Remnant 2 doesn't want you to just complete a world one time and be done with it. You'l?l want to run them again to farm better loot, while also continuing to level your character. Leveling up unlocks skills and perks specific to your archetype. You'll also receive trait points which can be used to further progress your character.

At the start, you only have a handful of traits to put your points into such as Vigor to increase your health, Endurance to increase your stamina, and Expertise to reduce your skill cooldown. But as you progress you will also unlock new traits that allow you to further specialize your build. A brand new character will look similar to those of the same archetype; with the same skill, starting weapons, and traits. However, once you're hours in,?? two characters of the same build will look drastically different.

Alongside the traits, you also ha??ve equipment slots to help create the build you want. This includes four different armor types, a primary, secondary, and melee weapon, an amulet, and four rings. Obviously weapons are important, but your amulet and rings can really change up your playstyle based on what you find. You can also find and customize new relics which act as your healing potion with some added effects.

Of course, what you acquire to build around will be random. This can be ??both a pro and a con in my opinion. It's an added difficulty to adapt to what the game gives you. But on the downside, it can really cause some tedium when you're trying to build your character a certain? way but simply aren't getting the drops that resonate accordingly.

[caption id="attachment_392523" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Still better with a friend

If you played Remnant: From the Ashes you'll probably agree that as fun as the game is solo, it's infinitely better co-op. Remnant 2 makes the solo experience a lot more interesting—and possible, for that matter—but the multiplayer is?? still where the game shines. Any time you are at a Red Crystal you can join a multiplayer session. There's even a quick match option to get you right into the action.

Even though the gunplay in Remnant 2 is fair for the most part, there are definitely encounters and even areas that feel tuned for a co-op setting. The game certainly doesn't require you to play with others, but it definitely makes it easier and usually even more fun! I can't tell you how many times I just g?ot surrounded due to a horde of enemies beelining me before I could th?in their numbers a bit.

Some archetypes even specialize in co-op gameplay. For example, the Hunter can be a powerhouse in terms of damage if given the ability to sit at a range and lineup shots. As you can imagine, this is much easier to do when playing with others. But if you're all alone like I was with my first characte?r, it's almost a guarantee you're going to find yourself overwhelmed an??d unable to take advantage of your strengths.

[caption id="attachment_392526" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Incredible world(s) design and score

As much as I enjoyed the cinematography and scope of the world design in Remnant: From the Ashes, the team really knocked it out of the park with Remnant 2. There are multip??le worlds you'l??l find yourself progressing through, each with a unique setting and story that really immersed me.

My personal favorite is probably N'Erud. A technologically advanced species called the Drzyr mastered time and space and constructed N'Erud as part home and part spacefaring craft. However, before finding other sentient life they encountered the center of the universe. Here they found a supermassive black hole. Determin??ed that the secrets to the universe lie on the other side, the Drzyr entered the black hole only to find their civilization destroyed immediately. Only Tal'Ratha the Astropath survived the event and helps guide you through the now derelict N'Erud as you try to salvage what's left.

Throughout Remnant 2 you will also encounter a few familiar worlds including Yaesha, home of the Root invasion. While the Root definitely plays a role in Remnant 2, it isn't the only sinister force at play. The storytelling in Remnant 2 shines brightest when focusing on the individual happenings in each world. The overarching main storyline, unfortunately, does not hold up as well. It moves along at a snail's pace and due to the systematic structure of? replaying worlds to progress, the main story quickly feels like it's not going anywhere.

Also, I just want to point out how awesome the music is in Remnant 2. Each world has its own sort of underlying musical theme, and the intense battle music often got me pumped f?or battle. Even the?? main menu music is top-notch. I accidentally left the game open while working on this review and kept it that way just to enjoy the epic track.

[caption id="attachment_392528" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Overall, Remnant 2 is a sequel done right

As I said, Remnant 2 does have some flaws. The main story feels very lackluster, and the randomization can very easily lead to a not-so-fun experience. But these are essentially the same flaws that Remnant: From the Ashes had on a lesser scale. Gunfire Games took the highlights ?from the original game—the gunplay, the boss fights, the build variety—and amplified them.

I can honestly say I can't wait to?? jump in with friends and work together to try and optimize each other's builds as a ??coherent team.

If you were a fan of Remnant: From the Ashes, chances are you already planned to pick up Remnant 2. If you haven't played the original but are a fan of souls-like games, or even rogue-likes like Risk of Rain 2 or Returnal, this will be right up your alley. At times it can be an extremely challenging experience, even on the easiest difficulty. But that's also what makes it so rewarding when you finally kill that boss and obtain its loot. Even if, as is likely, it's not something you plan on us?ing.

The post Review: Remnant 2 appeared first on Destructoid.

Take a breather

Gaming hasn't slowed down since 2023 began. Hi?t after hit after hit has ensured that cash has been frequently relinquished from our wallets. Fortunately, the industry is cooling down a little with these July 2023 games.

[caption id="attachment_387557" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Disney Interactive[/caption]

Disney Illusion Island (Switch)

Publisher: Disney Interactive
Developer: Dlala Studios
Price: $29.99
Release Date: July 28
Trailer

Mickey Mouse is a keyblade wielder, a mascot at Disney's theme parks, and a part of the Funhouse Friends, but he hasn't been in a platformer for a long time. Thankfully, he and his pals are featured in an all-new 2D adventure on the Nintendo Switch. Developed by Dlala Studios (Battletoads), Disney Illusion Island's visuals are brimming with color. In fact, the Nintendo eShop listing states that you can "be a part o?f an authentic Mickey cartoon." With four-player co-op, you can bring friends and family to an island that has running, swimming, sw??inging, and jumping platform action along with bosses to defeat and puzzles to solve. There are also "hidden secrets" to find along the way.

[caption id="attachment_387560" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Capcom[/caption]

Exoprimal (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC)

Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom
Price: $59.99
Release Date: July 13
Trailer

Sometimes it's cool to mix two unlikely things together. Pineapple and pizza, carrots and peanut butter, and fries with gravy are all examples of this. That's also the case with Exoprimal as it features mechs fighting massive waves of dinosaurs. The mixture perhaps shouldn't work, but the intense action of gunfire and high maneuverability of the mechs seem to work well against the rampaging dinos. There are three classes to consider as well, adding more depth to the seemingly simple gameplay. The game's coming to Xbox Game Pass, so hopeful?ly, you can team up with your Xbox buddies and succeed.

[caption id="attachment_387675" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Netflix[/caption]

Oxenfree II: Lost Signals (Switch, PS4, PS5, PC, Netflix)

Publisher: Netflix
Developer: Night School Studio
Price: $19.99
Release Date: July 12
Trailer

One of the most anticipated July 2023 games in the indie scene is Oxenfree II: Lost Signals. In this sci-fi follow-up, you will meet and shape the stories of those around the protagonist Riley. "Your choices impact who Riley becomes, your relationships, and the story options available to you at every turn," says Netflix on the game's Steam page.

Thankfully, for myself and others, you don't need to p??lay the original to unde??rstand the sequel. However, Netflix suggests you'll be able to "dive deeper by playing the original." You'll explore the town of Camena, will discover the strange source of radio signal disturbances, and will try to thwart the Parentage from making a new portal. It sounds like an exciting, narrative adventure full of danger and mystery.

[caption id="attachment_387677" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Nintendo[/caption]

Pikmin 4 (Switch)

Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Price: $59.99
Release Date: July 21
Trailer

The long-awaited Pikmin 4 finally touches down on Switch systems next month. In this adventure, you'll be creating your own explorer an?d, with the help of the Pikmin, rescue others like yourself. The unique spin on this sequel sees players explore a world of huge household items. Plants, benches, binoculars, you name it. You'll be collecting treasures and taking them to your ship as you solve environmental puzzles and have the Pikmin escort your objects safety.

The new ice Pikmin freeze enemies and immobilize them quickly. There's also a space dog named Oatchi who can take out obstacles in your way. It's not my personal cup of tea, but hopefully, the long wait for Pikmin 4 will be worth it for ?fans. Let's ?gather in the "Forest of Hope."

[caption id="attachment_387678" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Gearbox Publishing[/caption]

Remnant 2 (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC)

Publisher: Gunfire Games
Developer: Gearbox Publishing
Price: $49.99
Release Date: July 25
Trailer

Remnant: From the Ashes kicked ass when it released in 2019. The follow-up is hoping to continue the excellent third-person shooting gameplay. Each biome requires different gear and weapons as you approach "cunning enemies and large-scale boss battles," according to the game's Steam page. The sequel touts "endless replayability" as there are branch??ing ??quest lines, lots of crafting options, and like many other live service titles, awesome loot. Gearbox Publishing says that "playthroughs will feel challenging, varied, and rewarding as players succeed against unrelenting odds." Hopefully, it will live up to the fantastic first game when it releases in July.

[caption id="attachment_387679" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Thunderful Publishing[/caption]

Honorable Mentions

• Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg (PS4, PS5, Switch, PC) - July 13
• Jagged Alliance 3 (PC) - July 14
• My Friendly Neighborhood (PC) - July 18
• Viewfinder (PS4, PS5, PC) - July 18
• Punch Club 2: Fast Forward (PS3, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC)  - July 20
• The Expanse: A Telltale Series Episode 1 (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC via Epic Games Store) - July 27

The post Most anticipated game releases – July 2023 appeared first on Destructoid.

Strange worlds still await

The first Remnant: From the Ashes felt like a surprise. Its strange mix of Souls-like framing, Eldritch horrors, and third-person action-shooter made for something a bit different that kept players going back for more. Gunfire Games is trying to do more of the same with Remnant 2, and from what I've played, it's working.

If you've played the first Remnant, then Remnant 2 will feel very familiar. It's still a third-person shooter set in strange worlds, inhabited by aggressive horrors. You can run it solo or with a friend, and randomization keeps things fresh. In my demo at Summer Game Fest 2023, I got a little cocky; some of the early areas felt easy, compared to what I'd played of the first Remnant. As a solo runner, ??I blasted through them. Boy, did I get treated to a hearty helping?? of hubris.

Remnant 2 maintains the gradual tick-up of difficulty, rewarding smart use of abilities and resources, and punishing over-confident players (I'm the problem, it's me). It's still the punishing survival-horror experience I remember. But there are some nice things built up and over that framework that will make Remnant 2 worth digging into.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2_Ha4BHdJQ

Archetypal hero

Archetypes are here again in Remnant 2, ?and they felt a bi??t more emphasized than I remember from the first. In my demo, I had a few options to choose from, but obviously chose the pet class called the Handler. As a Handler, I got a little dog pal that follows me around, barking to warn when enemies are near and assisting me in fights. It can even pick downed people back up, if that player still has a healing item on them. A truly good pup.

[caption id="attachment_387141" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image via Gunfire Games[/caption]

Other fighters included the Hunter, Challenger, and Gunslinger, who bring? some more standard gunplay to the mix??. There are more archetypes planned, Gunfire tells me, that you'll be able to unlock in the story. All of them seem neat, but they did not have a puppy pal, so my choice was clear.

As for the actual archetypes themselves, builds can diversify as you acquire new abilities. According to others who got to check out the game, c??haracters will also appare?ntly be able to multi-class archetypes, which sounds rad.

Move and shoot

As I got into the actual areas I was set to fight through in the demo, I was really impressed by how Remnant 2 looks. It's a gorgeous game, and Gunfire sets the tone early. Gnarled branches and alien flora made me feel like I was in some surreal, dangerous world. Creatures of the void hounded me. It was clearly a place that did not want?? me there.

[caption id="attachment_387138" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image via Gunfire Games[/caption]

That's not to say there aren't?? fun things to find in the horrors of other worlds, though. A highlight was finding a tree where an ancient fae-like entity asked me a series of hypotheticals. After answering all of them, and there were quite a few, the entity determined I had answered correctly enough for a boon. The writing was clever, and it was a fun side diversion with a valuable reward.

Over time, I built up in power and loadout. I eventually went back to the ward, where I could chat with NPCs and shopkeepers to upgrade my equipment? and prepare for the next leg of my journey. A Gunfire rep told me they tried to smooth out the process of returning to town and getting back to your run, and it was noticeable.

[caption id="attachment_387142" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image via Gunfire Games[/caption]

Falling, flailing

This is where I have to admit: I didn't get to the end of my demo. My headfirst brazen-ness meant I kept running into battles I shouldn't, and I ran out of time to keep beating my head against the proverbial wall. Even my very good pup couldn't keep me on m?y feet, as I constantly bit off more enemies in an encounter than I could chew. I like chaos, alright?

That said, what I saw was very impressive. I've got fond memories of playing the first Remnant in co-op with friends, exploring the horrors ??together. And while I only played solo for my demo, I can easily see this becoming another go-to co-op pick-up.

[caption id="attachment_387140" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image via Gunfire Games[/caption]

It's not just that there isn't much else like Remnant out there. It's that Remnant 2 feels like it's making very smart, calculated choices about what it fine-tunes and what it keeps familiar. Like the old saying, Remnant 2 doesn't fix what isn't broken about its original pitch, and inst??ead just builds and refines. And that could make for quite a good experience, for fans of the randomized horror-action experience.

Remnant 2 arrives on July ??25 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

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