Remnant: From the Ashes was undoubtedly one of the surprise hits of 2019, but it was also a bit of a sleeper hit. Its blend of Soulslike and looter shooter combat proved a good combination when it arrived on Xbox Game Pass. So a sequel made a lot of sense. The time is now for that sequel as Remnant II arrives today on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PC.
Expanding the lore
Remnant II expands on the lore set out in Remnant: From the Ashes and also Chronos: Before the Ashes. Players once again return to this post-apocalyptic world where the Root has returned. That hard work from the first game is quickly undone with its return, but with it comes plenty of new areas and bosses to cower from.
The new areas are once again procedurally generated as before, but are far more expressive than before. Players will encounter vastly different areas from one another. But if you are playing Remnant II alone, you are perhaps playing it wrong. Designed as a three-player co-op game, the Remnant games are definitely played best as a trio.
Many other returning features have also been expanded. The archetypes have much more detail and definition between them. Being able to assign more than one can allow for some very interesting builds. And one of the main criticisms of the first game – namely the bullet-spongey bosses and reliance of adds to ramp up these encounters – has been improved upon with some far more interesting mechanics.
Key features
- Intense Remnant Combat – Experience A mix of methodical and frenetic ranged/melee combat returns with cunning enemies and large scale boss battles. Choose specific gear and weapons to optimize for the different biomes and battles ahead. Bosses will bring high-level players to team up to overcome the challenge and try to obtain the biggest rewards
- New Worlds to Explore – Players can travel alone or with friends as a team through strange new worlds and beyond, overrun by mythical creatures and deadly foes while trying to stay alive. There are multiple worlds to explore with different types of creatures, weapons, and items. Utilize and upgrade discovered items to take on tougher challenges
- Endless Replayability – Branching quest lines, augments, crafting, and loot rewards will test the resolve of even the most hardened players in dynamically generated dungeons and areas. Playthroughs will feel challenging, varied, and rewarding as players succeed against unrelenting odds. Various stories are woven throughout the different worlds, encouraging exploration and multiple revisits
- New Archetypical Progression – Expanded Archetype system provides players with unique passive bonuses and stunning powers. Multiple Archetypes can be unlocked during play, leveled up, and equipped together for a variety of play styles
Buy and play Remnant II now!
For those that have purchased the Ultimate Edition of Remnant II, you can play it this very second. If you want to jump in now the Remnant II Ultimate Edition is on the Xbox Store priced at £58.49. As well as early access, it also grants you an early unlock of the Gunslinger archetype. There are also some classic Remnant: From the Ashes armour sets and the Survival Pack which comes with bonus EXP, loot and currency. Expect the Remnant II DLC Bundle too when those arrive later in the year.
The Remnant II Deluxe Edition is priced at £49.99 and comes with the Gunslinger unlock and Remnant armour unlocks. Then, finally, there is the Standard Edition for Remnant II, priced at £41.74. Both of these will allow you to play in a few days time.
Just be aware, Remnant II makes the most of the newer consoles so is not playable on Xbox One or PlayStation 4.
You are probably wondering where our review is. Well, it is on the way soon, keep an eye out for it.
Game description
REMNANT II is the sequel to the best-selling game REMNANT: FROM THE ASHES that pits survivors of humanity against new deadly creatures and god-like bosses across terrifying worlds. Play solo or co-op with two other friends to explore the depths of the unknown to stop an evil from destroying reality itself. To succeed, players will need to rely on their own skills and those of their team to overcome the toughest challenges and to stave off humanity’s extinction.
