Remnant 2 challenges us yet again to shoot and slice our way through countless monstrous fiends and godlike bosses that test both our reflexes and survival instincts. Archetypes and classes are key parts of its gameplay, determining the skills we’ll use to fight back against the Root.
Remnant 2’s archetypes and classes have been overhauled when compared to those of its predecessor, offering both more depth and additional customization options. Each one fits different roles, having its own strengths that shine in both single-player and co-op. Here is everything we know about them so far.
Remnant 2 Archetypes
Remnant 2’s Archetypes have evolved past being simple starting gear loadouts from which we can then branch off in any direction.
Although they still grant a custom gear loadout – comprised of a trademark armor set, three unique weapons, and a signature Archetype Trait – they now also include Archetype Perks and Archetype Skills, obtained by gaining experience and leveling up.
The five perk types include Prime Perks, which reflect the Archetype’s identity and are exclusive to it, alongside others that increase damage, grant team effects, small buffs, or temporary effects based around the Archetype’s playstyle.
Each of Remnant II’s Archetypes comes with a set of cooldown-based skills that are exclusive to it. Although we can only slot in one of them, they can be freely switched between, offering flexibility when tackling different challenges.
Although more complex than those of the original, picking an initial Archetype doesn’t lock you out from unlocking and using the other starting options and trying out their playstyles.
We won’t need to start a new playthrough, but each one is leveled up individually, taking time and effort.
Developer Gunfire Games has, so far, revealed four Remnant II archetypes.
- Gunslinger - Damage-centric character that brings high fire rates and ammo efficiency to the battlefield. Abilities allow it to quickly reload weapons and make all of its guns automatic.
- Handler - Jack-of-all-trades character that fights alongside a dog companion that's also able to revive them. Utility-focused perks and passive healing when staying close to each other make them viable both in solo play and co-op.
- Challenger - Tank who thrives when fighting at close-to-mid range. Aside from being capable of dishing high amounts of damage and being resistant to enemy attacks, the character's Prime Perk allows them to instantly get back into the fight after taking fatal damage.
- Medic - Support character that excels at keeping themselves and their team alive thanks to perks that buff restorative skills. The most efficient healer in Remnant II.
- Hunter - DPS-focused character who excels at dealing damage at long range using precise shots. Able to make the most of targeting weak spots and mark enemies to reveal their position and render them more susceptible to critical hits.
Remnant 2 may have more Archetypes revealed in the lead-up to and following launch, but the initial offering revealed so far already sound to be distinct enough to warrant multiple playthroughs.
Remnant 2 Classes
Remnant 2’s classes are the result of tapping into its dual Archetype system, which allows us to equip two available Archetypes and benefit from their power.
Unlocked as we progress through the game, each chosen Archetype has all its perks, skills, and both traits represented within a Class.
We will, however, only be able to use the Prime Perk of the Archetype present in the first slot, which also receives various benefits to its skills.
Changing Archetypes around not only grants access to a different Prime Perk and enhances different skills, but also alters the prefix given to the name of our Remnant II class.
In an early example, found in the article linked above, combining the Gunslinger and Challenger Archetypes, with the former in the first slot, led to the character having the Loaded Mercenary class.
Remnant II’s classes act as an additional layer of build customization and should further fuel the sequel’s replayability.
For more on the game, here is what we know about its weapons, and whether or not it’s headed to Xbox and PC Game Pass.
Keep updated on the latest PC Gaming news by following GameWatcher on Twitter, checking out our videos on YouTube, and giving us a like on Facebook. We may also include links to affiliate stores, which gives us a small commission if you purchase anything via them. Thank you.
