Emerging onto the scene in 2019, Remnant: From the Ashes carved a unique path through the crowded action-RPG genre. Developed by Gunfire Games and published by Perfect World Entertainment, this third-person shooter borrows heavily from the soulslike formula while injecting its own brand of frenetic gunplay and procedural generation for an experience that’s both familiar and refreshingly different.
The premise is simple yet captivating: humanity has been decimated by a relentless onslaught from monstrous creatures called The Root. Players take on the role of a survivor tasked with venturing into dangerous realms to fight back against this insidious threat, uncover the mysteries of The Root’s origin, and ultimately strive to reclaim Earth for its inhabitants.
Gameplay Mechanics: Where Soulslike Meets Bulletstorm
Remnant: From the Ashes blends challenging combat akin to games like Dark Souls with the fast-paced action of a third-person shooter. This fusion creates a uniquely engaging experience that demands both tactical awareness and sharp reflexes.
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Diverse Arsenal: Weapons are the heart of Remnant’s gameplay loop, and Gunfire Games provides a diverse arsenal to choose from. From classic firearms like shotguns and rifles to more unconventional weaponry like lightning-wielding blades and flamethrowers imbued with the power of The Root, players can customize their loadout to suit their playstyle.
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Dodging and Blocking: Mastering the art of dodging is crucial for survival in Remnant. Enemies are relentless and often attack in quick succession, requiring precise timing and anticipation to avoid taking damage. While some weapons allow for blocking, dodging remains the preferred method of defense against most encounters.
Weapon Category | Examples | Special Traits |
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Firearms | Hunting Rifle, Repeater Pistol, Shotgun | Damage Modifiers, Ammo Types |
Melee Weapons | Axe, Hammer, Blade | Heavy Attacks, Stamina Usage |
Modded Weapons | Scrap Gun, Glintstone Staff | Unique Abilities, Ammo Costs |
- Procedural Generation: Remnant’s world is procedurally generated, meaning each playthrough offers a different map layout and enemy encounters. This adds replayability and keeps the experience fresh, even after multiple playthroughs. The dynamic world also influences loot drops and crafting options, encouraging exploration and experimentation.
The World of Remnant: A Tapestry of Alien Landscapes and Terrifying Enemies
Remnant: From the Ashes takes players on a journey through breathtaking yet perilous worlds connected by mysterious portals known as the World Stones. These interconnected realms showcase a variety of environments, each teeming with unique enemies and challenges.
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Earth: The starting point of the player’s journey, Earth is a desolate wasteland ravaged by The Root. Corrupted creatures roam the ruined cities, and remnants of humanity struggle to survive.
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Yaesha: This lush jungle planet harbors secrets about The Root’s origins but is plagued by ferocious, agile creatures and ancient guardians.
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Rhom: A volcanic world filled with molten lava flows and colossal, fire-breathing beasts. Rhom tests players’ endurance and adaptability against relentless heat and powerful enemies.
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Corsus: A desert planet overrun by giant insectoid creatures known as the “Iscari.” Corsus offers a challenge focused on precision shooting and strategic movement to avoid being swarmed.
Crafting and Progression: Forging Your Path
Remnant: From the Ashes encourages players to customize their experience through crafting and character progression.
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Trait System: Traits are passive abilities that offer bonuses to various stats, such as damage output, health regeneration, or resistance to certain elements. Players can select traits based on their preferred playstyle, allowing for diverse builds and customization.
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Crafting: Using resources gathered throughout the world, players can craft new weapons, armor, and consumable items like healing potions and grenades. Crafting allows for further customization and optimization of the player’s loadout.
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Relics:
Discoverable throughout the game world, relics offer powerful passive bonuses or unique active abilities. These artifacts can significantly enhance a character’s combat effectiveness or provide strategic advantages during challenging encounters.
The Legacy Continues: Remnant 2 and Beyond
In July of 2023, Gunfire Games released Remnant 2, the highly anticipated sequel to From the Ashes. Building upon the foundations laid by its predecessor, Remnant 2 introduces new worlds, expanded character customization options, and a deeper narrative experience. The game continues to evolve and refine the formula that made the original so successful, cementing Remnant’s place as a force to be reckoned with in the action-RPG genre.
Whether you’re a seasoned soulslike veteran or a newcomer seeking a fresh challenge, Remnant: From the Ashes offers a captivating blend of intense combat, immersive worldbuilding, and meaningful progression. Its unique combination of mechanics and setting creates an unforgettable experience that will leave you craving more.