Info about Remnant II® - The Dark Horizon:

Official game description:
A return to N’Erud uncovers a mysterious place preserved in time, where alien farmlands are tended by robots for inhabitants who have long since perished. But time corrupts all, and rogue AI and robotic creations threaten at every turn while travelers search for the secrets of the colossal entity that dominates the skyline.  
**FEATURES**  
*   New storyline, dungeons and area based in the world of N’Erud  
*   New Archetype - The Warden  
*   Many items and powerful weapons that enhance gameplay  
*   New bosses, characters and fearsome creatures

Release date: Sep 24, 2024

Categories: Third-Person Shooter, Soulslike Combat, Action RPG, Boss Rush, Cooperative Multiplayer, Character Progression, Exploration

Feature scans:
- Proton/Linux: score 55; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: Linux users report the game is playable only through Proton GE, with no native Linux build and performance described as poor. Some note it still runs better than Windows, but the repeated Proton GE dependency and performance complaints indicate workaround-heavy Linux compatibility rather than out-of-box support.
- Steam Deck: score 45; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: User reports indicate the game is playable on Linux and Steam Deck only through Proton GE, a non-native compatibility layer. It performs poorly under Proton GE but still runs better than on Windows. No crashes, launch failures, anti-cheat errors, or unreadable UI issues are reported, so the friction is in the tinkering and performance range rather than fully broken.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $40.00 - $60.00
  - Reasoning: The reviews show positive value sentiment toward the game and acceptance of a $70 full edition, which implies the base game is considered fairly priced below that ceiling. Some price sensitivity suggests waiting for sales, but there are no strong complaints that the base game itself is overpriced. Together, this supports a fair base-game range around $40 to $60, with the lower end reflecting sale-oriented buyers and the upper end reflecting willingness to pay for the full package.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 3.0h
  - Story completion: 2.0h
  - Session length: 1.0h
  - Endgame: 24.0h
  - Reasoning: The translated Chinese review states the DLC was finished in two hours, supporting a story-completion estimate of about 2 hours. Another review says the added content only kept them entertained for a few hours, supporting an overall DLC completion estimate of about 3 hours. The same review describes alternating between farming XP for an hour or so and boss rush, giving a rough session or grinding length of about 1 hour. A separate review says it will take dozens of hours to level up the prism, supporting an endgame progression estimate of about 24 hours.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Reports on this Remnant II DLC are mixed but skew negative: new enemies, items, and the boss rush mode give some players reasons to continue, while repetitive N'Erud environments, tedious glider traversal, grind, bugs, and co-op performance problems leave many others describing the experience as boring without improvement.
  - Stance: Never clicks
  - Anchor: N/A
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: Repetitive dungeons and reused N'Erud environments that feel indistinguishable from the base game; Slow, tedious glider travel and confusing overworld maps that make exploration a chore; Tedious new enemies and a disliked final boss; Grinding alloys and loot is tedious for endgame players who already own most items; Bugs and heavy co-op particle effects that spoil the fun, especially in multiplayer; Prism system criticized as random while relic fragments were cut without compensation
  - Unlock drivers: New enemy types and a large number of new items added to both the DLC and base game; New boss rush mode that gives players a reason to keep playing; N'Erud rework described as a big upgrade over the boring, lifeless base-game area; Glider traversal, while tedious, can be fun for exploring the map; Boss rush mode can be played solo or with other players
  - Conditions: Progression and grinding 'make sense' if you are just starting the game and following the questline; Endgame players with most items already collected find alloy grinding tedious; Experience differs between solo play and co-op, where new particles and effects are described as terrible and it is easy to lose friends on large maps; Boss rush mode is playable solo or in multiplayer; Expectations shaped by the base game's N'Erud being considered repetitive and lifeless
- Player Archetypes:
  - Veteran Build Completionist (sale)
    - Motivation: New build options, achievements, and item completion.
    - Playstyle: Farming, optimizing builds, chasing achievements, and replaying content.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: returning player; veterans
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Co-op Traveler (sale)
    - Motivation: Shared multiplayer runs and spectacle with friends.
    - Playstyle: Co-op sessions, boss rush, and exploring large maps with friends.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: Travelers
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Franchise Continuation Player (sale)
    - Motivation: A complete Remnant experience or more of the base game.
    - Playstyle: Starting from scratch with all DLC or continuing familiar base-game content.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: new player
    - Reference games: Remnant 1; Remnant 2
  - Exploration and Lore Seeker (sale)
    - Motivation: Discovery, lore expansion, and secret hunting.
    - Playstyle: Exploring maps, solving puzzles, finding secrets, and following story lore.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Fun challenging final boss (weight 0.34): The final boss is repeatedly described as a fun, fair, and tough challenge, with some calling it one of the best in the game.
- All DLCs well-received (weight 0.29): The three DLCs are generally considered good, with some players calling one the best of the three, and the last DLC a fitting conclusion.
- Excellent boss fights overall (weight 0.27): Many players praise the boss fights as epic, cool, and tremendous fun, highlighting both challenge and enjoyment.
- Boss rush mode praised (weight 0.22): Boss rush mode is frequently described as fun, neat, and great for replay value, allowing players to fight multiple bosses in a row.
- New enemies add variety (weight 0.21): New enemy types introduce interesting combat tactics and mix up gameplay, making fights more fun and engaging.
- Fun and powerful new weapons (weight 0.19): New weapons are considered fun to use, with powerful options and enjoyable gimmicks that enhance combat.
- Plentiful new items (weight 0.15): Both DLC and base game introduce a ton of new items that are fun and plentiful, enhancing gameplay variety.
- Well-designed new archetype (weight 0.15): The new archetype is well designed, fits various builds, and is convenient, adding strategic depth.
- Many secrets to discover (weight 0.09): Players enjoy finding numerous fun secrets, adding to exploration and discovery.
- Enjoyable vertical exploration (weight 0.09): Verticality and hidden exploration are fun, encouraging players to explore the environment in new ways.

Common complaints:
- DLC length disappoints players (weight 0.27): Many players feel the DLC is extremely short, often beatable in under two hours, leading to a sense of emptiness after completion. This brevity raises questions about whether the content justifies the price.
- Annoying enemies and bosses (weight 0.21): Enemies are described as annoying and terrible, and the final boss is particularly disliked for being bad and frustrating. These negative experiences detract from enjoyment.
- Overall quality declines across DLCs (weight 0.19): Players express increasing disappointment with each DLC, with the third being called the worst. The final DLC is seen as a disappointing conclusion.
- Bad map design and navigation (weight 0.19): Map design is criticized as confusing and making it impossible to find a path. Players find pathfinding frustrating and the large map with vertical movement tedious to navigate.
- Glider traversal is tedious (weight 0.15): The glider system feels slow, boring, and restrictive, causing endless pathfinding and frustration. Many find it adds unnecessary tedium to exploration.
- Few new enemy types (weight 0.12): Only four new enemy types are introduced, and many are just modified versions of existing enemies. This lack of variety makes combat feel repetitive.
- Overall annoying and boring (weight 0.09): Many players find the entire DLC annoying and not fun, describing it as really boring. This overarching negativity summarizes the widespread dissatisfaction.
- Reused base game level (weight 0.09): The DLC repurposes a base game level with no modifications, which players see as a lazy cash grab. This contributes to feelings of being overcharged.
- Empty and lifeless maps (weight 0.09): Maps appear large but are largely empty with little content, making exploration feel unrewarding. This contributes to the overall sense of shallowness.
- N'Erud region uninteresting (weight 0.08): The N'Erud area is considered boring and lifeless, even in the base game. Its inclusion in the DLC does little to improve its appeal.
- Final DLC for the game (weight 0.08): Reviewers note that this is the last DLC, which may influence expectations and disappointment. The finality adds weight to the criticism.

Gameplay feedback:
- DLC adds glider traversal (weight 0.45): A glider mechanic is introduced for exploration and traversal, replacing some vertical elevator movement. It allows navigation across vertical landscapes.
- DLC expands worlds and story (weight 0.43): The DLC adds new versions of existing worlds (Losomn, Yaesha, N'Erud) and expands the story, particularly N'Erud's. It brings back and fleshes out previous areas.
- New weapons and archetypes added (weight 0.38): The DLC includes new weapons with gimmicks and a new archetype designed for various builds. Powerful weapons, armor sets, and a class are also added.
- New enemies introduced in DLC (weight 0.36): The DLC adds four new enemy types with interesting combat tactics. New enemies include aberrations and larger boss versions.
- DLC includes boss fights (weight 0.32): The DLC features boss encounters, including a final boss and challenging fights. Bosses are a core content element of the DLC.
- Prism system introduced in DLC (weight 0.28): The DLC introduces the Prism system, an optional system for fusing relics and leveling them for perks. It is a new idea for character progression.
- DLC features dungeons and puzzles (weight 0.25): The DLC includes dungeons with bosses and collectibles, as well as riddles and puzzles as core content elements. Level design includes traversal challenges.
- Final boss with alternative kill method (weight 0.23): The game includes a final boss that can be defeated in multiple ways. The final boss is reused in some content.
- New items and gear added (weight 0.19): The DLC adds new items, weapons, amulets, relics, and rings. It also includes two armor sets and one new class.
- Boss rush mode available (weight 0.18): Boss rush mode offers continuous boss fights and can be played solo or in multiplayer. It allows unlocking items.
- New class with drone companion (weight 0.12): A new class, Guardian, summons a drone for support. The class includes a shield drone companion.
- Co-op multiplayer support (weight 0.12): The game supports co-op play, allowing multiplayer experiences. Co-op mode is a feature of the game.
- World bosses with difficult patterns (weight 0.08): World bosses have challenging attack patterns. They are part of the DLC and base game content.
- DLC adds flying drones and jetpack (weight 0.08): The DLC introduces flying drones and a jetpack for exploration and traversal. These enhance movement options.
- One-shot option for DLC only (weight 0.08): A one-shot adventure selection allows playing only the new DLC content once. This provides a focused experience.
- DLC includes gigantic maps (weight 0.08): The DLC features gigantic maps and open world-like environments. These large areas encourage exploration.

Performance notes:
- Mixed Linux performance experiences (weight 0.12): Some users report the game runs great on Linux, while others experience poor performance with Proton GE, and some find it runs better on Linux than Windows. This indicates inconsistent performance across different Linux configurations.
- Performance degrades with each DLC (weight 0.1): Players report that game performance has worsened after the second DLC compared to the first, and that each DLC release introduced further degradation. This suggests a trend of worsening optimization with new content.
- Bugs spoil the fun (weight 0.09): Multiple reports highlight that bugs are prevalent and detract from the overall enjoyment of the game. The presence of bugs galore indicates a persistent issue affecting player experience.
- Performance improvements noted recently (weight 0.09): Some players observe that the game is currently running better than it has in a long time, indicating recent optimizations. Shader caching after a fresh install also produces much less stutter than at launch, suggesting ongoing improvements.
- Technical aspects among worst (weight 0.06): The technical implementation is considered by some to be one of the worst aspects of the game. This includes performance problems and other technical shortcomings.
- Co-op performance particularly terrible (weight 0.05): In cooperative play, performance is especially poor due to the simultaneous rendering of many new particles and effects. This makes co-op sessions less enjoyable for players.
- Performance issues on high-end systems (weight 0.05): Even players with powerful hardware have encountered horrendous technical issues, suggesting the game may be poorly optimized for a wide range of systems. This can lead to frustration regardless of PC specifications.
- New mechanic is glitchy (weight 0.05): A newly introduced mechanic has been reported to be glitchy, causing unexpected behavior. This can hinder gameplay and reduce enjoyment of the new feature.
- Technical hiccups at release (weight 0.05): At launch, the game suffered from occasional technical and performance hiccups. While not game-breaking, these issues affected the initial experience.
- Solid performance with minor hiccups (weight 0.05): For some users, performance has been solid with only minor hiccups. This shows that experiences vary, and not all players face severe performance problems.

Recommendations:
- DLC offers good value (weight 0.27): Many reviewers state that the DLCs are worth the price and provide good value, with some calling them worth every penny. This is the most frequent positive theme.
- Not recommended by some (weight 0.2): A notable number of reviewers do not recommend buying or installing the DLC, citing poor value or quality. Some even call it refund-worthy.
- Recommended for fans (weight 0.18): Multiple reviewers recommend the DLC specifically for fans of the base game or previous titles. Some say it is a must for build enthusiasts.
- Get bundle or season pass (weight 0.17): Reviewers suggest buying the ultimate edition or season pass instead of individual DLCs for better overall value. Ultimate Edition owners are warned against double purchasing.
- Worth buying on sale (weight 0.15): A common recommendation is to purchase the DLC only at a discount or deep sale. Many feel the full price is not justified.
- Skip if not hardcore (weight 0.13): Some suggest the DLCs are skippable or not worth suffering through unless you are a dedicated fan. It may not appeal to casual players.
- Mixed feelings on quality (weight 0.11): Some reviewers find the DLC extremely disappointing, with each installment worse than the last. Others say it is fine or good when judged on its own merits.
- Avoid if disliked base game (weight 0.09): Several reviewers caution that if you did not enjoy the base game or previous DLCs, this DLC will not change your mind. It is recommended only for those who already like the base game.
- Worth it for full experience (weight 0.08): New players are highly recommended to get all three DLCs to enjoy the full equipment and level experience from scratch. It adds significant content to the base game.
- Prism system complaints (weight 0.08): There are complaints about the Prism System, particularly the grind becoming old quickly for returning players. However, the DLC is still considered worth the price by some.
- Ignore mixed reviews (weight 0.07): A few reviewers advise ignoring the mixed reviews and the haters, implying that the DLC is better than its reputation. They recommend trying it for yourself.
- Not as good as Losomn (weight 0.04): One reviewer notes that this DLC is not as good as the Losomn DLC. It sets a lower bar compared to previous content.
- Boss Rush available without DLC (weight 0.04): The Boss Rush mode can be accessed by patching the game, so buying the DLC is not required for that feature. This informs purchase decisions.
- Internet needed for puzzles (weight 0.04): The DLC is recommended only if you are willing to use the internet to solve puzzles and find secret items. This is a specific caveat.
- New DLC is fun but grindy (weight 0.04): Returning players may enjoy the new story mission and boss rush, but the prism grind becomes old fast. This nuance is highlighted.
- Good for builds (weight 0.04): For those who enjoy making builds, the DLC is basically a must. It adds equipment and systems that enhance build variety.
- Recommended for Remnant veterans (weight 0.04): Those who liked Remnant 1 and Remnant 2 are likely to enjoy this DLC. It caters to veterans of the series.
- Not memorable map (weight 0.04): The map is not memorable except for the final boss and spider. One reviewer finds it lacking in lasting impression.
- Regret due to campaign integration (weight 0.04): One reviewer regrets buying the DLC due to its integration with the campaign. This suggests a potential issue for some players.

Other player notes:
- Strong content quantity and value (weight 0.33): Many note the DLC delivers substantial content—new story, biome, Archetype, bosses, gear, and secrets—that justifies the price. Some compare its volume favorably to higher-priced DLCs in other games.
- Final DLC emphasizes closure (weight 0.33): Multiple reviewers describe this as the third and last DLC, and some discuss the ending as underwhelming for a final expansion. This frames expectations around the game's post-launch lifecycle coming to a close.
- Frequent comparisons to prior Remnant (weight 0.26): Reviews compare this DLC to Remnant 1 and Remnant 2, its own prior DLCs, and even other live-service titles. These comparisons often focus on value, content structure, and narrative ambition.
- Ranked best of three (weight 0.26): A subset of reviewers call this the best of the three Remnant 2 DLCs, while others rank it worst—creating a split in how the final expansion is received. Several contrast it directly with the earlier two expansions.
- Low price praised repeatedly (weight 0.21): Reviewers consistently highlight the low asking price and strong value relative to other games' DLC and cosmetics. Many compare it to the cost of a fast food meal or a single skin.
- Boss Rush free with DLC (weight 0.21): Boss Rush Mode arrived as a free update alongside the DLC and is compared to Remnant 1's Survival mode. Some reviews treat it as a DLC feature, while others note it's a base-game patch.
- Prism system and progression rewards (weight 0.19): The Prism system rewards players who spend time after leveling all Archetypes and was reworked into a new endgame progression system. Legendary talents boost build variety.
- N'Erud setting praised and criticized (weight 0.18): The DLC is set in N'Erud, which some call their favorite base-game area and visually improved, while others call it their least favorite. The environment is described as better but still empty.
- Ultimate Edition and bundle access (weight 0.17): Reviewers note that a version includes all DLC and that Ultimate Edition owners may need to restart Steam or manually download the expansion. Double-purchasing caution is also mentioned.
- Reused assets and disappointing design (weight 0.16): Critics say the DLC reuses assets, has recycled dungeons, and feels like leftover material. Others note that different paths lead to the same place, unlike the base game's surprises.
- DLC cadence and sequel anticipation (weight 0.14): Reviewers discuss the cadence of three sizeable DLCs in a year and some look forward to a sequel. Others compare the release structure to live-service games like Destiny.
- New story and character twist (weight 0.14): The DLC adds a new story mission and a recurring character with a twist, according to several reviews. This narrative content is often mentioned alongside the new biome and Archetype.
- Developer updates and balancing hopes (weight 0.13): Reviewers note Gunfire provides regular updates and made major changes shortly after release, with some hoping for further bug fixes and balance. Others worry the studio no longer cares.
- Content volume and completion time (weight 0.13): Reviewers report 3.5 to 15 hours of content depending on exploration and difficulty, with one calling it short. Others say it offers around 5-10 hours.
- New Archetype and build variety (weight 0.11): The new Archetype is compatible with many builds, and new gear like necklaces and rings expand build choices. This content is seen as a strong addition for players who enjoy theorycrafting.
- Free updates and base-game patch (weight 0.11): The Prism system and Boss Rush arrived via a free base-game patch, not as part of the paid DLC. This distinction matters for players evaluating what they actually purchased.
- Boss Rush compared to Survival (weight 0.1): Reviewers draw a direct comparison between the new Boss Rush mode and Remnant 1's Survival mode. This comparison shapes expectations about replayability and endgame content.
- Ending poorly presented, underwhelming (weight 0.08): Feedback specifically criticizes the game's ending as poorly presented for a final DLC, ending on an underwhelming note. This is echoed by those who hoped for a more definitive conclusion.
- Mixed comparisons to Elden Ring (weight 0.07): Some reviews compare Remnant 2 to Elden Ring in terms of quality content, and others describe it as Dark Souls with guns. These comparisons set expectations for difficulty and design.

Emotions:
- Disappointment (weight 0.22): The DLC failed to meet expectations due to its short length, rehashed content from the base game, and lack of meaningful story progression. Many players were let down by the recycled worlds, few new enemies, and unsatisfying conclusion to the N'Erud storyline.
- Frustration (weight 0.19): Players were frustrated by confusing map design, the glider traversal system, and grindy mechanics like the Prism system that required excessive time and luck. Technical issues, bugs, and poorly explained features further exacerbated the experience.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.09): Many found joy in the new traversal methods, engaging boss fights, and the fresh exploration opportunities offered by the DLC. The new Warden archetype and visually appealing environments also contributed to a positive experience.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.08): Players were satisfied with the substantial new content, including gear, bosses, and the expansion of N'Erud's story. The DLC was seen as good value, with seamless integration and enjoyable gameplay additions like Boss Rush mode.
- Annoyance (weight 0.04): Annoyance stemmed from the glider mechanic making exploration tedious and difficult to track, along with hidden archetypes requiring external guides. Clunky navigation and repetitive side dungeons added to the irritation.
- Boredom (weight 0.04): The DLC felt repetitive and tedious, with slow glider travel and reused content leading to a lack of engagement. Boring boss designs and grindy achievements contributed to the overall sense of dullness.
- Excitement (weight 0.04): Excitement was driven by epic boss fights, innovative glider mechanics, and the new Warden class with its build potential. The fresh content provided a reason to invest more time into the game.
- Appreciation (weight 0.04): Players appreciated the developers' responsiveness to feedback, the fulfillment of the DLC promise, and the novel endgame progression system. The game's lore development and boss patterns were also valued.
- Anger (weight 0.03): Anger arose from issues like DLC worlds overriding campaign content, lost quest items due to lack of trade protection, and instant-death boss patterns. The Prism System and poor map design further fueled negative reactions.
- Love (weight 0.03): Players expressed deep love for the game and its DLC, appreciating the expansion to N'Erud and the additional content. Many would be devastated if a third installment isn't made.
- Hate (weight 0.02): Hate was directed at obscure mechanics requiring online guides, frustrating navigation with flying enemies, and copied optional locations. N'Erud was criticized as a poorly designed world.
- Amusement (weight 0.02): Amusement came from fun gameplay and map exploration with the glider, as well as humorous elements like the GUTS sword and jokes about cursing the game designer.
- Mild frustration (weight 0.02): Mild frustration was caused by unintuitive traversal and large maps that made co-op with friends difficult. There was also a lack of fresh content for well-geared characters.
- Anticipation (weight 0.02): Anticipation focused on waiting for the final DLC before committing more time, looking forward to new parts, and excitement for a potential Remnant 3.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Surprise resulted from being positively impressed after low expectations following the second DLC, and the originality of the extension changing a previously negative view of N'Erud.
- Interest (weight 0.01): Interest was sparked by the story discovered in the new location and the introduction of the Warden class with shield and explosion-focused equipment.
- Amazement (weight 0.01): Amazement was due to the treasure trove of secrets and dungeons, along with the verticality and fun weapons introduced in the DLC.
- Dislike (weight 0.01): Dislike centered on a very bad final boss, a generally unliked DLC, and a terrible location with uninteresting bosses.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.01): Enthusiasm was fueled by cool bosses, an awesome final fight, and the substantial new content for builds added by the DLCs.
- Dissatisfaction (weight 0.01): Dissatisfaction arose from the travel system not allowing free flight and Boss Rush mode being inferior to Survival mode from Remnant 1.}