There were few stories more interesting than the One True King in Remnant 2. For this reason The Awakened King is an exciting start to Remnant 2‘s three confirmed expansions. With the story offering another look at Losomn, expanding on more mysterious characters like the aforementioned King and Nimue, it has a lot going for it. However, with the base game setting the bar so high, is this an adventure worth exploring, or is it best to sleep on it?
Similar to the base game, Remnant 2: The Awakened King narrative gives as much as players are willing to put in. There are a couple optional interactions, lore pieces, and dialogue paths. Each of these determine how the events play out, with the core narrative focusing on the One True King wanting revenge on those who betrayed him. It’s interesting enough to warrant more than one playthrough, though this assumes you can survive the adventure.
Despite taking place in Losomn, players gain access to new locations. These levels are an interesting mix of new and old. Those familiar with Losomn stages will recognize similar pieces, though locations themselves are largely different. This can make exploring them a lot of fun, especially since they’re surprising large maps.
So Many Places to Go
A single full playthrough can take several hours, with that number climbing even higher if you chase after every optional item. I also appreciate each location has a general theme, even if the platforming stages can be rather stressful.
To go along with new places to explore are a couple new enemies. The most notable are Dran Fiends due to an unfortunate glitch. Since a fix is already in the works I won’t be too critical of them, though even after they will likely be among the most annoying enemies in Remnant 2. This is largely due to them spawning in groups and leaves high damage orbs upon death. Said orbs can be shot, or disappear after impacting something/time.
Instant Death
Dran Fiend aside, most of the new bosses are nice. Sunken Witch limits movement, spawns adds, and occasionally leaves the battlefield to keep players on their toes. Bruin, Blade of the King is probably the best of the three. He is a close range fighter that forces players to effectively dodge. Even on lower difficulties he can one shot if you’re not careful. While I won’t comment on the final boss besides saying it’s a good fight, Befouled Alters are a drag due to them being a Root Nexus with Dran Fiends.
Fans of puzzles will also be delighted to hear several are present in Remnant 2: The Awakened King. At the time of posting several weapons and accessories remain undiscovered. These will likely require specific choices, like the final boss has multiple weapons and accessory unlocks. There are also some really interesting stages that require creative thinking to overcome.
Wake Up!
This expansion also adds the Ritualist archetype. Anyone built around status ailments will love having the ability to spread aliments, increase duration, and receive a damage increase as your foes writhe in pain. To go with the new archetype are a wide variety of new amulets, rings, mutators, and even weapons that really refine this build.
For all the good Remnant 2: The Awakened King adds, it comes with some distinct negatives. Since this is a smaller expansion, there runs have less variety. This doesn’t mean you can see it all in one, or even two play throughs, just the total number of options are lower. Hardcore players have also suggested there are no difficulty rewards.
Remnant 2: The Awakened King Review Verdict
Remnant 2: The Awakened King: For the most part Remnant 2: The Awakened King is a fantastic continuation of the base game. Not only does it add a new archetype, several pieces of equipment was designed with a new play style in mind. These little touches are more than enough to encourage players to finish multiple playthroughs of an expansion that is probably seven hours when fully explored. For these reasons and more Remnant 2: The Awakened King is a slam dunk for anyone looking for a reason to return. – Grant
Editor’s Note: Remnant 2: The Awakened King was reviewed on PlayStation 5, and a copy was provided to us for review purposes.
