Beyond the Dark Horizon: What Lies Ahead in Remnant 2?

Key Highlights

  • Final DLC Adventure: The Dark Horizon marks the third and final paid expansion for Remnant II, concluding the current post-launch storyline.
  • Return to N’Erud: Journey back to the desolate world of N’Erud, but this time explore a previously unseen agricultural sector with new threats and landscapes.
  • New Warden Archetype: Unlock the Warden, a powerful support archetype that uses a drone for barriers, buffs, and healing, offering immense utility.
  • Fresh Gameplay Mechanics: Traverse floating islands with a new glider and face unique challenges in new dungeons and events.
  • Expanded Arsenal: Discover powerful weapons like the Black Greatsword, along with a host of new rings and amulets to enhance your builds.
  • Free Boss Rush Mode: A free update alongside the DLC introduces the challenging Boss Rush Mode, available to all Remnant II players.

Introduction

Are you ready to venture back into the fray? Gunfire Games has unleashed the final chapter in the Remnant II DLC saga, The Dark Horizon. This expansion invites you to revisit the hauntingly beautiful and dangerous world of N’Erud, but not as you remember it. Packed with new enemies, a fascinating new archetype, and a storyline that kicks off in the most unexpected way, this DLC is a must-play for fans. Available now for PC, Xbox Series X, and PlayStation 5, it’s time to see what awaits beyond the dark horizon.

the dark horizon

The Dark Horizon DLC Overview

The Dark Horizon is the third and final paid DLC for Remnant II, following the releases of The Awakened King and The Forgotten Kingdom DLC. It aims to provide a fitting conclusion to the game’s post-launch narrative, sending players to a completely new section of N’Erud. This expansion is designed to be the biggest one yet, offering a wealth of new content to explore.

Get ready for a fresh storyline, a unique new archetype called the Warden, and a host of new gear and enemies. This DLC not only adds to the rich lore of the Remnant universe but also introduces new gameplay mechanics that will test your skills in exciting ways.

Release, Platforms, and How to Access The Dark Horizon

The wait is over! The Dark Horizon launched on September 24, 2024, bringing a new wave of content to players across all major platforms. Whether you’re playing on PC, a PlayStation 5, or an Xbox Series X, you can jump right into this new adventure. The expansion is available digitally on all respective storefronts.

Platform

Availability

PC

Available via Steam and other digital storefronts.

PlayStation 5

Available on the PlayStation Store.

Xbox Series X\S

Available on the Microsoft Store.

So, how do you start this new journey? First, you must have completed the N’Erud world at least once in the main campaign to unlock Adventure Mode. Once that’s done, head to the World Stone in Ward 13. From there, select “Adventure Mode,” choose to “Re-roll,” and scroll to the “One Shot” option for The Dark Horizon. This special mode ensures you experience all the new content in a single, curated playthrough.

Purchasing and Availability Across Devices

Getting your hands on The Dark Horizon is simple, but there’s one important prerequisite: you must own the base game, Remnant II. This expansion is not a standalone experience, so make sure you have the main game installed on your system. Once you do, you can purchase the DLC from your platform’s digital store.

You can find the DLC available for purchase on the following platforms:

  • PC: Available on Steam and the Epic Games Store.
  • PlayStation 5: Purchase directly from the PlayStation Store.
  • Xbox Series X|S: Available for download from the Microsoft Store.

The DLC can typically be bought individually or as part of a bundle that includes the other expansions if you don’t already own them. Simply search for “Remnant 2: The Dark Horizon” on your preferred platform’s store, complete the purchase, and the new content will be ready for you to access in-game after a quick download and installation.

the dark horizon

Main Storyline and Setting of The Dark Horizon

The Dark Horizon transports you to a previously undiscovered part of N’Erud, the vast construct world of the Drzyr. Instead of the familiar barren wastelands, you’ll find yourself in a failed agricultural sector, filled with rotting alien crops and new, menacing robotic creations. A sinister rogue AI presence looms over this territory, serving as the central antagonist for your new adventure.

The story begins with a touch of humor and absurdity. After your lift is mysteriously destroyed, you’re tasked with retrieving a droid’s head. This simple, almost comical objective quickly spirals into a battle against a powerful telepathic entity, leading to some surprisingly witty banter as you fight to survive and uncover the secrets of this new region’s skyline.

Narrative Themes and World-Building

The narrative of The Dark Horizon cleverly balances its grim setting with moments of dark humor. The main antagonist’s telepathic taunts and your character’s defiant responses create a fun dynamic that sets this DLC apart. You’ll find yourself mocking its lack of understanding of the human experience while it threatens to destroy you, making for some memorable interactions.

The world-building expands on what you know about N’Erud in fascinating ways. You’ll navigate new dungeons and desolate spires that feel both fresh and strangely familiar. The environment itself tells a story of agricultural failure and decay, with expired vegetation and strange abominations lurking in the fields. This setting provides a unique backdrop for the new challenges you’ll face.

While some areas may evoke a sense of déjà vu from the base game, the introduction of floating landmasses and unique mechanics within the dungeons helps build a distinct identity for this new zone. The world feels somber yet visually stunning, immersing you in the desolation and scale of the Drzyr’s creation as you hunt for the new Warden Archetype and its secrets.

Connection to the Remnant Universe

The Dark Horizon serves as the capstone to the post-launch DLCs for Remnant II, neatly tying up the current story arc that began with The Awakened King and continued in The Forgotten Kingdom DLC. By returning to N’Erud, one of the core worlds from the base game, the DLC provides a sense of finality and brings the journey full circle.

It deepens the lore surrounding the Drzyr, their tragic fate, and the vast, decaying world they built. While the main plot is self-contained, it enriches the broader narrative of the Remnant universe, offering new insights into the forces at play. This expansion isn’t a completely separate tale but rather an essential chapter in the ongoing saga.

Your adventure concludes by bringing a new ally, the robot Spark, back to Ward 13, directly impacting your home base and connecting the events of the DLC to your central hub. It’s a satisfying link that makes your efforts in N’Erud feel consequential to the wider world, solidifying its place within the overarching story of Remnant.

the dark horizon

New Features and Gameplay Mechanics Introduced

Gunfire Games didn’t just add a new story; they’ve injected fresh life into the gameplay with The Dark Horizon. The most significant additions include a brand-new support class, the Warden archetype, and a free Boss Rush Mode that will test the mettle of even the most seasoned players. These features offer new ways to play and challenge yourself.

Beyond that, the DLC introduces exciting traversal options with the glider, allowing you to soar between floating islands. You’ll also find new melee weapons, powerful gear, and a host of formidable enemies, each designed to shake up your combat strategies and keep you on your toes as you explore the new areas of N’Erud.

Fresh Archetypes, Weapons, and Gear

One of the biggest draws of The Dark Horizon is the new Warden archetype. This class focuses on support and survivability, utilizing a friendly drone to create protective barriers, provide buffs, and offer constant healing. While it might not be the flashiest damage-dealer, its utility is so powerful that it can feel “outright broken” at times, making it a fantastic addition to any team or solo build.

The hunt for new loot is as rewarding as ever. This DLC introduces several new items to add to your collection, including:

  • Black Greatsword: A fun new melee weapon with a powerful charge mechanic.
  • New Amulets and Rings: An impressive array of accessories that enable powerful new build synergies, especially when paired with the Warden.
  • Glider: A new traversal tool used to navigate the floating landscapes of N’Erud.

While unlocking the Warden archetype can be a bit of a puzzle, the payoff is immense. The new gear, especially the powerful weapons and accessories, provides plenty of incentive to explore every corner of the new zones and experiment with different character builds, ensuring that your return to N’Erud is full of discovery.

Updated Enemies, Boss Encounters, and Events

The Dark Horizon populates its new zones with a fantastic lineup of new robotic creations and mutated horrors. The enemy design is a clear highlight, offering fresh challenges that are enjoyable to master. You’ll need to learn new patterns and adapt your tactics to overcome these threats.

Some of the standout new foes include:

  • The Gardener: A grasshopper-like robot that leaps across the battlefield, slamming down and detonating toxic gas.
  • Sniper Bot: A versatile enemy that can attack from afar or defend itself up close with blades and a barrier.
  • Hulking Brute: A massive foe that uses a mutated arm for powerful bashes and can suck you in with a black hole attack.

While the number of unique new bosses is a bit low, the new dungeons and world events offer plenty of memorable encounters. There’s a tense stealth section where you must avoid robot patrols and a challenging platforming sequence up a spire. However, be warned: one event involving noxious gas that severely limits movement and vision has been called one of the most frustrating in the game. These new challenges, combined with the free Boss Rush Mode, provide a ton of new combat content.

the dark horizon

Community Reception and Critical Reviews

The reception for The Dark Horizon has been largely positive, with both critics and the community viewing it as a solid conclusion to the Remnant II DLC trilogy. Many players on platforms like Steam feel it’s a step up from the previous two expansions, even if it doesn’t quite capture all the magic of the base game.

Overall, the DLC is praised for its stunning new location, engaging enemy designs, and the excellent Warden archetype. While there are some criticisms regarding its short length and a few frustrating mechanics, the general consensus is that The Dark Horizon is a worthwhile addition that leaves the game on a high note.

Player Reactions and Ratings Across Platforms

Across platforms like PC and PlayStation, player reactions have painted a clear picture of The Dark Horizon‘s strengths and weaknesses. The community has widely praised the visual design of the new N’Erud region and the fresh gameplay offered by the glider and the Warden archetype. Many reviews on Steam highlight the fun of fighting the new enemies and the value added by the free Boss Rush mode.

However, the feedback isn’t universally glowing. Common complaints point to the DLC’s relatively short story, a low number of unique boss fights, and some tedious traversal sections. One particular event, which fills rooms with vision-obscuring gas, has been a significant point of frustration for many players.

The final verdict from critics reflects this balanced view, generally rating the DLC as “Good.” It’s seen as a strong, if not perfect, finale.

Final Verdict: GOOD

The Good

Visually stunning new location with unique traversal options.

Fresh enemy types that offer enjoyable challenges.

The Warden Archetype is an interesting and powerful support class.

The Bad

The plot can feel nonsensical and is very short.

Traversal can become tedious, and some areas feel reused.

The “Noxious Gas” mechanic is extremely frustrating.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “Remnant 2: The Dark Horizon” offers an engaging expansion that is rich in narrative and enhanced gameplay mechanics. With its captivating storyline and extensive new features, players can expect a fresh experience within the familiar realms of the Remnant universe. The community’s positive reception further solidifies its place among must-play titles for fans of the series. As you embark on this adventure, remember that the world of “The Dark Horizon” is filled with challenges and surprises that await your exploration.

the dark horizon

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Dark Horizon available on Xbox and PlayStation?

Yes, The Dark Horizon is available on both Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5. You can purchase and download the DLC directly from the Microsoft Store on Xbox or the PlayStation Store. Remember, you must own the base game, Remnant II, to play this expansion.

Has The Dark Horizon changed the overall gameplay of Remnant II?

Absolutely. The Dark Horizon adds new layers to the gameplay by introducing glider-based traversal, a powerful support-oriented Warden archetype, and a variety of new gear. Additionally, the free Boss Rush Mode included with the update offers a new endgame challenge for all Remnant II players, significantly influencing how you can play.

Where can I buy or download The Dark Horizon DLC?

You can purchase and download The Dark Horizon DLC from the digital storefront corresponding to your platform. This includes Steam and the Epic Games Store for PC, the PlayStation Store for PS5, and the Microsoft Store for Xbox Series X|S. Check your platform’s store for availability and pricing.

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