One of the key focal points of Gunfire Games' very successful Soulslike title Remnant 2 is the wide array of character classes that players can choose from. While there are four starting classes (or five for those who preordered), there is also a number of them that are waiting to be discovered as players progress through the game's numerous and ever-changing worlds.

In addition to choosing a starting class, players who meet the required threshold in Remnant 2 will have the option to complement their character's abilities with a secondary Archetype or change their Archetype combination altogether. Here is a complete guide to all the Archetypes in Remnant 2 and how to unlock them.

Updated September 25, 2024 by Marc Santos: Players can now unlock all the Archetypes Remnant 2 has to offer following the release of Dark Horizon, the game's final DLC. This content pack added the Warden, a character class that focuses on providing healing, energy shields, and damage buffs to the team. We've updated this guide to include this new Archetype, and the

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1

All Remnant 2 Archetypes

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There are 14 playable Archetypes in total, and apart from the one players start with, they all need to be unlocked one way or another. Naturally, each Archetype performs differently, and players who want to use the best classes in Remnant 2 will want to familiarize themselves with Archetype's strengths, weaknesses, and general playstyles.

Remnant 2 Archetype List

Archetype

Description

Challenger

Tanky, short-ranged brawler

Hunter

High-damage, precision shooter

Medic

Potent team-wide healer

Gunslinger

Fast-firing gun specialist

Handler

Commands a dog to support the team

Alchemist

Uses concoctions to buff the team

Engineer

Places turrets and uses them as heavy weapons

Summoner

Summons friendly Root monsters

Invader

Slippery, evasion-based skirmisher

Explorer

Detects treasure and provides buffs

Ritualist

Melts enemies with Status Effects

Invoker

Healer/buffer hybrid with a penchant for Skills and Elemental Damage

Warden

Support class with shields, heals, and damage buffs

Archon

Spellcaster that supercharges Weapon Mods

How To Unlock The Summoner Archetype

The Summoner class in Remnant 2's character creator
Remnant 2 Summoner Archetype

For players who want to use the weapons of their enemies against them, the Summoner is the perfect way to do just that. With its ability to summon Root creatures to fight alongside it, the Summoner can produce allies for when the fights get tough. Here is how to unlock this secret Archetype from Remnant 2.

Players will need to visit the Bloodmoon Altar, which can be found after defeating the Root Nexus, and purchase the Faded Grimoire. This will require Bloodmoon Essence, which can be farmed throughout Yaesha. Once this is in possession, visit Wallace in Ward 13 to trade the item for the Tome of the Bringer Engram, and with it, the option to use the Summoner as a primary or secondary character class.

How To Unlock The Explorer Archetype

The Explorer Archetype from Remnant 2

An expert in finding otherwise difficult-to-locate items, the Explorer is another secret Archetype that will require players to overcome a number of challenges to earn. In fact, players will need to overcome every challenge of the main story to acquire the materials needed for this Archetype.

Players who finish the game will receive a Broken Compass, which can be traded with Wallace for a Golden Compass, the Engram for the Explorer. As this requires finishing the Remnant 2 main storyline, it is one of the more difficult Archetypes to unlock.

How To Unlock The Challenger Archetype

The Challenger Archetype from Remnant 2 holding a sword across its shoulders

Technically speaking, the Challenger, much like the other starting Archetypes in Remnant 2, doesn't need to be unlocked to be a playable character. However, this only applies if players want to use the Challenger as their starting primary character class. For those looking to use it as a secondary class or decide to change their primary class, an Engram will be required to use this Archetype.

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Fortunately, the key to unlocking the Challenger Archetype is very simple, as it requires only visiting the right vendor to acquire the special item. Players will need to speak to Reggie, who can be found sitting with Mudtooth, and purchase the Old Metal Tool from him. This can then be taken to Wallace and exchanged for the Steel Enswell Engram, which will unlock the Challenger as a playable option.

How To Unlock The Alchemist Archetype

The Alchemist in Remnant 2's character creator
Remnant 2 Alchemist character creation

A master of potions, elixirs, and concoctions to boost the abilities of themselves and their comrades, the Alchemist is a secret Archetype that can serve as an excellent support for other character classes. In order to unlock this Archetype, players will need to explore the world of Losomn to find the prized item that can unlock the Alchemist's Engram.

To find the Mysterious Stone, players will need to visit the Dran slum areas of Morrow Parish until they encounter an object by the broken grate of a drain. This will prompt a beast to grab the player and drag them away, which will result in their character winding up in a room with the stone. With the stone in hand, players can trade with Wallace for the Philosopher's Stone Engram and the Alchemist Archetype.

How To Unlock The Gunslinger Archetype

Remnant 2 - Gunslinger In Character Class Selection

While the Gunslinger was a bonus Archetype for players who pre-ordered Remnant 2, players who did not get ahead of the launch date still have the opportunity to harness the abilities of the firearms and ammunition conservation specialist. The premise of the task is simple. However, the effort players need to go to in order to unlock this Archetype is far from simplistic.

Players can retrieve the Worn Cylinder from Mudtooth in Ward 13 after they have heard all the stories that the old man has to tell. This will require some in-game progression to achieve, as Mudtooth will exhaust his supply of stories and tell the player to come back later. Once Remnant 2 players have progressed through a significant amount of the main story, they will be able to retrieve the item and trade it with Wallace for the Iron Cylinder and access to the Gunslinger Archetype.

How To Unlock The Engineer Archetype

The Engineer Archetype from Remnant 2

The heavy weapons specialist of the Remnant 2 Archetypes, the Engineer was one of the last character classes to be discovered on account that it requires players to basically kill their character intentionally. In the wastelands of N'Erud, players must find a particular spot on the edge of the world's map and enter the toxic gas to pick up the item needed for this class.

The Engineer Archetype can be found by entering the lethal gas on the edge of the map and jumping onto a ledge, which will also reward players with additional armor. After picking up the armor, drop to the ledge below and pick up the Alien Device. With this device, Wallace will craft the Drzyr Caliper and grant access to the Engineer Archetype.

How To Unlock The Hunter Archetype

The Hunter Archetype from Remnant 2 holding a rifle

A starting Archetype, the Hunter character class can be utilized by speaking with Brabus in Ward 13. The arms dealer can be found outside by the shooting range, and the special item required is in his shop alongside an array of weapons for purchase.

Players can buy the Rusty Medal from Brabus and trade it with Wallace. The Archetype expert will then present players with the Sniper War Medal Engram and the ability for players to use the Hunter Archetype.

How To Unlock The Invader Archetype

The Invader Archetype from Remnant 2

The Invader is the ideal character class for players who favor being elusive and mobile in combat. Given that dodging is one of the main forms of defense in the game, the Invader Archetype establishes itself as one of the most useful, even as a secondary class for an offensive-minded primary Archetype. This is one of the more complex classes to acquire, but is worth the effort.

To unlock the Invader Archetype, find the Dreamcatcher melee weapon from Morrow Parish in Losomn. With this weapon, gamers will be able to extract the Walkers Dream from the pod in Root Earth and be transported to a boss battle against Bane. Once Bane is defeated, players will receive the Wooden Shiv, which can be converted to the Root Blade Engram for the Invader Archetype.

How To Unlock The Medic Archetype

The Medic Archetype using its Wellspring skill in Remnant 2

One of the more popular Archetypes, among both starting and secret options, is the Medic class. Given how challenging Remnant 2 can be and how valuable maintaining a player's health is to ensure survival and success, the Medic has the most valuable regeneration abilities in the game. Thankfully, this highly sought-after Archetype is easy to unlock if players don't choose it as their starting class.

To unlock the Medic Archetype, players will simply have to visit Dr. Norah, the town doctor in Ward 13, and purchase the Medic Pin for 1,500 Scrap. Wallace can use the Medic Pin create the Caduceus Idol Engram, making the Medic Archetype available for use.

How To Unlock The Handler Archetype

Remnant 2 - Handler Petting The Dog

With a furry companion at their side, the Handler is a favorite Archetype among Remnant 2 players. Despite its cute appearance, the character's canine companion is an invaluable asset as players traverse the game's worlds, particularly given its ability to distract enemies, revive their master, and provide an additional source of offense.

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As a starting Archetype, the Handler is easy to unlock for those who don't choose it from the start. By visiting Mudtooth in Ward 13, players can acquire the Old Whistle, which can be converted to the Silver Whistle Engram and unlock this popular character class.

How To Unlock The Archon Archetype

The Archon Archetype from Remnant 2

Undoubtedly the most challenging character class to unlock in Remnant 2, the Archon Archetype was not designed to be discovered organically. In fact, it was a challenge set forth by the game's developers for only the most skilled data miners to overcome. But even with the very specific loadout unearthed, players will still need to dedicate some serious hours in the game to fulfill all the requirements to earn this Archetype.

To unlock the Archon, players will need the following;

  • Armor Set (Headwear, Body, Leg, and Glove Armor): Realmwalker (Explorer Archetype)
  • Relic: Void Heart
  • Long Gun: Ford's Scattergun
  • Melee Weapon: Labyrinth Staff
  • Handgun: Cube Gun
  • Ring One: Zania's Malice
  • Ring Two: Anastasija's Inspiration
  • Ring Three: Black Cat Band
  • Ring Four: Amber Moonstone
  • Amulet: Leto's Amulet
  • Archetype Skill: Worm Hole (Invader)
  • Archetype Skill: Fortune Hunter (Explorer)

With this loadout, players will be able to enter the Corrupted Biome Portal in Labyrinth, acquire the Strange Box, and trade it with Wallace for the Hexahedron. This will grant access to the Archon as a new playable character class.

How to Unlock the Ritualist Archetype

The Ritualist from Remnant 2's Awakened King DLC
Remnant 2 - Ritualist Archetype Reveal Trailer

The Ritualist is exclusive to the Awakened King DLC owners, and it can be unlocked by finding the Ragged Poppet item in the Forsake Coast map in Losomn. The Ragged Poppet is hidden in the canals area inside the Forsaken Coast's Drowned Wen section. Look for the canal with lined-up boats, then jump between them to reach a hole in the wall with a tunnel leading into a cave. Defeat the elite enemy inside and grab the Ragged Poppet from the wooden post. Take the item back to Wallace and purchase the Cursed Effigy to unlock the Ritualist.

How To Unlock The Invoker

remnant 2 invoker archetype unlock

To get the Invoker Archetype in Remnant 2, players must first own the Forgotten Kingdoms DLC. For this class, you'll need to find the Old Flute in Yaesha, which is hidden inside a secret room in the Ancient Canopy map. Start the DLC in Ward 13, then teleport to the Glittering Grotto. Proceed through the Ancient Canopy until you reach the next random area. Finish that map, and you'll arrive at a different section of the Ancient Canopy, where you can work toward getting the Invoker.

After reaching the second half of the Ancient Canopy, you'll see a lever overlooking a large statue. Pull the lever to lower the statue, then head downstairs. There's a chamber below with a sandpit and wall traps. Work your way to the opposite side of the sandpit, and look for a spot where sand is trickling from the ceiling. Stand on that spot until you get teleported to a different room. The Old Flute will be on an altar there.

How To Unlock The Warden

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In order to unlock the Warden in Remnant 2, players will need to go to the WIthered Necropolis map in the Dark Horizon DLC. Upon arriving at the map, move forward until you see the Gardener NPC. Next to the Gardener is a Glider station — take the Glider, then head down into the chasm below. Glide to the other side of the canyon while using the wind plumes to propel yourself upward.

Once you get into the open, go to the right and follow the wind plumes along the cliff. You'll soon see a small opening on the cliff face to your right. Land on it, go through the opening, then head left to reach a bridge. Cross it, and you'll find the Weathered Mechanism. Take it to Wallace to unlock the Warden Archetype.

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Remnant 2 Tag Page Cover Art
Remnant 2
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7 /10
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Released
July 25, 2023
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

ESRB
M for Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Strong Language, Violence
Developer(s)
Gunfire Games
Publisher(s)
Gearbox Publishing
Engine
Unreal Engine 4
Multiplayer
Online Multiplayer
Number of Players
1-3
Steam Deck Compatibility
Unsupported
Genre(s)
Soulslike, Third-Person Shooter
How Long To Beat
20 Hours
X|S Optimized
Yes
File Size Xbox Series
65 GB (January 2024)