Remnant: From the Ashes Score: A Third-Person Soulslike Experience

Introduction

Remnant: From the Ashes (2019) by Gunfire Games is an ambitious third-person action RPG that blends elements of Dark Souls with procedurally generated levels and gunplay mechanics. While it doesn’t reach the same heights as FromSoftware’s masterpieces, it carves out its own niche by combining punishing combat, cooperative multiplayer, and a unique post-apocalyptic setting. This article examines Remnant’s strengths and weaknesses as a Soulslike, evaluating its combat, progression, level design, and replayability.

1. Combat: A Fresh Take on Soulslike Mechanics

Gunplay Melee Hybrid

Unlike traditional Soulslikes that focus on melee combat, Remnant introduces firearms as the primary means of engagement. Players wield a mix of rifles, pistols, and shotguns alongside melee weapons, creating a dynamic combat loop. Dodging, stamina management, and precise aiming are crucial, mirroring the methodical pacing of Dark Souls but with a faster, more aggressive approach.

Boss Fights and Enemy Variety

Boss encounters are a highlight, featuring multi-phase battles with unique mechanics. Some require environmental awareness (e.g., avoiding AoE attacks), while others demand teamwork in co-op. However, enemy variety is somewhat limited, with many foes being reskins of basic archetypes (ranged, melee, explosive).

Cooperative Play

The game shines in multiplayer, where teamwork enhances the experience. Reviving downed allies, coordinating attacks, and sharing resources add depth. However, solo players may find certain encounters unfairly balanced, as enemy scaling doesn’t always adjust well for single-player runs.

2. Progression and Customization

Weapons and Mods

Remnant offers a satisfying loot system where weapons and armor can be upgraded and modified. Weapon mods provide special abilities (e.g., summoning turrets, healing bursts), allowing for diverse builds. However, some mods feel underwhelming, and the best gear is often locked behind rare drops or hidden quests.

Trait System

Instead of traditional RPG stats, players invest in passive traits (e.g., increased stamina, faster reloads). While flexible, the system lacks depth compared to Dark Souls’ intricate stat allocation. Maxing out traits can make late-game progression feel stagnant.

Armor and Fashion

Armor sets provide bonuses (e.g., increased melee damage, reduced stagger) but lack the visual diversity seen in other Soulslikes. Fashion-conscious players may be disappointed by the limited customization options.

3. Level Design and World-Building

Procedural Generation: A Double-Edged Sword

Remnant’s levels are procedurally generated, ensuring that no two playthroughs are identical. While this boosts replayability, it also leads to inconsistent level design. Some areas feel meticulously crafted, while others are repetitive corridors with little strategic depth.

Lore and Atmosphere

The game’s post-apocalyptic setting blends sci-fi and Lovecraftian horror, with humanity fighting interdimensional monsters called the Root. Environmental storytelling is present but lacks the richness of Dark Souls. NPCs provide quests and lore, though their impact is minimal compared to FromSoftware’s intricate narratives.

4. Replayability and Endgame

Adventure Mode and Campaign Resets

After completing the main story, players can reroll their campaign or enter Adventure Mode—a shorter, randomized experience focused on loot hunting. This system extends playtime but can feel grindy without meaningful rewards.

Hardcore Mode and Challenges

For masochists, Hardcore Mode offers permadeath, amplifying tension. However, the lack of unique rewards beyond bragging rights limits its appeal. Community challenges (e.g., no-hit runs) add longevity but rely on self-imposed restrictions.

5. Final Verdict: A Flawed but Worthy Soulslike

Strengths:

Unique gun-based Soulslike combat
Engaging co-op experience
Procedural generation enhances replayability
Satisfying boss fights

Weaknesses:

Inconsistent level design
Limited enemy variety
Shallow trait progression
Underwhelming endgame incentives

Score: 7.5/10

Remnant: From the Ashes is a solid Soulslike that innovates with gunplay and procedural generation but falls short in depth and polish. It’s best enjoyed with friends, offering a fresh take on the genre without surpassing its inspirations.

Conclusion

While not a masterpiece, Remnant: From the Ashes succeeds as a unique hybrid of Soulslike difficulty and third-person shooter mechanics. Its flaws are balanced by its creativity, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of challenging co-op games. With Remnant II now available, Gunfire Games has the opportunity to refine these ideas further—but the original remains a fascinating experiment in the genre.

Would you recommend Remnant: From the Ashes to Soulslike fans? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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