Highlights
- Remnant 2 addresses the previous game's lack of class identity by introducing unique starting classes, with the Handler being a prime example of a class centered around its AI companion, a dog.
- The Handler's Companion allows players to determine their combat role and makes solo play feel less lonely with an AI-controlled ally.
- The Handler class offers offensive support capabilities, with perks like reduced friendly fire damage, increased movement speed for allies, and skills that can buff allies or deal additional damage. It's a good choice for players who want to run-and-gun with automatic weapons.
In just the first two days since Remnant 2's early access launch began for Ultimate Edition adopters, the game has already gone a long way toward asserting just how varied and unique each of its starting classes is. One of the chief complaints lodged against the game's predecessor, Remnant: From the Ashes, was that the classes lacked identity and essentially all played the same. Remnant 2 does a great job of addressing this complaint with its starting class archetypes, and perhaps no starting class other than the Handler shows just how different the game's approach to its classes is compared to the first game in the series.
The Handler is the only class in Remnant 2, starting or otherwise, whose skills are entirely built around its constant AI companion. Despite Remnant 2's dire post-apocalyptic setting and story, there are thankfully still plenty of canine friends to be found, and the Handler's companion is none other than a dog. The dog companion can have its role in combat determined based on the use of one of the class' three available skills and makes the act of playing solo feel far less lonely thanks to always having an AI-controlled buddy within arms reach.
Remnant 2: Handler Perks and Skills
When considering which class to choose as a starting point in Remnant 2, there are two things that are important to keep in mind. The first is that, eventually, players will obtain the ability to switch their archetype, making it so that they're not locked into their initial choice. The second point to ponder is which of the starting loadouts is best for a particular play style. Each class has its own pros and cons in terms of starting loadouts, but for players that want to run-and-gun while spraying fire from automatic weapons, The Handler just might be the best choice for a starting class.
In addition to the AI-controlled dog companion that always accompanies the Handler, the class has the unique perk of reducing the damage from friendly fire as its unique trait. For anyone playing co-op in Remnant 2, constant situational awareness is necessary to avoid accidentally damaging squadmates with friendly fire during tense encounters. The Handler and its Companion definitely are support class options similar to the Medic, but with a few more offensive capabilities and some great starting gear, they may be more appealing to players who aren't looking to exclusively play the role of a healer.
Remnant 2 Handler Perks
- Pack Hunter: Damage Perk: Gain 3% Ranged and Skill Damage while Companion is active and within 25 meters of the player.
- Spirit of the Wolf: Team Perk: Increases Movement Speed by 10%. All allies within 10 meters of the Handler gain the Handler's Movement Speed.
- Teamwork: Utility Perk: Handler and Companion gain 5% increased Revive Speed.
- Best Friend: Relic Perk: Using a Relic fully restores the Companion's health.
- Bonded: Prime Perk: When Handler is downed, Companion will attempt to revive them at 50% Max Health.
Remnant 2 Handler Skills
- Guard Dog: Companion will follow the Handler and generate 15% increased Threat while attacking. All damage to the Companion is reduced by 20%.
- Support Dog: Companion will follow the Handler and continuously heal allies within 3.5 meters for 0.25% of Max Health per second.
- Attack Dog: Companion will follow the Handler and deal 20% additional damage.
Each of the available skills for the Handler change based on how players press the skill button to direct their canine companion. The effect of each skill shifts depending on whether players use a single press, double press, or hold the skill button, with each of these inputs affecting how the Companion responds to the assigned skill. With the Handler's Companion able to both buff allies and draw aggro from enemies, the class is perhaps one of the better offensive-focused support options for starting Remnant 2.
Remnant 2 releases on July 25 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
