Remnant 2: The Ultimate Challenger Build Guide - 33rd Square (2024)

The Challenger is one of the toughest archetypes in Remnant 2, specializing in dishing out devastating melee damage while withstanding even the hardest hits. This build guide will provide everything you need to create the ultimate Challenger – from the best weapons and armor to skills, traits and playstyle recommendations.

How to Unlock the Challenger Archetype

You can choose the Challenger as your starting archetype, otherwise it can be purchased from Reggie in Ward 13 for 1500 Scrap. Simply speak to him and buy the "Old Metal Tool" which can then be crafted at Wallace into the "Steel Enswell" engram. Equip this in your archetype menu to unlock the Challenger.

Best Weapons for Challenger

Challenger excels at close quarters combat, so you‘ll want a deadly melee weapon coupled with guns that complement this bruiser playstyle.

Primary Melee: Stonebreaker

This colossal hammer hits like a truck and causes shock damage in an AoE, making it perfect for demolishing groups. Its built-in Faultline mod unleashes quakes to stagger foes. Stonebreaker has pretty slow swings, but we‘ll counteract that later.

Where to Get It: Defeat the Corruptor boss in Yaesha

Secondary: Enigma

Despite being a "sidearm", the Enigma pistol is a formidable weapon in its own right. The electrified bolts bounce between multiple enemies, clearing out hordes with ease. We‘ll use the Chaos Driver mod for spreading electric AoE damage.

Where to Get It: Labyrinth region of Fractured Ingress

Long Gun: Blackmaw AR-47

The Blackmaw assault rifle sprays a torrent of bullets exceptional at mid-long range combat. Its sheer size holds a massive magazine size too. Use the Corrosive Rounds mod to eat away at tough enemies.

Where to Get it: Brabus in Ward 13 (1000 scrap)

Best Armor for Survival

Challenger‘s fortitude comes from its heavy armor, so the Void Set optimally bolsters defenses while not weighing you down too much.

Void Carapace (Body)
Void Wraps (Hands)
Void Skull (Head)
Void Greaves (Legs)

This full set raises resistances versus fire, shock and toxin damage which are common elements. It also looks badass.

Best Rings & Amulet

• Amulet: Ankh of Power – Straight damage boost
• Ring 1: Berserker‘s Crest – Faster melee swings
• Ring 2: Probability Chord – Random critical damage buffs
• Ring 3: Ring of Flawed Beauty – Increased weak point damage
• Ring 4: Zania‘s Malice – Additional weak point damage

This combination enhances the Challenger‘s damage overall while helping land those sweet critical hits.

Recommended Traits

Strong Back (level 10): Reduces equip load allowing faster movement and dodging despite heavy armor. Max this out first.

Unstoppable (level 10): Keep swinging/shooting while taking damage. Synergizes with Juggernaut skill.

Executioner (level 10): Improves critical damage following a melee kill. Works very well here.

Best Skills

Juggernaut: Boosts melee swing speed and damage by 50% for 25 seconds. Use when surrounded to obliterate groups.

Ideal Perks

These passive bonuses will kick the Challenger into overdrive:

• Die Hard (Prime Perk): Become invulnerable for 2 seconds when taking continuous damage. Can trigger every 10 seconds.
• Berserker (level 10): Gain stacks of Rage when hitting enemies, with more melee damage per stack.
• Intimidating Presence (level 10): Nearby enemies deal 15% less damage for 15 seconds.
• Powerlifter (level 10): 40% increased stamina regeneration speed.
• Close Quarters (level 10): +15% weapon damage in close range combat (under 10m).

Playstyle Tips

The Challenger dominates up close and personal. Charge head first into the fray and liberal use of the Stonebreaker will sheer chunks off both single and groups of enemies.

With Juggernaut active, you‘ll carve through swathes effortlessly while shrugging off most attacks. Use the Enigma against nimbler targets, and engage Blackmaw AR-47 for distanced foes.

Stacking Rage with Berserker provides significant melee boosts so keep whacking enemies. Kills also trigger Executioner crit buffs leading to some insane damage numbers.

Finally, keep an eye on your armor integrity. While you can take hits, you aren‘t invincible! Utilize cover when needed and reposition to control engagements in your favor.

Complementary Secondary Archetype

After maxing out the Challenger, I recommend selecting the Engineer secondary archetype. The Engineer provides excellent synergy through its deployable turrets that supply ranged support.

This is the classic "tank + DPS" combo for a reason. Place storm, flame or missile turrets to shred foes from afar then mop up survivors with your Challenger‘s might.

Furthermore, the Engineer‘s protective dome shields provide safe havens to recuperate when things get too hot. The archetype‘s sheer utility takes this build over the top!

Conclusion

The Challenger archetype, when mastered correctly, is an absolute powerhouse capable of decimating all enemies foolish enough to wander near. Follow these tips and Remnant 2 will kneel before your might!

Let me know if you have any other suggestions to improve this ultimate build guide. And check out my other Remnant 2 content like character builds and weapon recommendations here on VeryAliGaming!

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