There's a pattern amongst Soulslike games where the lore is often a little obtuse and is reliant on hints hidden amongst item descriptions, notes, and NPC dialogue. Gunfire Games' third-person shooter Remnant: From The Ashes is no different.
There's a surprising amount of depth to the game once you take some time off the beaten path to explore and investigate your surroundings. Although the majority of the plot is handed out by the NPCs, there are a few hidden tidbits snuck away that are particularly interesting and, at times, can change your entire view of some of the characters. Here are a few noteworthy things about the lore that are worth knowing.
10 The Multiplayer Multiverse
The core concept of Remnant: From the Ashes is visiting other worlds and going on wild and dangerous adventures to save earth from The Root. An alien infestation that's attacked earth and wiped out half the population. But, did you know that the game also brings multi-verses into the mix?
There are notes dotted around Ward 13 that hint at the scientists performing experiments into reaching other universes. They surmise that the crystals connecting Earth and the worlds you visit after you finish the story in Remnant: From The Ashes or through co-op, are actually different versions of your own universe. Although not affecting the story in any way, it adds an interesting perspective to the game.
9 The Root Are On Earth Because Of Human Error
When you first start out in Remnant: From The Ashes, you assume that the invasion by The Root is something that occurred purely by happenstance. However, Earth's dire fate is self-inflicted.
According to journals locked deep in the vaults of Ward13, there are mentions of an experiment in the 1960s. According to Evelyn's Journal in particular, during one of these experiments scientists were able to establish contact with other worlds through the use of special mediums, known as Dreamers. One of the Dreamers was taken over by a malicious force from one of these worlds known as Claw Tooth, which promptly took control of them and established a foothold for an invasion force. This unfortunate soul is also the last boss in the game and taking them down knowing this fact makes it feel more like you're ending their suffering.
8 Status Effects Unlock Extra Dialogue
One of the unique things about Remnant: From The Ashes is that the NPC dialogue can change depending on who you're talking to and what debuffs you're afflicted with. Why this is useful is that these conversations can unlock the opportunity to earn extra gear and traits or take part in an optional boss fight.
For example, having the Parasite infection active whilst speaking to the Iskal Queen will allow her to offer you a side-quest to earn a ring and a new trait. Whilst speaking to Mar'Gosh without this debuff active will cause him to become aggressive and attack you. There are a number of unique merchants and NPCs in Remnant: From The Ashes and it's worth learning some of the hidden features they might have as it could help
7 The Links To Chronos
Remnant: From The Ashes wasn't Gunfire Games' first foray into the roguelike genre as their previous game Chronos, a PS4 title that wasn't particularly well-received, is apparently a prequel to the events in Remnant.
For example, those that are familiar with Chronos will recognize the signature Red Crystals as well as similarities in the UI and a few early enemy designs. Plus the final boss of The Dreamer is the player character from the prequel game and his transformation into the thing that leads to the downfall of humanity is part of the canon ending of Chronos.
6 The Undying King Nuked His Own Planet
The Undying King seems like quite the enigma at first. The ruler of a technologically advanced race living underground in the ruins of a desolate and ruined cityscape populated by bandits and warring tribesmen.
It's an odd juxtaposition but one that, according to the lore, is his own doing. The Undying King is not just one of Remnant: From The Ashes toughest boss fights, he's also the ruler of a race known as the Basha. These people were incredibly advanced and held the frontline in a massive intergalactic unwinnable war against The Root. Seeing no end to the conflict he activated a nuclear doomsday device that decimated the planet and The Root. Those that survived lived underground and became the Undying Kings legion, whilst those on the surface mutated into the hostile tribesmen.
5 The Root Mother's Relationship With Ford
The Root Mother has quite the tragic backstory for those that do a little digging as she once had a relationship with Ford the Founder. They even had a daughter together called Nadine.
According to Evelyn's Journal found within Ward 13, The Root Mother was once known as Evelyn and had special abilities that allowed her to connect to The Root. Over time this connection got stronger and more malicious until she was transformed and taken into the mighty tree you find her inside the Church of The Harbinger. This also means that the current commander of Ward 13 is also her granddaughter.
4 Mud Tooth's Checkered Past
Mud Tooth is one of those NPC's that doesn't really make the biggest impact in the game, but he hides quite a large secret.
Found on Earth inside an old crashed helicopter that's been tangled in invasive roots, Mud Tooth is at first glance a helpful merchant. He sells players ammo boxes as well as Stew and Tonic's which buff your health and stamina respectively. If you agree to listen to his stories he will give you a pocket watch which he says he was keeping for his son. Later you can give this watch to Brabus the Bandit, who then tells you it's his father's and old leader of the gang's watch. So Mud Tooth used to have quite an interesting past.
3 The Pan Of Yaesha Were Ravaged By A Mysterious Plague
The goat men of Yaesha put up quite the fight and their world is arguably one of the most beautiful yet deadly areas in the entire game. But these proud Pan have quite the tragic backstory.
Before making their home in a giant forest, they originally came from a land far away and lived peaceful prosperous lives until a red sickness decimated their population. A mysterious plague that was spreading through the land around the same time the magical transport crystals players use so frequently started appearing in their world. No wonder they hold grudges against those that travel through them.
2 The Iskal Queen Isn't What She Seems
The Iskal Queen is one of Remnant: From The Ashes' most iconic and unforgettable NPC's (as well as optional boss fight) mainly because it's hard to forget a giant butterfly. But this insectoid ruler hides twisted and dark desires beneath her calm and serene chitin exterior.
The blue-skinned natives are the planet's original inhabitants. The Iskal Queen arrived spreading a message of peace and after luring the natives in she infected them with her insects, taking control of most, hollowing out others, and wiping the entire species out almost entirely. The elf merchant found nearby is the only survivor of the genocide and tells players this dark secret of the Iskal Queen when you find her hidden in the swamp.
1 The Guardian's Heart Has No Use
One of the main quest points around halfway into the game is finding the Guardian Heart for the Undying King and the Iskal Queen.
This unique item can be given to either for different rewards (or a particularly tough boss fight), but its true use is never fully explained. Fans have theorized that the true use of this item is most likely cut content due to development time and sadly it left a plot hole and has become quite a sticking point with the community. Maybe a sequel or potential future DLC might explain it one day.