Looking to select the Remnant 2 Handler archetype? This particular class has a dog companion available by default, which has its own nifty abilities and actions. Our guide discusses the Handler class skills, perks, and traits, as well as how you can unlock it if you didn’t choose it during the early stages of the campaign.
Remnant 2 Handler Archetype Guide
How to Unlock the Handler Archetype
The Handler in Remnant 2 is one of the game’s starter classes. That means you can choose it when you talk to Wallace in Ward 13 during the game’s tutorial stage. However, if you didn’t choose it, that’s totally fine. You can simply buy the Old Whistle item from Mudtooth, the concoctions/flasks vendor. You can then exchange this for the class engram by talking to Wallace.
Starting Loadout
- Long Gun: Blackmaw AR-47
- Handgun: Tech 22
- Melee: Rusted Claws
The Handler class has great weapons for the early stages of the campaign, thanks to the Blackmaw AR-47 and Tech 22. Both of these are fully automatic weapons, which are integral if you want to run-and-gun while battling foes.
Handler Unique Trait
Kinship — Reduces friendly fire damage dealt and received by up to 80% at level 10. The Remnant 2 Handler archetype certainly has one of the best unique traits out there, given that it decreases friendly fire damage. If you’re mostly playing solo, then this wouldn’t matter. However, co-op runs can get very messy, especially since teammates can start panicking and firing all over the place during hectic moments.
Do note that unique traits gain boosts as you level up the class. At level 10, it can be selected even if you “unequip” the Handler and replace it with something else. However, you do need to reallocate trait points or re-equip the Handler class if you want to have its effects once more.
Related: The Best Solo Classes in Remnant 2, Ranked
Handler Skills
The Handler archetype skills involve the dog companion. There are different effects depending on how you’d press the skill button:
- Basic effect — This is the default effect that’s always active if the skill is selected.
- Single press (move) — The dog will engage enemies in the targeted location.
- Double press (guard) — The dog will return to you and stay by your side.
- Hold (special) — Holding down the skill button causes the dog to howl, granting a special boost depending on the skill.
Guard Dog
- Unlock: Available by default.
- Basic: The dog has +15% increased threat/aggro; reduces Handler’s damage taken by 20%
- Special: The dog gains even more threat/aggro; reduces all damage taken for all allies within 20 meters by 15%; lasts 20 seconds.
Support Dog
- Unlock: Available at level 5.
- Basic: Continuously heals all allies within 3.5 meters for 0.25% max HP per second.
- Special: Heals 2% of max HP per second; adds +25% movement speed; lasts 25 seconds.
Attack Dog
- Unlock: Available at level 10.
- Basic: The dog companion deals +20% more damage.
- Special: +20% damage for all allies within 20 meters; lasts 20 seconds.
Given the above, you’ll realize that the Handler’s pet has many options, whether you’d use one particular skill or another, as well as the Howl special buff. Personally, I prefer the Support Dog skill for the extra healing, though the Guard Dog skill is also valuable for distracting enemies.
Handler Prime Perk
Prime Perk: Bonded — When the Handler is downed, the dog companion will attempt to revive them at 50% max HP. This can also be used to revive allies on command. Players must have a Relic charge for this action to work. Lastly, there’s an internal cooldown of 90 seconds.
There’s no denying that the Handler might have the best Prime Perk in Remnant 2. With it, you can ensure a free revive even if you’re downed, doing the same for your allies if they need the help, too. I can’t count the number of times this saved me from having to respawn at a checkpoint or redo a boss fight.
Moreover, don’t forget that each class’ Prime Perk can only remain active if it’s your main archetype (i.e., the one to the left of the panel when you “equip” a class).
General Perks
The Remnant 2 Handler archetype has several perks that are upgraded automatically as you level up. These boosts will remain active whether it’s your main class (i.e., left-hand side of the panel) or secondary class (i.e., right-hand side).
Damage Perk: Pack Hunter
- Default: +3% ranged and skill damage while the companion is active and within 25 meters of the player.
- Upgraded: +30% ranged and skill damage, and +5% crit chance, while the companion is active and within 25 meters of the player.
Team Perk: Spirit of the Wolf
- Default: +10% movement speed for you and your allies within 10 meters.
- Upgraded: Reduces the stamina cost of all actions for allies by 15%.
Utility Perk: Teamwork
- Default: The Handler and dog companion gain +15% increased revive speed.
- Upgraded: +30% increased revive speed; take 50% less damage while reviving someone.
Relic Perk: Best Friend
- Default: Using a Relic fully restores your pet’s health.
- Upgraded: Using a Relic also gives your pet +25% damage and +35% damage resistance for 15 seconds.
That’s all you need to know about the Handler archetype class in Remnant 2. This option is especially viable for both solo and co-op play, and it meshes well with the Medic, Summoner, and Alchemist. For more tips and strategies, you can visit our Remnant 2 guides hub.
