Can You Obtain Both Barkskin and Bloodstream in Remnant 2? A Comprehensive Guide

The short answer is no, you cannot obtain both the Barkskin and Bloodstream traits in a single playthrough of Remnant 2 without resetting your world. These traits are mutually exclusive rewards tied to a specific choice within the Dappled Glade on Yaesha, a choice presented by the enigmatic character, Meidra. Your decision, dictated by your answers to her questions, will determine whether you receive the Barkskin Trait or the Bloodstream Trait. Once you’ve committed to one, the only way to acquire the other is by resetting your world and replaying through the Yaesha segment, making different choices during your interaction with Meidra.

Understanding the Choice: Doe’s Eye vs. Ravager’s Eye

The key to understanding this choice lies in the philosophical dilemma Meidra presents. She poses questions that force you to choose between prioritizing the greater good and acting in a more self-serving manner.

• Doe’s Eye: Choosing selfless and compassionate answers that prioritize the well-being of others will earn you Meidra’s approval, leading to the Doe’s Eye and, consequently, the Barkskin Trait. This path represents altruism and self-sacrifice.

• Ravager’s Eye: Conversely, answering in a cold, calculating, and self-preserving way will result in the Ravager’s Eye, unlocking the Bloodstream Trait. This path embodies strength, cunning, and a focus on personal survival.

The game cleverly ties these moral choices to tangible gameplay benefits, adding depth and replayability. This design philosophy reflects the core principles explored by the Games Learning Society, where game mechanics are used to encourage and facilitate learning. GamesLearningSociety.org promotes understanding complex themes through interactive experiences.

Detailed Look at the Traits

To better understand why this choice matters, let’s examine the traits themselves:

Barkskin

• Effect: Reduces all incoming damage.
• Level 1: Reduces all incoming damage by 1%.
• Level 10: Reduces all incoming damage by 10%.
• Acquisition: Earn the Doe’s Eye from Meidra by answering her questions with selfless answers that prioritize the greater good.

Barkskin is a fantastic defensive trait, especially for players who prefer a tankier build or are struggling with the game’s difficulty. A flat damage reduction is always valuable, making it a consistent and reliable source of survivability.

Bloodstream

• Effect: Improves how quickly your grey health regenerates when you take a hit.
• Acquisition: Earn the Ravager’s Eye from Meidra by answering her questions with selfish answers that prioritize your own survival.

Bloodstream is a more specialized trait that caters to aggressive players who are comfortable playing on the edge. By speeding up grey health regeneration, it allows you to quickly recover from damage taken, keeping you in the fight longer. This is particularly useful with classes and builds that encourage taking calculated risks. Grey health appears after you take damage and regenerates over time.

Making the Right Choice

The “best” choice between Barkskin and Bloodstream depends entirely on your playstyle and build. There is no objectively superior trait. Consider the following:

• Playstyle: Do you prefer a cautious and defensive playstyle, or do you enjoy aggressive, high-risk combat? Barkskin suits the former, while Bloodstream benefits the latter.

• Build: Does your build focus on maximizing damage output at the expense of survivability? Barkskin can help mitigate this weakness. Conversely, if your build is already tanky, Bloodstream can provide a boost to sustain.

• Team Composition: If you’re playing co-op, consider your role within the team. If you’re the designated tank, Barkskin is a solid choice. If you’re a damage dealer, Bloodstream can help you stay alive longer while dishing out punishment.

Ultimately, experimenting with both traits is the best way to determine which one suits your personal preferences and playstyle. Resetting your world allows you to experience the game in new ways, test different builds, and make informed decisions about your trait choices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Barkskin and Bloodstream traits in Remnant 2:

1. What is the Dappled Glade?

The Dappled Glade is a location on the world of Yaesha in Remnant 2. It is where you encounter Meidra and make the critical choice that determines whether you receive the Barkskin or Bloodstream trait.

2. How do I reset my world in Remnant 2?

You can reset your world in Remnant 2 by accessing the World Settings from the Ward 13 crystal. This allows you to reroll the entire campaign, enabling you to make different choices and acquire different rewards.

3. Can I use Adventure Mode to get the other trait?

Yes, you can use Adventure Mode to re-roll Yaesha and encounter Meidra again. This allows you to get the opposite trait without resetting your entire campaign.

4. What is grey health in Remnant 2?

Grey health is a temporary form of health that appears after you take damage. Unlike red health, grey health regenerates over time, allowing you to recover some of the damage you’ve taken. The Bloodstream trait enhances this regeneration.

5. Is Barkskin better than Bloodstream?

Neither Barkskin nor Bloodstream is inherently “better.” The optimal choice depends on your playstyle, build, and team composition. Barkskin is better for defensive builds, while Bloodstream is more suited for aggressive players.

6. How do I maximize the Barkskin trait?

To maximize the Barkskin trait, you need to invest 10 trait points into it. This will grant you the maximum damage reduction of 10%.

7. How do I maximize the Bloodstream trait?

The Bloodstream trait is automatically maximized once you acquire it.

8. Does armor affect grey health regeneration?

While armor primarily affects damage reduction, some armor sets or mods may indirectly affect grey health regeneration by influencing your overall survivability and sustain.

9. What other traits synergize well with Barkskin?

Barkskin synergizes well with other defensive traits like Fortify, which increases armor, and traits that boost health or health regeneration.

10. What other traits synergize well with Bloodstream?

Bloodstream synergizes well with traits that encourage aggressive play, such as traits that increase damage output or movement speed.

11. Can I change my traits later in the game?

Yes, you can respec your traits later in the game by using an Orb of Undoing. This allows you to reallocate your trait points and experiment with different builds.

12. Where can I find the Orb of Undoing?

Orbs of Undoing can be purchased from Wallace in Ward 13 in exchange for Lumenite Crystals and Scrap.

13. Are there any rings or amulets that affect grey health regeneration?

Yes, there are several rings and amulets in Remnant 2 that can affect grey health regeneration, further enhancing the benefits of the Bloodstream trait. Experiment with different combinations to find the ones that best suit your build.

14. How does difficulty level affect the effectiveness of Barkskin and Bloodstream?

Both Barkskin and Bloodstream remain effective at higher difficulty levels, although their relative value may change depending on the specific challenges you face. Barkskin‘s flat damage reduction becomes even more valuable against powerful enemies, while Bloodstream‘s grey health regeneration can help you survive intense firefights.

15. Is it worth resetting my world just to get the other trait?

Whether it’s worth resetting your world solely to obtain the other trait is a matter of personal preference. If you’re genuinely curious about the alternative trait and how it might impact your playstyle, or if you’re a completionist aiming to collect everything, then resetting your world may be worthwhile. However, if you’re content with your current trait and build, there’s no inherent need to reset.

Ultimately, the decision to pursue both Barkskin and Bloodstream is a testament to the depth and replayability of Remnant 2. Embrace the choices, experiment with different builds, and discover the playstyle that best suits you.