By gamingepicenter.com 
Welcome to the ultimate guide for conquering No Return, the roguelike mode in The Last of Us Part II Remastered. This mode introduces a thrilling twist to the beloved game, challenging players with a series of randomized encounters and ruthless survival scenarios. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just stepping into the chaos, understanding the intricacies of No Return is crucial for emerging victorious.
In this guide, we’ll explore top strategies and essential tips to help you navigate the mode’s unique challenges, optimize your gameplay, and make the most of every encounter. Prepare to sharpen your skills, strategize your approach, and dominate the ruthless world of No Return. Read more such articles on Gamingepicenter.com
The Last of Us Part II’s brutal world returns in a whole new way with the No Return mode for the remastered PS5 version. This roguelike experience throws you into a series of randomized encounters, testing your combat skills and strategic thinking like never before. But fear not, fellow survivors. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and tactics you need to conquer No Return.
Here are the top tips to help you master this mode:
Before You Begin: Difficulty and Character Choice
No Return isn’t shy about its story spoilers, so make sure you’ve finished the main campaign before diving in. When it comes to difficulty, the choice is yours! If you’re a seasoned gamer chasing high scores and bragging rights, pick a higher difficulty. However, if your main goal is unlocking characters and snazzy skins, consider a lower difficulty setting. Here’s a pro tip: focus on unlocking all the characters before chasing those high scores. Each character brings a unique playstyle to the table, and having that variety will be invaluable later.
Building Your Badass: Upgrades and Strategies
No Return is all about resource management. Resist the urge to spend everything early on! Collect rewards diligently and save those precious resources for later stages. Here’s how to prioritize your spending:
Skills over Hardware: Invest your supplements wisely in your character’s skill trees. These skills will give you a long-term edge. Weapon parts, on the other hand, are best saved for purchasing top-tier weapons later.
Trading Post Prowess: Don’t blow all your currency at the Trading Post right away. Save up for those truly valuable items that can make a big difference in your run.
Crafting Your Success: Builds, Modes, and Rewards
Now it’s time to personalize your approach! The shop offers a variety of items, but don’t be afraid to re-roll the selection. This lets you find gear that complements your chosen build, whether it’s stealthy, aggressive, or a mix of both.
Think about your character’s strengths and the objectives of your run when building. For instance, Abby thrives with a close-quarters combat build, while Lev excels at silent takedowns with his bow.
Modes and Rewards: Picking Your Battles Wisely
No Return offers different encounter types, each with its own challenges. While Assault mode throws waves of enemies your way, Hunted throws you into a relentless fight for survival. Here’s a tip: avoid Hunted mode for now, especially when you’re new. It’s brutal!
Rewards in No Return are tempting, but choose them carefully. They often influence which skills you can unlock. This ties back to building your character – consider how a reward aligns with your desired playstyle.
Essential Tips for Efficient Gameplay
Every second counts in No Return, so here are some ways to streamline your gameplay:
Turn on Auto-Pickup: This handy accessibility setting gathers resources automatically, saving you precious time. No more fumbling around to pick up that ammo!
Gather Smart: Between waves or during downtime, prioritize collecting resources for crafting and future use. Medkits and trap materials are essential for staying alive.
Weapon Selection: Don’t waste resources buying every single weapon. Focus on essentials like a reliable bow for stealthy takedowns and a shotgun for close encounters.
Gambits and Dead Drops: Your Allies in the Arena
No Return throws a few curveballs your way in the form of Gambits and Dead Drops. Don’t ignore them!
Gambits: These are optional challenges during encounters that offer small rewards. While completing them is good, don’t stress over failure. Focus on survival first.
Dead Drops: These are crucial, especially early in the game. You can exchange crafted items for weapons and recipes at a Dead Drop, giving your combat options a significant boost.
A Cast of Survivors: Exploring Character Options
No Return offers a variety of playable characters, each with unique strengths:
Mel: This fan favorite packs a punch with a shotgun and has a permanent companion, Lev, by her side, making her a reliable choice for beginners.
Lev: A master of stealth, Lev utilizes his bow to take down enemies silently and navigate challenges with agility.
Manny: This resourceful character excels at crafting ammunition, perfect for players who favor an aggressive playstyle and relentless firepower.
Remember: There’s no single “best” character. Success hinges on understanding each character’s strengths and utilizing them effectively. So, grab your weapon of choice, strategize your build, and get ready to dominate No Return’s brutal challenges!
By following these tips and honing your skills, you’ll be well on your way to dominating No Return’s unforgiving challenges. So, grab your weapons, strategize your approach, and prepare to leave a trail of infected corpses in your wake
Top Tips for Mastering No Return in The Last of Us II Remastered's Roguelike Mode Final Thoughts
Embarking on the No Return mode in The Last of Us Part II Remastered is no small feat. This roguelike experience pushes your survival skills and strategic thinking to their limits. By carefully selecting your difficulty, strategically investing your resources, and mastering character-specific builds, you’ll enhance your chances of overcoming the mode’s relentless challenges.
Remember, patience and preparation are your best allies. Embrace the unpredictability of No Return by adapting your strategies to the unique challenges each encounter presents. Make the most of auto-pickup features, choose your rewards wisely, and use Gambits and Dead Drops to your advantage. Each decision can impact your success or failure, so stay vigilant and agile.
With the right approach, you’ll not only conquer the trials of No Return but also gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate design and depth of The Last of Us Part II Remastered. So gear up, refine your tactics, and dive into this intense mode with confidence. The path to mastery is fraught with danger, but with these tips, you’re well-equipped to thrive amidst the chaos. Happy hunting, and may your journey through No Return be both thrilling and victorious
Top Tips for Mastering No Return in The Last of Us II Remastered's Roguelike Mode FAQs
Do I need to beat the main story of The Last of Us Part II before playing No Return?
Yes, No Return contains spoilers for the main story. It’s best to finish the campaign before diving into this roguelike mode.
What difficulty should I choose?
This depends on your goals. If you’re aiming for high scores and bragging rights, pick a higher difficulty. For unlocking characters and cosmetics, a lower difficulty is a good starting point. Focus on unlocking all characters first – their diverse playstyles will prove invaluable later.
Should I spend all my resources right away?
Absolutely not. No Return is about managing resources wisely. Save your rewards and materials for later stages. Invest in your skill trees first, then use weapon parts for high-tier weapons as needed.
What are Gambits and Dead Drops, and how do I use them?
Gambits: Optional challenges within encounters that offer small rewards. Focus on survival, completing these is a bonus, not a necessity.
Dead Drops: Vital for acquiring weapons and recipes early on. Offer crafted items to receive valuable tools for your journey.
Which character should I play as?
There’s no single “best” character. Each has unique strengths:
Mel: Reliable for beginners with a powerful shotgun and a permanent companion, Lev.
Lev: Master of stealth, using his bow for silent takedowns and swift movement.
Manny: Perfect for aggressive players, excelling at crafting ammunition for relentless combat.