Hand of Necromancy 2 serves as a nostalgic nod to vintage shooters by fusing speedy gameplay with modern features. As the title indicates, players assume the role of a necromancer, which introduces a rich dark fantasy atmosphere. This is showcased through the game’s distinct weaponry and adversaries.
Choosing between the two available characters plays a crucial role, as there’s an abundance of spells and weapons awaiting discovery. Additionally, the character’s transformation abilities open up a variety of strategies. The game comprises three chapters, each filled with various levels and formidable foes. If you’re looking for some guidance to help you navigate this ominous journey, here are some beginner tips.
Discovering Secrets Is Key
Upon collecting all the keys in a level, you will encounter the red exit portal. However, rushing to exit might not be your best strategy. By pressing the map button, you can see the number of secrets you’ve uncovered, with discovered areas marked in purple.
Staying alert and seeking out hidden secrets throughout each level is incredibly rewarding since they offer valuable weapons and consumables. Secrets can often be tucked away in unexpected spots, so be sure to inspect the walls closely—some may conceal hidden pathways.
It’s also wise to interact with various buttons in the environment, as they can lead to uncovering additional secrets. Even if you complete a stage, the consumables and weapons you find will carry over into later levels, adding significant value to your exploration.
Break Everything You Can
As you battle through levels populated with numerous enemies, your focus might be on combat. During these skirmishes, you may find yourself in need of healing but without health potions on hand. In such instances, breaking the surrounding destructible objects can yield potions.
Make it a habit to shoot at or destroy breakable items like vases and armor stands; you never know what lifesaving items may be hiding within. Be cautious, though—not to waste precious ammunition on these objects.
Instead, take advantage of your Morph abilities to transform and shatter breakables. Since these forms don’t require weapons or ammo, you can conserve your resources while still gaining access to hidden treasures.
Use The Hand of Necromancy Wisely
The Hand of Necromancy, the game’s namesake, is one of its most vital tools. It enables you to resurrect fallen adversaries. However, it’s best to reserve its use for formidable foes rather than weaker enemies. Bringing back powerful foes like demons and golems can tilt the battle in your favor.
It’s also advantageous to revive flying enemies as they can help you tackle foes that are difficult to reach otherwise. Keep in mind, you can only carry a maximum of ten resurrected enemies at once. If you’re at capacity, consider using some so you can collect more from the battlefield, increasing your lineup while minimizing wastage.
Another aspect to keep track of is how you defeat your enemies. Those vanquished with ice attacks will shatter into pieces, making resurrection impossible. Therefore, knowing your weapons and their effects is essential.
Choose Weapons Wisely
The game is filled with a diverse range of enemies, and not all weapons will be equally effective against them. It’s important to select the most suitable weapon for each encounter. For example, Undead Knights pose a threat, especially when they raise their shields to deflect projectiles.
If you possess a Wind Sphere, it’s an excellent choice, as it doesn’t count as a projectile and can effectively take down Undead Knights. However, remember that some powerful weapons come with limited ammunition, so don’t squander them on weaker enemies.
Character Choice Matters
Choosing your character isn’t just about aesthetics; each has distinct playstyles and abilities. The primary difference lies in their weapons and how they utilize them. While both Acheron and Phaedra can wield weapons with elemental properties, their mechanics vary significantly.
For instance, Phaedra starts with a Magical Dagger, which heals her slightly when she uses its secondary attack on foes. This makes it a strategic advantage to focus on weaker enemies to maximize its healing properties. Conversely, Acheron begins with a Magical Sword, capable of deflecting projectiles, which changes the dynamics of combat.
Utilize Morphs
One of the game’s most powerful features is its morphing abilities, allowing you to transform into different animals or creatures. These transformations provide distinct attack styles and special skills. Although Acheron and Phaedra morph into different creatures with unique attacks, they generally serve similar roles.
For instance, Acheron can transform into a Swamp Serpent to navigate tight spaces, while Phaedra can morph into a Spider. However, their abilities differ greatly: Phaedra’s Spider can spawn smaller spiders with a unique attack, while Acheron’s form affords him the ability to breathe underwater indefinitely.
Morphs also provide tactical benefits. For example, transforming into a Stone Breaker or Wolf Ogre can reduce damage taken by 30 percent, which can significantly impact your survivability during challenging encounters. Knowing when and how to use these transformations is crucial for gaining an advantage in fights.
Save Your Game Often
As some levels can be quite intricate and lengthy, filled with challenges like collecting keys or battling numerous enemies, it’s wise to save your game frequently. Unexpected deaths can necessitate restarting an entire level, which can be frustrating.
To avoid major setbacks, make a point to save your progress after accomplishing crucial tasks or defeating waves of adversaries. This tactic will ensure that you don’t have to redo everything if you happen to perish.
Don’t Waste Items
The game features a range of consumable items. While some are valuable for daily use, others should be conserved for tougher enemies or situations. For example, the Torch offers temporary light in dark areas filled with foes, while the Ghost Head grants brief invisibility, allowing you to avoid attacks.
Since items carry over to later levels, save your strongest ones for the biggest battles. Strategically combining items like the Ghost Head with the Berserker Hand can enable you to dispatch even the toughest enemies quickly without incurring damage.
With these strategies at your disposal, you’re well-equipped to dive into the dark and thrilling world of Hand of Necromancy 2.
