In Space Marine 2, managing and increasing your armor class is crucial for survival, especially when you’re dealing with waves of enemies in high-stakes combat scenarios. Armor class in this game not only protects your health but also provides a buffer that allows you to absorb more damage before your health starts to take a hit.
Each class has a different armor setup. Armor class is represented by bars, with most classes having three bars. These bars function like a shield that absorbs damage before your health is affected. Each class, from the Bulwark to the Assault, has unique ways to manage and restore armor, making understanding the nuances essential to gameplay.
Restoring Armor in Space Marine 2
To restore armor, you’ll need to focus on class abilities, perks, and teamwork. Different classes provide unique ways to replenish your armor, so choosing the right strategy depends on your role and the composition of your squad.
- Bulwark Class – Chapter Banner: The Bulwark is your go-to class for defense and team protection. One of the standout abilities of the Bulwark is the Chapter Banner. This ability allows you to plant a flag on the battlefield that emits a pulse, restoring armor to you and any nearby teammates. This makes the Bulwark not only resilient but also a fantastic support option, particularly when your team is overwhelmed by enemy forces. The Bulwark’s perks, like Armor Reinforcement, increase your durability by making it harder for enemies to deplete your armor.
- Heavy Class – Iron Halo: If you’re playing the Heavy class, the Iron Halo is your best bet for restoring and fortifying your armor. This ability significantly reduces incoming damage while active, keeping your armor intact for a longer duration. It’s an essential tool for surviving large-scale enemy attacks.
- Team Perks – Squad Support: Beyond individual abilities, there are team-based perks that help restore and maintain armor. For instance, some perks allow you to recharge your armor when performing certain actions, such as finishing off enemies or executing melee attacks. These perks can benefit the entire squad, especially in long, drawn-out battles.
- Vanguard Class – Grapnel Launcher: The Vanguard class has the Grapnel Launcher, which allows you to perform high-precision attacks while being highly mobile. Though not directly related to armor restoration, this class excels in frontline combat, which can help distract enemies and give other classes time to restore armor or provide defensive support.
Increasing Armor Durability and Effectiveness
In addition to restoring your armor, increasing its durability can make a huge difference in how long you can stay in the fight. Here are some effective strategies:
- Perks and Enhancements: Many classes have perks that enhance armor durability or offer temporary boosts. For example, the Tactical Class has perks like Auspex Scan, which improves your combat effectiveness and indirectly helps you avoid damage, thus preserving your armor for longer. Another perk, Conviction, allows you to take less health damage once your armor is depleted, giving you time to restore it.
- Weapon and Gear Synergy: Certain gear and weapons work well with your armor, making it more resilient. In some cases, using the right melee weapon (such as the Bulwark’s power sword or the Assault class’s thunder hammer) allows you to regain armor during combat, especially when paired with perks like Armor Reinforcement
- Strategic Use of Abilities: Timing is key when using abilities that restore or protect armor. For example, planting the Chapter Banner at the right moment when your team is about to be overwhelmed can mean the difference between survival and a wipeout. Similarly, using the Iron Halo in critical moments allows you to tank heavy hits while your team regroups
General Tips for Managing Armor
- Stay Close to Support Classes: Classes like the Bulwark offer valuable support by restoring armor. Staying within range of these abilities during intense fights can significantly boost your survivability.
- Utilize Cover: While armor can absorb a lot of damage, it’s important to use environmental cover to reduce the amount of damage you take. This preserves your armor for when you need it most.
- Play to Your Class’s Strengths: Each class has unique strengths in managing and restoring armor. For example, if you’re playing as a Bulwark, your role is to absorb damage and protect the team. If you’re a Heavy, focus on utilizing your Iron Halo to become an impenetrable force in the heat of battle
By understanding your class’s abilities, perks, and when to use them, you can maximize your armor’s effectiveness, allowing you to dominate in Space Marine 2.