SteamWorld Heist 2 switches perspectives from a space exploration game about pirates to the more classic high-seas adventure version of pirates. Said pirates are still robots though, as are all characters in the game. They run on water and their supply is running out, so several expeditions to find a new resource have begun.
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That’s where Captain Leeway and his crew come along with their trusty ship; or more like sub. Together, they will take on missions to unlock the mysteries behind the recent water shortages in SteamWorld Heist 2. With the basic story setup of this latest pirate adventure out of the way, here are some tip to start players off on the right robotic foot with the gameplay of SteamWorld Heist 2.
6 Adjust The Difficulty Any Time
Don’t Be Afraid To Lose Or Experiment
There are five main difficulty modes in the game: Story, Moderate, Experienced, Veteran, and Elite. The nice thing about SteamWorld Heist 2 is that there is a customizable difficulty option too, so that players can be finicky with their preferred level of challenge. They can make naval battles more difficult but lower the tactical brutality of combat, or vice versa.
It’s more than a lot of games offer their players, so SteamWorld Heist 2 definitely deserves some kudos. Players should not be afraid to experiment, because they can change the difficulty before a mission anytime they want. Also, most missions are replayable, so if they want, players can start on something easy and then try something hard. That’s the best piece of advice to give along with not being afraid to die, as there are no penalties for defeat, unlike dying in an RPG like Dark Souls.
5 How Leveling Up And Skills Work
Using Cogs To Maximize Classes
Classes play a big part in the game, as they do in many tactical RPGs, like Final Fantasy Tactics. There are six classes players can begin with: Brawler, Boomer, Engineer, Flanker, Reaper, and Sniper. Daisy is one of the starting Snipers, while Wesley, another starter, is a Reaper who uses a submachine gun. If those two characters swap weapons, they will also swap classes, allowing for loads of customization. Leveling up a class will automatically unlock new abilities.
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One of Daisy’s early abilities is called Reticle Eyes, which can help with aiming. If she becomes a Reaper like Wesley, she can use materials called Cogs to multi-class abilities between the two classes. This works with all classes, so players must diversify their party with mixed-class abilities. The Sniper’s Reticle Eyes, for example, can help every character aim better during combat.
4 Spend Water Wisely
From Characters To Items, There’s A Lot To Buy
For those that have never played a SteamWorld game before, all robots run on Water, hence the "steamy" name. Water is the currency that drives everything, and there are several ways to get it. Destroying ships while sailing around the world can sometimes leave behind Water, missions will hand out Water, and players can also sell items to get Water.
The best thing to immediately buy with Water is party members. At the bar hub, players can find Sola the Engineer and Judy the Boomer. Getting their classes unlocked is key, as previously mentioned. Then there are Fragments, shining pink crystals that can unlock various upgrades for characters or the sub, so if those ever turn up in shops, grab them right away. Finally, buying rare Utility Items would be a good idea too, like Boots for extra travel or any sort of medical kit. Most importantly, avoid weapon and hat purchases, as they are almost never worth the cost.
3 Making The Most Of Rewards
From Bounties To Mission Bonuses
Eventually, players will unlock Bounties in the opening few stages. Completing missions will reward players with Green Tokens that can be spent at the end of the day. Unlike most tactical RPGs, heroes have exhaustion levels in SteamWorld Heist 2. When a character is used in a mission, they cannot be used again until players rest at a bar.
Bounties must be spent on rewards, or else unused tokens will become Water, which is still something, but not exactly ideal. Players need to be strategic about how they spend each day to maximize the potential of Bounties. Why play two missions with only five total Tokens as the reward when two other missions will dish out ten? Be aware of rewards and try to maximize them wherever possible.
2 Explore The Map And Bars With Peeled Eyes
Be Aware Of Your Surroundings By Using The Analog Stick
One interesting thing about SteamWorld Heist 2 is the hero, Captain Leeway, who is not initially a playable character. He commands the crew from behind the scenes on missions, but players do control him while exploring harbors, with limited mobility. He can’t jump, even though it feels like he should from the 2D perspective.
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Players can do more than walk with Captain Leeway though, as the right analog stick can control the camera to reveal secrets. It’s a great way to scope out a bar, for example, or to find hidden rooms or NPCs without having to run around manually. This can be used during missions too. It’s a mechanic taught at the beginning of the game, but it may fall flat initially even though its importance cannot be understated.
1 Battle Tips
Making The Most Of Your Limited Party
There are too many battle tips to go over here, but these are a few starters to help kill enemies quickly. Cover, of course, is a player's best friend in this tactical game. Enemies will be inclined to destroy cover, and will often clump together, especially if only one hero enters a room.
Players can use this grouping instinct to their advantage by using a bazooka or tossing a grenade. Chances are, players can finish an entire troop in one well-timed blast. Also, be on the lookout for hanging things which can be triggered with a shot to drop onto enemies. Again, players should be aware of their surroundings to use any sort of environmental advantage that they can find.
SteamWorld Heist II
- Released
- August 8, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Thunderful Development
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
