Remnant 2follows the same pattern as all Souls games, where the game provides minimal explanations and barely covers the basics. This approach encourages everyone to explore and discover things on their own, which can be a positive aspect. However, it can also lead to confusion, as you may not know how to obtain a particular weapon, figure out your next destination, or understand certain stats or buffs.
One example that demonstrates this is the Bulwark buff, especially if you select the Challenger Archetype as your starting class. The game doesn’t offer any explanation of what the Bulwark does, so we’ve broken down everything you need to know here.
Updated on July 03, 2025, by Mohamed El Ouardighi: With the release of two DLCs for Remnant 2, the Awakened King and the Forgotten Kingdom, numerous new equipment additions were introduced, including those that grant the Bulwark effect. We’ve revised this guide to incorporate these new items.
What Does The Bulwark Buff Do?
TheBulwarkis a beneficial buff that grants your character astackable reduction in damage.When acquired, the base Bulwark provides afive percent damage reduction, and it can bestacked up to five times, resulting in a25 percent Damage Reduction total.
To check if your character has the Bulwark buff active, access the Character Menu and look for awhite shield icon located in the top left cornerof the screen. Below is a picture for reference.
This buff is highly advantageous given the challenging aspects of the game, especially during boss fights. Additionally, it isparticularly effective for Tank builds, as they typically engage enemies head-on, drawing their attention away from teammates and facilitating their elimination.
How To Get The Bulwark Buff In Remnant 2
Archetypes That Grant Bulwark
Playing as the Challenger Archetypeoffers the easiest method. Within this class’s skills and perks, there aretwo optionsthat grant you the Bulwark Buff:
Items That Grant Bulwark
There are other items that can also grant you the Bulwark buff. Below is a table listing all the equipment that grants it.
Location
Blessed Ring
Gain 2 stacks of Bulwark after receiving the benefit from a Relic. Lasts 15 seconds.
Can be randomly found in Cass’s shop.
Fae Bruiser Ring
Gain 2 stacks of Bulwark when dealing Melee Damage. Lasts 7 seconds.
Can be found at the Nameless Nest in Yaesha.
Hardcore Metal Band
Gain 1 stack of Bulwark when taking damage. Maximum 5 stacks.
Can be randomly found in N’Erud.
Mechanic’s Cog
Gain 1 stack of Bulwark, and 15 percent Movement Speed, when carrying an Engineer Heavy Weapon.
Rusted Heirloom
Gain 2 stacks of Bulwark when HP is below 50 percent.
Can be crafted at Bloodmoon Altar in Yaesha.
Thalos Eyelet
Provides 1 stack of Bulwark and boosts Stamina Regeneration by 2 per second for each Bulwarkstack.
The Forgotten Kingdom DLC
Constrained Heart Relic
Upon using this relic, it restores 20 Health per second for 5 seconds and bestows 2 Stacks of Bulwark while the healing effect is active.
Can be bought from Cass at Ward 13 after defeating 12 world bosses.
Whispering Marble
Provides 3 stacks of Bulwark and enhances All Damage by 2 percent for each stack of Bulwark.
Can be randomly found in Losomn.
Dried Clay Ring
Grant 1 stack of Bulwark and increase all Damage by 50 percent of the total Damage Reduction provided by Bulwark stacks.
