No Return is an enticing new roguelike mode introduced in The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered. This mode presents players with the engaging challenge of navigating through various demanding encounters, ultimately leading to a final boss showdown, all whilst being constrained by the restriction of just having a single life.
The high-stakes nature of No Return means that once your character dies, the entire run is over, which means you have to start everything fresh and you can keep any items from your previous attempt. Given the significant consequences of this mode, understanding the optimal weapons and upgrades to prioritise becomes extremely important for enhancing your chances of survival in each run. So, without further adieu, here are some of the best weapons as well as upgrades in the No Return game mode.
Any Maxed Out Weapon
In No Return, a critical strategy to adopt is to try and get your hands on any fully-kitted weapon, whether it is from the Trading Post or as a reward from a Dead Drop. Incorporating these weapons into your arsenal is crucial, as they possess the potential to significantly ease the challenges of your run when employed strategically against specific enemies at the perfect moments. Cherishing and effectively utilising fully-kitted weapons can be a game-changer in navigating the difficulties presented in No Return.
The Double Barrel Shotgun
The Double Barrel Shotgun can be found quite often in the Trading Post, representing a straightforward yet highly efficient weapon to have in your arsenal. Its notable attribute is the high burst damage it provides, making it extremely useful when faced with overwhelming situations. This weapon excels in dealing with formidable enemies such as Bloaters and Seraphite brutes.
Then when you’re considering upgrades for the Double Barrel Shotgun, prioritising Damage should be your main choice as this additional power can be especially impactful, particularly when confronting bosses. However, in the early stages where the extra damage might not significantly affect standard enemies, you may want to prioritise Reload Speed instead as the initial upgrade. This choice enhances the overall performance of the Double Barrel Shotgun, ensuring a more versatile and effective tool in your fight for survival.
The Bow
The Bow stands out in this list as the ultimate weapon choice for players who enjoy taking a more stealthy approach to the game as it offers a completely silent means to eliminate enemies. While it may be somewhat less common in the Trading Post compared to other weapons, its unique attributes make it a valuable addition. Additionally, the ability to craft explosive arrows enhances its effectiveness, especially when dealing with elite enemies and bosses. It’s essential to note that the Bow is less suitable for close-quarters combat, meaning you’ll have to take careful consideration of your surroundings.
When it comes to upgrades, you’ll definitely want to prioritise Draw Speed, as this is unquestionably the best choice for the Bow. This enhancement allows for quicker arrow release, crucial in scenarios where swift actions are crucial for survival. Once Draw Speed is optimised, you’ll want to then focus on upgrading its Stability. This secondary upgrade contributes to making shot alignment more manageable, ensuring that the Bow remains a versatile and efficient tool for the more refined players.
Hunting Pistol
The Hunting Pistol stands out as a formidable and immensely powerful sidearm capable of swiftly dispatching elite enemies and inflicting massive damage on bosses. Its relatively frequent appearance in the Trading Post makes it a valuable addition to your arsenal, and passing up an opportunity to wield it would be a missed advantage. However, it’s crucial to note that the Hunting Pistol loads only a single shot at a time, emphasising the need for precise aim and maintaining distance from enemies in order to avoid any sort of unfavourable situations.
Optimising the Hunting Pistol with upgrades enhances its already substantial capabilities. Prioritising Damage as the primary upgrade is a smart and strategic choice, ensuring that each shot maximally chips away at the enemy’s health, making it an even more potent weapon. Following this, directing upgrades towards Stability becomes essential, aiding in the alignment of shots and enhancing overall accuracy. This upgrade path transforms the Hunting Pistol into a reliable and powerful tool, ideal for those seeking high damage output and precision in their encounters.
Bolt-Action Rifle
The Bolt-Action Rifle stands out from the other weapons as a high-damage weapon renowned for its exceptional accuracy, making it an effortless choice for eliminating enemies from a considerable distance. Its frequent availability in the Trading Post adds to its appeal, presenting players with a reliable and powerful option. While its effectiveness diminishes in close-quarters combat, skillful marksmanship can prevent enemies from closing in, showcasing its potential in skilled hands.
Enhancing the Bolt-Action Rifle through strategic upgrades can significantly elevate its performance. Prioritising Stability as the primary upgrade ensures effortless alignment for long-range shots, capitalising on the rifle’s precision. Since the primary objective often involves securing one-shot-kill headshots, Damage becomes a secondary consideration, slated for the second upgrade. It’s imperative to have the Damage upgrade in place before engaging in boss battles, where its impact can be maximised. This upgrade trajectory transforms the Bolt-Action Rifle into a formidable asset, ideal for players seeking heightened accuracy and potent long-range capabilities.
Final Words
In the unforgiving landscape of The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered’s No Return mode, the right weapons and upgrades can be the key to survival. Whether relying on fully-kitted weapons for versatility, utilising the Double Barrel Shotgun’s burst damage, adopting a stealthy approach with the Bow, harnessing the raw power of the Hunting Pistol, or embracing long-range precision with the Bolt-Action Rifle, strategic choices are extremely important. As you navigate the challenges of No Return, the weapon choices that you make should be a reflection of your adaptability and strategic skill in this relentless adventure.
