Ghostrunner 2: How does stamina work

Ghostrunner 2 is a game about pushing forward through obstacles, regardless of difficulty and brutality. The action parkour title will not shy from throwing many tough foes at the player, which can often feel overwhelming. Those up for the challenge have many ways to deal with them, thanks to more fleshed-out gameplay mechanics over the predecessor.

This includes a brand-new stamina system, which governs core movement and action fundamentals in the game. Here is everything players need to know about the stamina mechanic in Ghostrunner 2.

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Ghostrunner 2 stamina mechanics explained

Many levels are massive and will see players dodge, block, and dash throughout - all of which rely on stamina (Screenshot via Ghostrunner 2)

Stamina is a brand new mechanic in the sequel to 2020's original Ghostrunner. It is indicated by a blue gauge beneath the aim reticle. As players would expect, it is used to perform various combat and movement-oriented actions.

These range from evading enemy attacks using the dash mechanic to blocking incoming projectiles. To top it all off, player-character Jack, just like his opponents, only boasts a single hit-point for his health. This means death is inevitable if a single attack hits the player, meaning they must restart from the checkpoint.

Whenever players perform an action that consumes stamina, the gauge will drain depending on the severity of the hit. For instance, some Upgrades in Ghostrunner 2 allow blocking strikes from brute-class foes. The downside is that this can drain a big chunk of the stamina bar. The Sensory Boost mechanic that slows down time also drains stamina.

If it becomes empty, then players will be left unable to block or dash. In other words, they are a sitting duck and quite vulnerable to the next nasty strike from a foe. This is why stamina management is important in the game. That said, using the wingsuit does not drain any stamina, which is ideal as it's a shared resource for combat and platforming.

At the end of the day, players must ensure not to empty the gauge by preemptively dodging or blocking. All enemies offer audio or visual cues before they fire an attack, so it's important to learn their patterns. Furthermore, Ghostrunner 2 offers opportunities to enhance stamina management via various Upgrades.

So those who want to go all out on a build around stamina and movement can freely do so.

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Ghostrunner 2 is set to be released on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC platforms on October 26, 2023. The game is currently up for pre-order in three different editions. One of these, the Brutal Edition, grants 48-hour early access so players can dive in early.

Check out our review to learn more about the game and if it really is worth buying in the first place.