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Fans of DC Comics who want to see their favorite characters duke it against each other in intense fighting game fashion might want to grab Injustice 2 for no-holds-barred combat. In the Injustice sequel, fans can once again play as Batman and his Insurgency or as Superman and his Regime for a fight to free or control the world. This time around, new characters such as Supergirl and Brainiac make things a little bit more complicated than fans expect.
Moreover, thanks to the game’s in-game credits, fans can slowly unlock its roster of almost 40 characters through careful planning and playing. However, for Injustice 2 fans, just how can they make sure they unlock all characters available in the game? Not only that but which iterations of certain characters are they using for the NetherRealm title?
Story Mode: Brainiac
Serving as one of the main antagonists in the Injustice 2 storyline, the alien genius Brainiac is unlocked once players finish the Story Mode with any ending. Compared to other characters in the game, Brainiac exudes an aura of overconfidence, relying on many ranged attacks and Injustice 2 super attacks to keep characters at bay.
This makes Brainiac a character that meets the fighting game stereotype of a boss fighter only unlockable after defeating the Story Mode for the first time. However, Brainiac is undoubtedly where the convention ends as the rest of the characters in the game are acquired through various means.
Pre-Order Bonus: Darkseid
During the game’s pre-release hype, Darkseid was touted as the Pre-Order Bonus character in the release of Injustice 2. This was a big deal at the time, considering this practically confirmed that Darkseid won’t be an active part of the Injustice 2 storyline, unlike his rival Superman with or without Injustice 2 Gear.
Not only that, this marks one of the very few times Darkseid could be a playable character in a DC Comics game. As one of the most frightening villains in the DC Universe, Darkseid possesses the feared Omega Beams, instant-disintegration lasers that are supposedly undodgeable - except perhaps to Batman, the only person known to dodge them.
Premier Skin Unlocks: New Skins, New Personalities
Unique to Injustice 2 gameplay is the Gear System, where players can customize the appearance of their heroes and villains through Injustice 2 Gear that changes not just visuals but the innate stats of fighters.
Theoretically, the right gear may allow players to drastically alter the playstyle of their characters. However, Premier Skins are perhaps unique to the game, unlocking new looks for characters and alternate versions of themselves. These play into DC Comics staple of multiple characters assuming the same superhero identity.
Grid (Cyborg)
When Cyborg realized that his new technology could keep constant watch on all superhumans on Earth, he established what’s called “the grid” as a passive network of cybernetic systems that can collect information without necessarily making him aware of them - avoiding privacy concerns. However, when the grid developed a neural network, it branched off into its own entity.
Now called Grid, this machine managed to steal a cybernetic body and turned to villainy to achieve one thing: emotions. GIven how the Grid had come from Cyborg, it makes sense for the Grid to be his Premier Skin. Players may also acquire Grid by linking their main Injustice 2 game with their Injustice 2 Mobile account.
Jay Garrick (The Flash)
The Flash’s existence in DC Comics was pivotal in the creation of its Multiverse, especially since the introduction of another Flash in “The Flash of Two Worlds” crossover pave the way to the transition from the Golden Age to the Silver Age of Comics.
In this crossover, the new Flash Barry Allen managed to visit an alternate Earth that contained another Flash, in the form of the original Flash Jay Garrick. GIven this history, it makes sense why Jay Garrick would serve as a Premier Skin for the Flash and as an Injustice 2 character. Aside from being earned as a random reward, players may purchase this skin with 6,000 Source Crystals.
John Stewart (Green Lantern)
While Hal Jordan served as one of the most popular Green Lanterns in DC Comics, he also served as the main Green Lantern in the Injustice storyline. However, it seems the succession and appointment of various Green Lanterns also exist in this multiverse, as John Stewart arrives Green Lantern’s Premier Skin. Serving as one of Hal Jordan’s successors, the rather uptight John Stewart adds a more “grounded” approach to a Lantern-bearer, as reflected with his visually-unique slate of attacks compared to the more fluid Hal. John also comes with Injustice 2: Ultimate Edition, or may be acquired through 6,000 Source Crystals.
Mr. Freeze (Captain Cold)
While the comedic Captain Cold served as the Flash’s main “villain” in the Injustice 2 storyline, Captain Cold isn’t undoubtedly the only one with ice powers in DC Comics. Batman has his ice user in the form of Mr. Freeze, whose sickness forces him to stay in a specially-made cryo-suit which he has transformed into an instrument of crime.
Compared to the humorous Captain Cold, Mr. Freeze is more methodical - adding an ice-cold layer of mercilessness to his attacks. Players can also acquire Mr. Freeze as a Random Reward or pay 6,000 Source Crystals.
Power Girl (Supergirl)
Compared to the somewhat confusing history of the original Supergirl (Kara Zor-El) in the comics, Power Girl has had a relatively straightforward origin story. Hailing from Earth-Two, Power Girl retains the exact history of being Superman (this time, Kal-L)’s cousin, but bearing the name Kara Zor-L. Due to various events, Power Girl will find herself stranded in Earth-One, having to coexist with that universe’ Superman and the other Supergirl.
This version of Supergirl in Injustice 2 gameplay is rougher and more merciless, reflecting Power Girl’s more mature self. Players can also get her through the Injustice 2 Digital Deluxe and Ultimate Editions, or through paying 6,000 Source Crystals. When used properly, Power Girl can easily become an overpowered Injustice 2 character.
Reverse Flash (The Flash)
While various versions of the Flash exist across the Multiverse, he always has a notorious villain that serves as his arch-nemesis. Superman has Lex Luthor, Barry Allen has Eobard Thawne, or Reverse Flash. This yellow suit-donning speedster is a living paradox, a person from a future where the Flash is the greatest superhero of all time who decided to travel in the past to ensure this very future happens. In turn, Reverse Flash has become Barry Allen’s greatest enemy - because that’s the only way the Flash becomes the greatest. Players can acquire Reverse Flash through the Injustice 2 Ultimate Edition or by paying 6,000 Source Crystals.
Vixen (Cheetah)
Like Batman has the Joker, Wonder Woman may have Cheetah as one of her archnemeses. Like her namesake, Cheetah possesses the relative toolkit of cheetah-based abilities that were further augmented to be almost equal to Diana’s strength. However, perhaps another exciting take on the character is her Premier Skin variant, Vixen.
Accurate to her portrayal in Injustice 2 gameplay, Vixen is capable of manipulating the Red, or the force that connects all life in the universe, allowing her to tap into the innate abilities and even forms of any animal. Players may also acquire her by purchasing her 6,000 Source Crystals.
Fighter Packs: DLC Characters Galore
Taking a cue from other fighting games at the time, the gameplay of Injustice 2 also features DLC characters. When players avail of any of the game’s Fighter Packs, they come with special characters only available through them.
Not only do they pave the way for wacky crossovers with rather unconventional characters, but they’re also easily excused in the meta by the existence of the Multiverse in Injustice canon.
Sub-Zero (Fighter Pack 1)
It wouldn’t be a NetherRealm game without a Mortal Kombat reference, and what better way to do this than to actually feature a character in the game? Freezing his way to Injustice 2 matches would be Sub-Zero, one of the most popular characters in Mortal Kombat. Sub-Zero retains both his identity as Kuai Liang and his status as the grandmaster of the Lin-Kuei order of assassins. Not only that, he retains his deadly moveset consisting of both martial arts and lethal ice attacks, giving no remorse to opponents.
Starfire (Fighter Pack 1)
In the comics, Starfire is also known as Korand’r, the heir to the planet of Tamaran who was exiled to Earth by her sister Komand’r. Eventually finding her way to the Teen Titans, Starfire has become one of its most popular and powerful members. Starfire can manipulate ultraviolet energy, allowing her to release powerful energy blasts to fight opponents. In the Injustice 2 universe, Koriand’r exiled Starfire on Earth where she’s forced to readjust to a new life as an exiled royalty.
Red Hood (Fighter Pack 1)
Serving as the game’s first DLC Character and as part of the Arkham Knight DLC Pack, Red Hood is perhaps one of the most-awaited characters in Injustice 2. Also known as Jason Todd and the second Robin, he met his untimely death at the hands of the Joker, only to be resurrected with a thirst for vengeance through the Lazarus Pits. Like his comic-book counterpart, Red Hood in Injustice 2 doesn’t hesitate to use guns and kill his foes, violating Batman’s code - something that Injustice 2 Batman also abides by.
Raiden (Fighter Pack 2)
Yet another contender from the Mortal Kombat universe, it’s a mystery how Raiden managed to get himself stranded in the Injustice 2 universe. However, his status as the God of Thunder is unparalleled, as his attacks allow Raiden to utilize his martial arts expertise and even call forth nature’s deadliest lightning strikes to his advantage. It’s unknown whether other Mortal Kombat characters exist in the Injustice universe aside from himself and Sub-Zero.
Black Manta (Fighter Pack 2)
Serving as one of Aquaman’s staunchest enemies, Black Manta is a mercenary that uses a specialized suit to conduct his affairs underwater. Thirsty for revenge, Black Manta has made it a sworn oath to kill Aquaman as payback for killing his father. Black Manta touts a powerful beam cannon from his helmet and a plethora of deadly attacks from his training as a mercenary. Players who want a more serious take on Aquaman’s “talk to fish” stereotype may want to use Black Manta.
Hellboy (Fighter Pack 2)
Another surprise addition to the Injustice 2 roster would be Hellboy, especially since his duties as a member of the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense means he focuses more on fighting demons, witches, and Lovecraftian Horrors and not necessarily on heroes and villains. However, in the eyes of Hellboy, entering the exotic universe of DC Comics is in itself a setup of a supernatural adventure. In Injustice 2 gameplay, Hellboy boasts a plethora of vicious attacks, coupled with shots from his rever-reliable Good Samaritan and powerful blows from the Right Hand of Doom.
Atom (Fighter Pack 3)
One might think the Atom is a rather so-so hero due to his simple ability of “shrinking,” but Ryan Choi proves otherwise. Thanks to quantum-shrinking tech, the Atom can continue to fight for peace with devastatingly-strong combos. His ability to change size at will makes him difficult to spot and attack, making him a deadly foe to underestimate. Beginners of Injustice 2 may appreciate using this character.
Enchantress (Fighter Pack 3)
DC Comics doesn’t have a short supply of magic-users, and The Enchantress is perhaps one of its deadliest offerings. Also known as June Moone, this freelance artist has been lured into a mysterious castle that eventually had the villain “possess” her body. When June says “The Enchantress,” she is transformed into this spellcaster. Similar to Doctor Fate, the Enchantress has a wide array of magical abilities, only this time relying on the dark arts to achieve her goals.
TMNT (Fighter Pack 3)
Known in popular media through their catchphrase “Turtle Power,” it was quite a surprise that Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo had found their way into the Injustice 2 universe. Compared to other games where the TMNT appear to be separate characters, their “character” in Injustice 2 gameplay represents the four (4) of them. This allows players to see a visual spectacle of changing between characters as they perform combos in the game.
Injustice 2 was released on May 11, 2017, for the PS4, Xbox One, Android, iOS, and PC.