Injustice 2 is a popular fighting game that features a vast array of characters from the DC Universe and beyond. Developed by NetherRealm Studios, the game allows players to pit iconic heroes against legendary villains in high-stakes combat. This guide provides a comprehensive look at the character roster, their unique playstyles, and how you can unlock additional fighters to enhance your gaming experience.
The Base Roster of Injustice 2
The base game of Injustice 2 launched with a diverse selection of 28 playable characters. These characters represent the core of the DC Universe, ranging from the most famous members of the Justice League to more obscure anti-heroes and villains.
Each character in the base roster is available immediately upon starting the game, with one notable exception. Here is a list of the primary characters you will encounter:
- Aquaman: A versatile fighter who uses his trident for long-range pokes and water-based projectiles.
- Atrocitus: A heavy hitter who utilizes the Red Lantern power to summon Dex-Starr for assistance.
- Bane: A classic grappler who relies on raw strength and his Venom trait to increase damage.
- Batman: A well-rounded character with gadgets for every situation, making him ideal for beginners.
- Black Canary: A fast, close-quarters specialist who uses her sonic scream to stun opponents.
- Blue Beetle: A mobile fighter who can switch between long-range blasts and close-range blade attacks.
- Catwoman: An agile fighter who excels at quick strikes and maintaining pressure on the opponent.
- Cheetah: A rushdown character who uses high speed and command grabs to overwhelm enemies.
- Cyborg: A projectile-heavy character who controls the screen with lasers and drones.
- Deadshot: A premier zoner who uses a variety of firearms to keep opponents at a distance.
- Doctor Fate: A magical zoner who uses spells and traps to dictate the pace of the match.
- Firestorm: A character who balances ranged fire attacks with powerful close-up bursts.
- The Flash: The fastest character in the game, focusing on high-speed combos and time-slowing abilities.
- Gorilla Grodd: A powerful telepath and grappler who uses mind control and brute force.
- Green Arrow: A marksman who uses different arrow types to adapt to various combat scenarios.
- Green Lantern: A mid-range fighter who uses light constructs to trap and strike enemies.
- Harley Quinn: A chaotic fighter who uses pets, bombs, and pistols to confuse opponents.
- Poison Ivy: A character who uses plant-based traps and projectiles to control the floor.
- Robin: A sword-wielding fighter with high mobility and strong combo potential.
- Scarecrow: A reach-heavy fighter who uses a scythe and fear gas to drain the opponent’s health.
- Supergirl: A mobile alternative to Superman, featuring a teleport and powerful eye beams.
- Superman: A powerful all-rounder with strong projectiles and high-damage basic attacks.
- Swamp Thing: A slow but powerful fighter with incredible reach and health-regeneration abilities.
- Wonder Woman: A balanced warrior who uses her lasso, sword, and shield for both offense and defense.
Unlockable and Pre-order Characters
While most characters are available from the start, there are two specific characters in the base version of the game that require special actions to play.
Brainiac is the primary antagonist of the story mode. To unlock him, you must complete the entire single-player Story Mode once. After the credits roll, he will be added to your roster.
Darkseid was originally a pre-order bonus. If you did not pre-order the game, he can be purchased separately as a digital download from your platform’s store. He is a powerful, heavy-hitting character with devastating eye beams.
DLC and Guest Characters
Injustice 2 expanded its roster significantly through Downloadable Content (DLC). These characters were released in three separate “Fighter Packs” and include both DC favorites and special guest stars from other franchises.
Fighter Pack 1
- Red Hood: A versatile marksman who uses dual pistols and explosives.
- Starfire: A projectile-focused character with high mobility and energy beams.
- Sub-Zero: A guest character from Mortal Kombat who uses ice-based attacks to freeze enemies.
Fighter Pack 2
- Black Manta: A high-tech fighter with a jetpack and powerful eye lasers.
- Hellboy: A guest character from the Dark Horse Comics series, known for his durability and heavy punches.
- Raiden: The second guest from Mortal Kombat, utilizing lightning-fast teleports and electrical attacks.
Fighter Pack 3
- The Atom: A unique fighter who can change his size to dodge attacks and surprise opponents.
- Enchantress: A magical fighter who uses debuffs and supernatural summons to control the fight.
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: A unique addition where players can choose between Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, or Michelangelo, each with their own weapon and move set.
Understanding Character Playstyles
When choosing a character in Injustice 2, it is helpful to understand their playstyle. Most characters fall into one of four general categories that define how they approach a fight.
Zoners are characters who prefer to stay at a distance. They use projectiles to deal damage while keeping the opponent away. Characters like Deadshot and Doctor Fate are excellent examples of this style.
Rushdown characters are the opposite of zoners. They want to be as close as possible to the opponent, using fast attacks and constant pressure to prevent the enemy from reacting. The Flash and Black Canary excel in this area.
Grapplers focus on powerful, unblockable throw moves. They are often slower but deal massive damage once they get their hands on the opponent. Bane and Gorilla Grodd are the primary grapplers in the game.
All-Rounders are balanced characters who can fight effectively at any range. They have decent projectiles and solid close-quarters combat skills. Batman and Superman are the most prominent examples of all-around fighters.
Premier Skins and Character Variants
Injustice 2 also features “Premier Skins.” These are special cosmetic items that completely change a character’s appearance, voice, and dialogue, essentially turning them into a different person while keeping the same move set.
For example, the Reverse Flash skin can be applied to The Flash, and the Power Girl skin can be applied to Supergirl. These skins are usually purchased with Source Crystals, an in-game currency, or included in special editions of the game.
The Gear System and Character Progression
One of the most unique aspects of Injustice 2 characters is the Gear System. As you play matches, you earn pieces of armor and equipment for your characters. This gear does more than just change how your character looks.
Each piece of gear has stats that can increase your character’s Strength, Ability, Defense, or Health. Some gear also provides “Augments,” which are special bonuses like increased experience gain or extra damage against specific enemies. This allows you to customize your favorite characters to fit your specific playstyle.
In competitive modes, gear stats are typically disabled to ensure a fair fight, but the visual changes remain. This ensures that the game stays balanced for professional play while allowing for deep customization in casual and single-player modes.
Conclusion
Injustice 2 offers one of the most robust rosters in the fighting game genre, providing a character for every type of player. Whether you prefer the strategic distance of a zoner or the high-speed intensity of a rushdown fighter, the DC Universe provides plenty of options to explore. By understanding the playstyles and unlocking the full roster, you can master the game and find the hero or villain that suits you best.
If you found this guide helpful, you may also want to explore our other articles on gaming strategies and character guides at SearchAndHelp.com to further improve your skills.