Dead Island 2 introduces a new gameplay mechanic called Skill Cards. The rarest and most powerful of these cards are the Numen cards – a set of 5 cards that grant unique zombie-like abilities.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about the Dead Island 2 Numen cards including:
- What are Numen cards and what do they do
- How to unlock and acquire them
- Details on all 5 Numen card effects
- Whether they count as Autophage cards
- Tips, tricks and strategies for using them effectively
So if you‘re looking to master these powerful new abilities, read on!
What Are Numen Cards in Dead Island 2?
Numen cards are the rarest and most powerful type of Skill Card introduced in Dead Island 2. There are 5 in total.
They grant unique special abilities usually reserved for zombies, setting them apart from other Skill Cards. For example, some cards trigger explosions, apply harmful status effects or buff the player in different ways.
Numen cards are end-game cards unlocked after completing Main Quest #21. They are acquired through high level main/side quests and exploration.
These cards can provide game-changing offensive and defensive abilities, making them a vital part of your arsenal.
How To Unlock Numen Cards
To unlock the ability to acquire and use Numen cards, you must first:
- Complete Main Quest #21 "The Search for Truth"
- Defeat the boss at the end
This unlocks the first Numen card "Anger Mismanagement".
After this quest, Numen cards can be acquired via:
- Completing other main/side quests
- Exploring the open world and scavenging
- Progressing through the story
- Killing unique bosses and enemies
Many are rewarded for finishing important late-game quests and content.
Do Numen Cards Count as Autophage Cards?
Some Numen cards also possess the Autophage ability.
Autophage cards grant special buffs based on how many you have equipped:
1 Autophage Card: Longer Fury Mode duration but reduced Health/Toughness
2 Autophage Cards: Fury Mode regens Health, longer duration but reduced Stamina regen
3 Autophage Cards: Massive Damage/Health bonuses, very high Fury Mode duration but removes Health regen
Having multiple Autophage cards causes these effects to stack, making them more powerful.
Out of the 5 Numen cards, 2 count as Autophage cards:
- Born Survivor
- Glass Cannon
So if you want to maximize Autophage bonuses, be sure to equip these two.
All 5 Dead Island 2 Numen Cards Explained
Here are all the Numen cards available in Dead Island 2 along with their abilities, effects and how to acquire them:
Anger Mismanagement
Effect: Extends Fury Mode duration by draining Health when the mode would normally end. Exits when Health becomes critical.
Autophage: No
How To Get: Automatically obtained by defeating the boss of Main Quest #21.
Anger Mismanagement essentially grants you a second Fury Mode activation whenever your initial one runs out. Very useful for quickly tearing through enemies.
But it comes at the cost of rapidly draining your Health until you hit critical levels. Use carefully and have healing ready.
Born Survivor
Effect: Create an explosive blast when Health becomes critical, triggering Fury Mode. Melee attacks in Fury Mode regenerate Health.
Autophage: Yes
How To Get: Complete Main Quest #23 after unlocking Numen cards.
Born Survivor lets you make an explosive comeback from the brink of death. When critical, blast surrounding enemies and heal with melee attacks while in Fury Mode.
This card is great for players who need an emergency second wind ability. It also counts as an Autophage card, enabling powerful buffs.
Glass Cannon
Effect: Increase Critical Hit damage, scaling up further at low Health. Greatly reduces Toughness.
Autophage: Yes
How To Get: Finish the "Art of War" Side Quest in the late/post game.
Glass Cannon turns you into a damage-dealing machine capable of one-shotting enemies with boosted Critical Hits. But your defences suffer severely in return.
It‘s the ultimate high risk, high reward Numen card for players who can avoid hits. Also counts as an Autophage card.
Corpse Blossom
Effect: Apply elemental status effects to nearby enemies when killing zombies with elemental damage. Also triggers explosions.
Autophage: No
How To Get: Complete Main Quest #23 after unlocking Numen cards.
Corpse Blossom spreads deadly elemental effects between crowds of zombies. When one dies from elemental damage, they explode hitting nearby ones with the same effects.
Great for stacking damage over time effects. Does not give Autophage bonuses.
Seismic Stomp
Effect: Skull Stomps now create damaging explosions around you while weakening enemies. Also applies Bleed.
Autophage: No
How To Get: Found inside a Metro tunnel after completing Main Quest #21.
Seismic Stomp enhances your Skull Stomp ability, allowing you to damage groups of enemies at once. It also stacks useful debuffs making them easier to kill.
However, it does not grant any Autophage effects.
Tips and Strategies For Using Numen Cards
Here are some tips to use Numen cards effectively:
- Stack Autophage cards (Born Survivor, Glass Cannon) to enable powerful buffs
- Use Seismic Stomp then weapon attacks to quickly shred debuffed enemies
- Carefully watch your Health with Glass Cannon and Anger Mismanagement
- Born Survivor and Anger Mismanagement synergize well together
- Corpse Blossom works great with elemental weapons to spread effects
- Numen cards shine best on high difficulty levels/New Game+
Mix and match to find your perfect combination of passives, direct damage and survival tools.
Conclusion
And there you have it, everything you need to know about the game-changing Numen cards introduced in Dead Island 2!
From effects to acquisition methods, Autophage mechanics and combos, this guide covers it all. Equipping these rare zombie-like abilities can greatly empower your slayer.
Will you focus on all out offence as a Glass Cannon? Chain fiery explosions with Corpse Blossom? Or sustain yourself with Born Survivor?
Mastering these cards alongside weapon skills, items and Fury Mode is vital to conquering the zombie hordes.
So unlock your inner abilities and start experimenting with Numen cards today!
