You do not need to finish the first Zone of the Enders to start The 2nd Runner. The sequel is a fast, high-speed 3D robot-action game in which you pilot the Orbital Frame Jehuty against BAHRAM. The 2018 M∀RS edition remasters the 2003 PlayStation 2 sequel for PS4 and PC, adds optional VR features, and improves its visuals and audio.
Before buying, decide whether you want a standard-screen or VR playthrough, then check the platform-specific controller, headset, operating-system and first-start internet requirements below. The campaign is single-player; two-player support is limited to Versus mode.
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Do you need to play the first game first?
The 2nd Runner is the sequel to the PlayStation 2 game Zone of the Enders, which makes the earlier title useful background but not a documented prerequisite. Official material establishes the series order and the sequel’s premise, but it does not say that newcomers must complete the first game to understand or begin the second.
The setting is 2174. BAHRAM uses Orbital Frame robot technology to pursue control of Mars and Earth, and you pilot Jehuty against that military organization. That premise gives you the essential orientation for the sequel. If you already own or can easily access the first game, playing it may provide additional context; if not, you can begin with The 2nd Runner—M∀RS without treating the original as required homework.
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What the sequel assumes
- You are entering a science-fiction conflict involving Mars, Earth, BAHRAM and Orbital Frames.
- You will control Jehuty directly in three-dimensional battles rather than issue commands from a strategy interface.
- The game presents its own story scenes and cinematic material, so you do not need to rely on a separate recap to start playing.
What kind of action should you expect?
Konami describes the game as a fast-paced, high-speed 3D robot-action title. Jehuty fights in open three-dimensional spaces using close-range and ranged attacks, then combines those attacks with sub-weapons and rapid movement. The design expects you to switch between offense, positioning and defense instead of standing still and trading hits.
Jehuty’s combat toolkit
- Melee attacks: close-range strikes for enemies you can reach directly.
- Ranged attacks: attacks that let you pressure targets from a distance.
- Sub-weapons: additional weapons that broaden your options beyond Jehuty’s primary attacks.
- Mobility: high-speed movement is part of both navigation and survival.
- Shielding: a defensive option for situations in which evasion alone is not enough.
- Teleportation: a rapid repositioning tool that reinforces the game’s three-dimensional pace.
The launch material also lists a mini-map, training modules, a Pro Mode controller setup and a Very Easy difficulty setting. These are practical onboarding tools: the training material can help you learn the control scheme, the mini-map helps with spatial awareness, and Pro Mode offers an alternate controller arrangement. Very Easy is specifically presented as an option for people who want to focus on the cinematic story experience or who are new to VR. It is an accessibility and onboarding choice, not a requirement for any particular type of player.
What the game is not
The documented campaign is single-player. Steam lists shared/split-screen PvP, and Cygames’ announcement clarifies that only Versus mode supports two players. VR does not support two players. Do not buy the game expecting a two-player campaign or cooperative story mode.
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What the M∀RS remaster changes
ZONE OF THE ENDERS: The 2nd RUNNER—M∀RS is the 2018 remaster of the 2003 sequel. Cygames’ 2017 announcement says the M∀RS version is based on the HD version. Konami’s May 15, 2018 release announcement describes it this way: “ZONE OF THE ENDERS: The 2nd RUNNER – M∀RS is the remaster of the original title with beautifully enhanced graphics and re-engineered audio made for next-generation consoles and PCs.”
Visual and audio upgrades
The edition advertises 4K visuals and remastered or re-engineered audio for its supported console and PC releases. A 4K-capable display or PC is not identified as a prerequisite in the documented requirements; treat 4K as an output feature rather than an assumption about every setup.
Optional VR content
M∀RS adds VR-specific ways to revisit the game:
- A 3D hangar space.
- A 3D model viewer.
- A cinematic theater for replaying story sequences.
VR is optional. The standard PS4 and PC versions do not make a headset a prerequisite for the ordinary game. On PS4, Konami documents PlayStation VR support. On Steam/PC, Konami support documents Oculus and HTC Vive support. Check the current store listing and headset compatibility before purchase, particularly if your PC has moved to a newer operating-system or driver configuration.
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PS4 and Steam: what is documented?
| Edition | Documented play modes | VR support | Connection requirement | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PS4 | Single-player campaign; Versus mode supports two players | PlayStation VR on PS4 | Konami support says PS4 can be played without an online connection | Players who want a console setup, physical or digital PS4 purchase, and optional PS VR |
| Steam for PC | Single-player campaign; shared/split-screen PvP | Oculus and HTC Vive are documented by Konami support | Internet is required for initial startup; the game can then be played offline | Players who prefer PC settings, an XInput controller and configurable display hardware |
Steam’s listing distinguishes regional releases and available audio or subtitle languages. Localization and availability can vary by region, so open your local storefront page rather than assuming that another country’s language list or release package applies to you.
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The Steam listing specifies an XInput controller. A keyboard-and-mouse setup should not be treated as a substitute for the documented controller requirement; plan to use an XInput-compatible gamepad.
| Requirement or feature | Published information | How to interpret it |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | 64-bit Windows | Confirm that your current Windows installation is 64-bit and still supported by the live Steam listing. |
| Memory | 4 GB RAM minimum | This is the storefront’s posted minimum, not a guarantee of performance on every background-software configuration. |
| Graphics | GeForce GTX 680 minimum | Compare your GPU against the current listing, including driver and operating-system support. |
| Recommended PC tier | Higher specifications are listed by Steam; the recommended profile assumes 1920×1080 | Use the live listing for the complete recommended CPU, GPU and memory details before buying. |
| VR graphics guidance | GeForce GTX 1060 or higher for proper VR performance | This applies to VR performance, not to the ordinary non-VR display mode. |
| Storage | Not stated in the supplied Steam requirements | Check the current Steam page for the installation size before downloading. |
| Internet | Required for initial startup; offline play is supported afterward | Launch once while connected, then use Steam’s offline mode if needed. |
Steam setup checklist
- Verify that your PC runs 64-bit Windows and meets at least the posted 4 GB RAM and GeForce GTX 680 minimums.
- Connect an XInput-compatible controller before launching. If Windows detects several gamepads, confirm that the intended one is the active controller.
- Install the game while online and start it once with Steam connected, because the listing requires internet access for initial startup.
- If you intend to play offline later, switch Steam to offline mode only after the first successful launch.
- For VR, check that your headset is one of the documented Oculus or HTC Vive options and that your graphics card meets the GTX 1060-or-higher guidance for proper VR performance.
- Review the local Steam page for the current language list, storage requirement and operating-system notes; those storefront details can change.
Choosing standard display or VR
Choose standard display when
- You want the simplest setup without buying or configuring a headset.
- You are playing on a PS4 or PC that meets the ordinary display requirements but not the VR graphics guidance.
- You want to use the campaign’s single-player structure without VR-specific hardware.
Choose VR when
- You already own a compatible PlayStation VR, Oculus or HTC Vive setup for the relevant platform.
- You specifically want the 3D hangar, model viewer and cinematic theater features.
- You are comfortable treating VR as an optional presentation mode rather than a separate two-player experience.
Very Easy can be selected if you want to concentrate on the story or are learning VR controls. It does not change the fact that the core action remains a high-speed 3D robot game.
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Physical PS4 or digital Steam purchase?
The documented official releases are PS4 and PC through Steam. A physical PS4 copy is useful if you prefer a disc-based console library; Steam is the straightforward choice if you already play on a compatible Windows PC and want the PC version’s controller and display flexibility.
Konami’s May 15, 2018 announcement said that a physical release would include a holographic cover and embroidered triangle patch for a limited time in the Americas, excluding Brazil. That was launch information, not a guarantee about current new or used listings. The availability, condition and contents of today’s copies were not verified, so inspect the seller’s description and photographs rather than assuming those items are included.
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Two-player details and mode expectations
Plan around a solo story campaign. The multiplayer exception is Versus mode, which supports two players in the documented PS4 and Steam descriptions. Cygames specifically says VR does not support two players, so adding a headset does not turn the campaign or VR presentation features into cooperative play.
Steam’s “shared/split-screen PvP” wording refers to player-versus-player functionality. It should not be read as a promise of online matchmaking, a cooperative campaign or a shared VR session.
Language, region and date checks
The sequel originated as a 2003 PlayStation 2 release. M∀RS launched in the Americas on September 4, 2018, and globally on September 6, 2018, according to Konami’s 2018 announcements. Those dates identify the release history; they do not establish current store stock or support status.
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- Language: confirm the audio and subtitle options shown by your local storefront.
- Hardware: confirm that your specific PS4, VR headset, Windows installation and graphics driver combination is supported.
- Package contents: for a used or older physical listing, verify the disc, case and any bonus items individually.
A practical first-session plan
- Pick your presentation mode. Decide whether you will play on a normal display or use optional VR features.
- Set expectations. Treat the game as a single-player action campaign with a separate two-player Versus mode, not as a cooperative title.
- Learn movement first. Use the training modules to practice Jehuty’s mobility, shielding and teleportation before relying on high-speed maneuvers in combat.
- Configure controls. Review the standard and Pro Mode controller arrangements and choose the one that keeps melee, ranged attacks, sub-weapons and movement easy to reach.
- Use navigation aids. Keep the mini-map available while learning the game’s three-dimensional spaces.
- Choose difficulty deliberately. Very Easy is available for a story-focused or VR-onboarding playthrough; selecting it is a valid way to learn the systems.
- Confirm offline readiness on PC. Complete the first Steam startup while connected before planning an offline session.
Bottom-line buying advice
Start with The 2nd Runner—M∀RS if you want fast 3D robot combat, cinematic science-fiction presentation and optional VR extras without first completing the original game. PS4 is the least complicated route and can be played offline; Steam is appropriate when you have a 64-bit Windows PC, an XInput controller and hardware that meets the posted graphics guidance. Choose VR only for its optional immersive features, and verify your local language, hardware support and current listing details before checkout.
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