Remnant

A Remnant from Silent Hill: Origins

Other names

None

Debut

Silent Hill: Origins

Other appearances

None

Health

Low

Locations

Cedar Grove Sanitarium

Weapons

None

Attack method(s)

Melee

The Remnant is an enemy in Silent Hill: Origins. They only appear in the Cedar Grove Sanitarium.

Appearance

In light, it takes on the form of a floating, black harness which casts a feminine shadow. In darkness, the Remnant resembles a shadow person wearing a rusted metal restraint on the upper portion of its body, "jaws" that appear quite similar to a common hunter's trap.

Character

Upon seeing Travis Grady, it will make a noise that sounds like "hey", "you", "wait", "no" or "hi" in a yelling, distorted human voice. It is capable of dealing heavy damage by swinging forward in quick overhead lunges, so the best way to deal with a Remnant is from afar with firearms. They can also be defeated with melee weapons using carefully timed attacks (striking, and then stepping back as it swings forward). Travis may encounter up to three Remnants at a time.

When the Remnants are in direct light, they can be seen as dark, transparent, humanoid shadows on the walls or floors behind them, so they may be difficult to notice. However, they will attack immediately when light is shined upon them. The player should watch for their rusty metal restraints suspended in air, or simply use auto-aim if it is suspected that one is nearby. When Travis is within range, they will relentlessly bash at him with their restraints, doing damage that adds up quickly.

Fortunately, avoiding them isn't difficult. Switching off the light allows Travis to sneak past the Remnant. Waiting until they pass by is wise, as they will often hear Travis's footsteps. Shooting it without being counter-attacked (six shots from the .22 pistol is more than enough) will also suffice. Also, hitting them with a heavier thrown object will usually result in a one-hit kill. A dying Remnant emits a modified heart-piercing cry, full of anguish.

Symbolism

Remnants could possibly symbolize Travis's fear of the other patients of the sanitarium when sneaking in to see his mother. Their shadows appear feminine because of his mother being located in the female dorm, and the restraints could possibly symbolize the patients' straightjackets or general lack of free will; the fact that the restraints resemble a pressure-activated hunting trap could also possibly stand for the sharp, spiteful reaction the young Travis would've received from other patients upon seeing him.

Trivia

• Although the Remnant only appears as a shadow on far walls when light is shined on them, once they are defeated, the light will reveal that they have a physical shape, as they seem to be a crumpled black mass laying on the floor, rather than a shadow. In fact, the shadow disappears altogether.