Risk of Rain 2, developed and published by Hopoo Games, is a classic multiplayer roguelike with an upcoming DLC titled: Survivors of the Void. The DLC introduces two new playable characters, new enemies, mechanics, abilities, items, and more. Players can purchase the DLC and unlock new Risk of Rain 2 content for all party members, resulting in hours of replayable, Void-riddled mayhem. The result is a thrilling addition to an already enjoyable roguelike game.
While the story isn’t central to gameplay, Risk of Rain 2 follows the crew of the UES: Safe Travels as they search for survivors from the UES: Contact Light across Petrichor V. Players choose Survivor characters at the beginning of their run and navigate through dozens of teleporters scattered across the planet’s surface. Items collected from Contact Light’s supply crates power players up and provide better chances of surviving until the final boss. Thankfully, players don’t need to understand the story to enjoy their time in Risk of Rain 2.
Like most roguelike games, Risk of Rain 2 provides players with a randomized group of levels and enemies each time players start the game. Players with enough experience can master the ins and outs of each Survivor, enemy, and challenge. While the game threatened to become stagnant with its base content, Survivors of the Void provides a fresh addition of randomized mechanics that makes every run exciting and dangerous. New enemies and new stages offer the most experienced players fresh content to enjoy for hours, with teleporters spawning players at random spots and encouraging total exploration of each area. Additionally, Survivors of the Void introduces new Void events that occur worldwide, alongside powerful new risk-reward systems among the hordes of Petrichor V’s enemies.
Risk of Rain 2’s Survivors of the Void DLC brings two new Survivors to play as: the Railgunner and the Void Fiend. Each character features exciting new additions that revolutionize the current gameplay meta. The Railgunner provides players with a viable long-range kit capable of dealing immense damage. The Railgunner’s kit utilizes quick-time events that challenge players’ reactivity in combat and rewards fast reflexes, making ROR2’s gameplay more exhilarating. The Void Fiend is the second Survivor included in Risk of Rain 2’s Survivors of the Void DLC, which uses a unique Corruption mechanic that switches the character between two forms. Players must balance health and damage output between their two forms, crafting a more challenging playstyle than the current selections. Both characters can appeal to new and old players alike, and each is accompanied by a collection of new achievements and challenges to complete.
While Survivors of the Void doesn’t introduce many new visuals, Risk of Rain 2's latest expansion shows off beautiful graphics provide a cartoonish and hauntingly beautiful atmosphere to explore. Waves of creatively designed enemies combined with the new Void events make Petrichor V feel dangerous and alien. New stages incorporate impressive pathways and environments to explore, including pristine forests with towering trees. Each level makes the planet feel livelier and expands the game’s existing lore in fascinating ways, ensuring players can conquer their challenges while actively discovering Petrichor V’s mysteries.
Throughout six runs through various difficulties with both the Railgunner and the Void Fiend, no noticeable bugs or glitches hampered gameplay or progression. However, some players may experience lag from many particle effects present throughout different levels. In addition, when players activate the teleporter leading out of each level, hordes of enemies are liable to spawn in the surrounding area, which may also cause some lag. Thankfully, players can solve many of these issues by adjusting the graphics settings and shutting background programs.
The only flaw in Risk of Rain 2’s Survivors of the Void DLC is that the Railgunner and the Void Fiend are incredibly overpowered. However, once Hopoo Games balances both classes, Survivors of the Void is shaping up to be the best addition to the game. The new Survivors, enemies, and levels provide Risk of Rain 2 with much-needed content that appeals to new and experienced players.
Risk of Rain 2’s Survivors of the Void DLC is available for purchase and download on March 1st on PC, with a console release date soon to follow. Screen Rant was provided with a PC code for the purpose of this review.