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Risk of Rain

There are a lot of games nowadays, usually being indie titles, that I think seem quaint and endearing, perhaps they have a story to tell.
Risk of Rain Game Cover
84%Game Brain Score
music, gameplay
stability, grinding
93% User Score Based on 21,246 reviews
Critic Score 83%Based on 8 reviews

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Risk of Rain Game Cover

About

Risk of Rain is a single player and multiplayer survival hack and slash game with fantasy and science fiction themes. It was developed by Hopoo Games and was released on November 8, 2013. It received positive reviews from critics and very positive reviews from players.

"Risk of Rain is a 2D action roguelike game with randomized stages, enemies, and permadeath. Players can find over 100 items to help them fight through hordes of monsters and bosses as they search for the teleporter to escape the planet. The game features online co-op for up to 4 players. Each run offers a new, challenging experience with its procedurally generated content."

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Risk of Rain screenshot
Risk of Rain screenshot
Risk of Rain screenshot
Risk of Rain screenshot
Risk of Rain screenshot
Risk of Rain screenshot
Risk of Rain screenshot
Risk of Rain screenshot
Risk of Rain screenshot
Risk of Rain screenshot
Risk of Rain screenshot
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93%
Audience ScoreBased on 21,246 reviews
music1.8k positive mentions
stability302 negative mentions
  • The gameplay of 'Risk of Rain' is engaging, combining fast-paced action with roguelike elements that create a thrilling experience.
  • The pixel art style and haunting soundtrack effectively enhance the game's atmosphere, evoking a sense of isolation and urgency.
  • The game offers high replayability due to its diverse character roster, numerous unlockable items, and procedurally generated levels.
  • The grinding aspect of the game can feel tedious and repetitive, especially in the early stages, leading to frustration for some players.
  • The game suffers from stability issues, with frequent glitches and crashes, particularly in multiplayer modes.
  • The narrative is minimal and often described as thin, which may detract from the overall experience for players seeking a deeper story.
  • music
    2,756 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in "Risk of Rain" is widely praised for its immersive and atmospheric qualities, with many reviewers highlighting the exceptional soundtrack composed by Chris Christodoulou. Players appreciate how the music enhances the game's sense of urgency and isolation, perfectly complementing the pixel art style and gameplay. Overall, the soundtrack is considered one of the standout features of the game, often described as captivating and memorable, making it a significant reason for players to engage with the game repeatedly.

    • “Risk of Rain’s soundtrack is simply incredible.”
    • “Its minimalist pixel art style and haunting soundtrack set the tone perfectly, evoking a sense of isolation and urgency that persists throughout every run.”
    • “The game’s sound design is equally effective, with a dynamic, eerie soundtrack that intensifies as the difficulty rises and the action heats up, helping to immerse players in the frantic struggle.”
    • “The music and sounds are loud as hell and generic.”
    • “The graphics are fine, music is eh, I don't understand the gameplay, this reminds me of League.”
    • “The music gets repetitive.”
  • gameplay
    2,575 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of "Risk of Rain" is widely praised for its engaging mechanics, combining fast-paced action with roguelike elements that increase difficulty over time, creating a constant tension between exploration and survival. Players appreciate the variety of characters, each with unique abilities, and the extensive item system that allows for diverse strategies and playstyles. While the game can be challenging, especially for newcomers, many find the addictive gameplay loop and the thrill of unlocking new content to be highly rewarding, making it a standout title in the indie gaming scene.

    • “This game also includes platforming and progression elements that add more depth to the gameplay.”
    • “It's simple in mechanics but deep in strategy, and the pixel art style is charming while still delivering intense, fast-paced action.”
    • “The gameplay loop is super addictive, moment to moment gunplay feels good for the most part, and the soundtrack rocks.”
    • “The gameplay is much more dull when you take the third dimension away: constantly hopping over enemies to turn around and shoot, and continue running.”
    • “One potential criticism is the steep difficulty curve and somewhat opaque mechanics that might deter newcomers.”
    • “The gameplay is really tough without other players and getting the multiplayer to work is janky.”
  • graphics
    1,415 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of "Risk of Rain" are characterized by a charming pixel art style that evokes nostalgia while effectively complementing the game's fast-paced action and roguelike mechanics. While some players appreciate the minimalist aesthetic and find it visually appealing, others note that the small character models can make gameplay chaotic and difficult to follow during intense moments. Overall, the graphics are generally well-received for their simplicity and artistic design, contributing to the game's unique atmosphere and immersive experience.

    • “Its minimalist pixel art style and haunting soundtrack set the tone perfectly, evoking a sense of isolation and urgency that persists throughout every run.”
    • “The graphics are pixel-perfect, with a retro charm that’s as addictive as it is nostalgic.”
    • “Risk of Rain's adoption of a side-scrolling action game was unique for the time, especially as a sci-fi roguelite, with its unique pixelated art style, ethereal soundtrack, and truly alien environments giving it a style and aesthetic that truly stood out.”
    • “The graphics are extremely charming, the music is dark and gloomy but catchy and fitting, the levels are all interesting, and the enemies and bosses are all threatening and challenging.”
    • “Its largest downside is its graphics; I almost never call out graphics but come on... my character is a tiny speck on the map.”
    • “The graphics might be pixel art, which by this stage you'd think have been done to death, but on the contrary, the clear, concise design and the very well thought out vision ensure that this game always looks stylish and well presented.”
  • replayability
    1,269 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game "Risk of Rain" is widely praised for its exceptional replayability, attributed to its diverse character roster, numerous unlockable items, and procedurally generated levels. Players appreciate the variety of gameplay experiences each run offers, with many noting that the combination of different characters and items keeps the game fresh and engaging over time. However, some users mention that the gameplay can become repetitive after extensive play, particularly once most content has been unlocked. Overall, the game is considered highly replayable, making it a favorite among fans of the roguelike genre.

    • “Risk of Rain is an amazing rogue-like that provides tons of replay value, a unique art style and character perspective, and a good mix of challenges and power-ups.”
    • “The variety of items and survivors combined with the various artifacts helps keep the game very replayable and fun.”
    • “Each playthrough of the game is randomly generated and unique, allowing for theoretically infinite replay value.”
    • “Replayability is repetitive and boring (1 run is enough to know the game, nothing interesting after).”
    • “Each run spans 5 or so levels, with some branching throughout, but what really limits the replayability for me is that the layouts for each level remain the same.”
    • “While the map randomization, map types, bosses, and enemies are all rather limited, it does not damage the replayability to any significant degree.”
  • story
    520 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story in "Risk of Rain" is minimal and often described as thin, focusing primarily on survival in a hostile environment after a spaceship crash. Players uncover bits of lore through item descriptions and monster logs, which provide a deeper context to the gameplay, but many reviewers note that the narrative takes a backseat to the action and mechanics. While some appreciate the atmospheric storytelling and the dark undertones, others feel that the lack of a cohesive plot detracts from the overall experience.

    • “The narrative is open to interpretation, allowing players to piece together the backstory of their stranded survivors and the enigmatic world they're trying to escape.”
    • “It's a rich world with an interesting story that takes a backseat to gameplay most of the time, but the item descriptions all hint at pieces of a much larger puzzle.”
    • “The story is subtle but well done, although it could've been fleshed out and made amazing.”
    • “Maybe my only gripe is how the story and setting feel pretty thin.”
    • “The story is almost non-existent, but still does feel like it has a weight to it at the end of the game.”
    • “The plot is abysmal.”
  • stability
    312 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's stability is a significant concern among users, with many reporting frequent glitches, crashes, and issues particularly in multiplayer modes. While some players find the gameplay enjoyable despite these bugs, others express frustration over game-breaking errors, especially on Linux and during co-op sessions. Overall, the game is described as "buggy" and "unstable," with a call for more thorough updates and fixes from the developers.

    • “Note for the deck: runs great, 360 binds by default.”
    • “Fun game, good mechanics, runs great on Linux.”
    • “Excellent game, nice graphics, not buggy.”
    • “I'm amazed that, after ten years and what seems like an active dev team (considering their regular posts on Steam), this game is still such a linear buggy mess.”
    • “The game is a complete and utter buggy mess.”
    • “I'm loving the game, but it's so buggy that it gets frustrating and unplayable.”
  • atmosphere
    251 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive quality, enhanced by a captivating soundtrack and retro-style graphics that evoke a sense of isolation and danger on an alien planet. Players appreciate the diverse environments and procedural generation, which contribute to a unique and intense experience with each playthrough. Overall, the combination of music, visuals, and gameplay creates a compelling atmosphere that keeps players engaged and returning for more.

    • “From the moment you drop onto the alien planet’s mysterious surface, the game plunges you into a relentless battle for survival against increasingly dangerous enemies, crafting an atmosphere that is both punishing and rewarding.”
    • “The environments—ranging from barren wastelands to alien jungles—are simple yet atmospheric, with subtle details that reinforce the desolate mood.”
    • “Creating an atmosphere unlike any other, along with the music track, evokes this unsettling eerie yet attractive theme persistent throughout every level.”
    • “Other than that, gameplay is solid, but this game tries too hard for a dark, unforgiving, unrelenting, and disheartening atmosphere, without the one thing that lets those types of games work.”
    • “As much as I like the gameplay itself, the sheer size of the world and enemies creates an atmosphere of isolation and loneliness.”
    • “The atmosphere seems rather generic and poorly designed.”
  • grinding
    243 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it tedious and repetitive, especially in the early stages where enemy health can feel overwhelming. While some appreciate the challenge of balancing farming for items against the increasing difficulty, others feel that the grind detracts from the overall enjoyment, leading to frustration and burnout. Overall, the game appeals to those who enjoy grind-heavy mechanics, but it may not be suitable for players seeking a more streamlined experience.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “Challenge yourself by rushing and not farming items.”
    • “Core gameplay is kind of similar to MapleStory, except good, with no grinding involved at all.”
    • “But after a while, the levels start to repeat and the grindy progression gets tiring.”
    • “The game is tedious as hell.”
    • “It commits the worst sin of all for this genre: it gets tedious fast.”
  • humor
    174 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in "Risk of Rain" is a standout feature, characterized by its chaotic gameplay and absurd situations that lead to frequent laughter, especially during multiplayer sessions. Players enjoy the dark and quirky humor found in item descriptions, death messages, and the overall absurdity of their in-game predicaments, which often result in hilarious mishaps. The game's blend of challenging mechanics and comedic elements creates a fun and engaging experience, making it a memorable choice for those who appreciate humor in gaming.

    • “It's the kind of game where you'll start with dreams of conquering the alien hordes and end up laughing at the absurdity of your perilous predicament.”
    • “To those contemplating a rainy adventure: embrace the chaos, accept that death is a way of life, and remember that in Risk of Rain, it's not about surviving forever; it's about the epic battles and hilarious mishaps along the way.”
    • “The chaos is hilariously fun.”
    • “The humor in this game falls flat; it's more cringeworthy than funny.”
    • “I expected a lot of laughs, but the jokes just missed the mark.”
    • “The attempts at humor feel forced and often detract from the overall experience.”
  • optimization
    80 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's optimization is a mixed bag, with many players reporting significant performance issues, particularly in multiplayer and during late-game scenarios with numerous on-screen elements. While some users find it runs smoothly on lower-end devices, others experience crashes and lag, especially when the action intensifies. Overall, the game shows potential but requires further optimization to enhance the multiplayer experience and manage performance during high-demand situations.

    • “Runs smoothly on any device, very challenging but also intuitive and easy to pick up.”
    • “Overall, the game played beautifully and optimized with no lag or screen tearing on my ThinkPad T420.”
    • “This game is well worth its price, runs smoothly on any machine, and has some fantastic pixel art and one of the best soundtracks out there.”
    • “The game is poorly optimized: later levels will probably cause you to lag.”
    • “Terrible game consistently crashing in multiplayer, game doesn't feel optimized for end game where the map is filled with mobs and loot.”
    • “The game is very poorly optimized and while this will rarely be an issue many people have problems with halved (30 instead of 60) framerate on the last level, which means the game runs at half speed.”
  • emotional
    42 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players frequently describe the emotional impact of the game as profound, often leading to tears of joy or frustration during gameplay. The combination of challenging mechanics, a touching soundtrack, and immersive atmosphere creates a unique experience that resonates deeply, fostering emotional investment and attachment. Many reviewers highlight the game's ability to evoke strong feelings, making it a memorable journey that players are eager to share with others.

    • “This might sound a bit stupid, but the first time I heard this track in-game while just shredding everything in my way, it almost made me cry.”
    • “I can't stress how much this game can play with you emotionally; the music writer is a genius on the last stage.”
    • “Put gaming conventions aside, go in with no expectations other than this is something new and massively good-looking, and you'll be rewarded with a unique experience that lurches between genius and madness, manages to be genuinely emotional, and that you'll be bursting to talk about with your friends.”
  • character development
    21 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game is primarily expressed through its unique and imaginative character designs, which are praised for their detail and animation within a charming pixel art style. While the lore and dialogue add depth, many players feel that the game does not prioritize deep narrative or meaningful character arcs, focusing instead on gameplay mechanics and visual aesthetics. Overall, the character design is celebrated as a standout feature, enhancing the game's atmosphere and player engagement.

    • “The character design is unique and fun.”
    • “And the character design is amazing, each character feels so alive and real.”
    • “The game has a very simple yet detailed pixel art style, and interesting monster, weapon, and character designs, each masterfully animated.”
    • “Now, for kiting enemies... this just leads into horrible character design.”
    • “The character design.”
    • “Love the music, love the character design, and the dialogue and lore is really neat too.”
  • monetization
    19 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization aspect of the game has drawn mixed reviews, with some players criticizing it as a cash grab due to the presence of purchasable items that enhance gameplay. While the game offers a low entry cost and enjoyable co-op experience, concerns about misleading advertising and the need for more transparency regarding its monetization practices have been highlighted. Overall, players appreciate the value but express frustration over the monetization strategy and its implications for the game's integrity.

    • “In fact, there's a monetization system in this game that permits you to buy new items that will greatly benefit your character; then there's the experience which, predictably, will give us a level up that'll boost our stats.”
    • “Better buy this quick before the cash grab that is current year Hopoo removes it from the store.”
    • “You're close to making something perfect here, Hopoo, but my god... one of the elements of this game's advertisement I found most appealing was the biggest letdown, and you have some pretty serious work still to do on the online elements of Risk of Rain, given you made the co-op experience three years ago.”
    • “And Risk of Rain is a cash grab, when they could've just updated this game.”
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83%Critics’ scoreBased on 8 critic reviews
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24h Median play time
44h Average play time
9-60h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 111 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Risk of Rain is a survival hack and slash game with fantasy and science fiction themes.

Risk of Rain is available on Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac OS, PlayStation 4 and others.

On average players spend around 44 hours playing Risk of Rain.

Risk of Rain was released on November 8, 2013.

Risk of Rain was developed by Hopoo Games.

Risk of Rain has received positive reviews from players and positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its music but disliked it for its stability.

Risk of Rain is a single player game with multiplayer and local co-op support.

Similar games include Wizard of Legend, Caveblazers, Enter The Gungeon, Dead Cells, Heroes of Hammerwatch and others.