risk of rain returns illegal shipment

3 min read 25-02-2025

Risk of Rain 2: The Perils of the Illegal Shipment

Risk of Rain 2's roguelike gameplay loop is built on challenge and reward. One key element that amplifies both is the mysterious and often perilous Illegal Shipment. While the potential loot is incredibly tempting, the risks involved often make it a gamble even for experienced players. This article delves into the potential rewards and significant drawbacks of engaging with this dangerous in-game mechanic.

The Allure of the Illegal Shipment

The Illegal Shipment appears randomly during runs, offering a chance at powerful, game-changing items. This allure is strong, especially in later stages of a run where powerful equipment can dramatically improve survival chances. The promise of significantly boosting your character's capabilities is a major draw, pushing players to accept the inherent risks. But is the reward worth the risk? That's the core question.

What's Inside the Illegal Shipment?

The contents of an Illegal Shipment are always a surprise. It offers a selection of items, often powerful and unusual ones not normally found elsewhere. These can include:

Tier 3 and 4 Items: These powerful items can significantly shift the power balance of a run.
Unique Items: Sometimes, the shipment contains truly unique items with unpredictable effects.
Lunar Items: This category often holds exceptionally strong but potentially volatile items.

The random nature of the loot creates excitement and uncertainty, a core element of Risk of Rain 2's gameplay design.

The High Cost of Illegal Goods

The inherent risk isn’t just the time spent waiting; it’s the unpredictable consequences that make the Illegal Shipment a true gamble. These consequences can include:

Increased Enemy Density: Prepare for a significantly higher number of enemies, making survival more challenging.
Tougher Enemy Types: The Illegal Shipment can bring forth more dangerous and resilient enemies.
Potentially Hazardous Environments: The increased difficulty may even involve changes to the environment itself, such as increased hazards or altered terrain.
Potential for Run Failure: The increased difficulty could easily overwhelm unprepared players, leading to a game over.

Choosing to accept the shipment is accepting a substantial increase in difficulty. Players must weigh the potential rewards against the potential for a catastrophic failure.

Should You Accept the Illegal Shipment?

The decision of whether or not to accept the Illegal Shipment depends heavily on your current run's progress and your risk tolerance.

Consider these factors:

Your current item loadout: Do you already have a strong build? If so, the risk might be worth the potential rewards.
Your stage progression: Are you in the early game or nearing the end? Early game risks are often higher.
Your playstyle: Are you a cautious player or do you prefer aggressive tactics? This plays a huge role in your decision.

Ultimately, the Illegal Shipment adds a thrilling layer of strategic depth to Risk of Rain 2. It rewards careful assessment of risk versus reward, forcing players to make tough choices in the heat of the moment. It's part of what makes the game so engaging.

Strategies for Handling the Illegal Shipment

If you decide to accept the risk, consider these strategies:

Preparation is key: Before summoning the shipment, make sure you're well-equipped and have a solid understanding of your character's strengths and weaknesses.
Prioritize survivability: Choose items that boost your survivability over raw damage, particularly when facing increased enemy density.
Master your character: A thorough understanding of your character's abilities is crucial for navigating the increased difficulty.
Know when to retreat: Don't be afraid to abandon the shipment if things get too overwhelming. A failed run is a failed run, regardless of the potential rewards.

The Illegal Shipment in Risk of Rain 2 is a high-stakes gamble that reflects the unpredictable nature of the game itself. While the potential rewards are significant, players must always remember that the risks are substantial. Making informed decisions based on your current situation is crucial to successfully navigating the perils of the Illegal Shipment.