PC (Steam)MacLinux Roguelite2D ActionShooterIndie

Risk of Rain Guide

2013-11-08 Gearbox Publishing Hopoo Games

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Time-based difficulty began with this 2D original. These essentials are limited to facts explicitly stated in the official Steam store listing.

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ABOUT

What is Risk of Rain?

The 2D roguelite action game that laid the groundwork for Risk of Rain 2. Its defining series mechanic—elapsed time continually increasing difficulty—began here. Stacking copies of an item also adds to its effects, eventually producing enough damage to fill the screen. Unlock different characters as you fight to escape a pixel-art planet. The sequel moved into 3D, but players seeking the density and feel of 2D action still enjoy the original. The Japanese source recorded over 29,000 Steam reviews and a Very Positive rating; these are historical figures. Japanese is not officially supported.

ℹ️ Information organized from reference material Steam store page →

⚠️ Japanese is not officially supported

The interface and text are in English. Check before purchasing. The original Japanese page explains the game using the official Steam store description.

🏆 29,826 reviews / Very Positive (historical source figures)

Very Positive

Steam reviews
29,826 reviews (as of August 2026)

2013/11/8

Release date
The 2D original

Not supported

Japanese
English interface

Hopoo Games

Developer
Hopoo Games / Publisher: Gearbox

「Time-based difficulty began with this 2D original」 — Based on the official Steam description and the source's recorded reviews

🔑 Essential points

1. Time increases difficulty

The series' defining rule: as the on-screen timer advances, enemies become stronger and more numerous. You are constantly balancing speed against gathering items.

2. Items become stronger when stacked

Collecting multiple copies of an item stacks its effects. This system produces the extreme damage possible late in a run.

3. The density of the 2D original

The sequel is 3D, while this game is 2D. Enemy density and the feel of dodging differ.

4. Character unlocks

Meeting conditions unlocks new characters and changes how you fight.

5. Japanese is not officially supported

The interface and text are in English. The Japanese-supported sequel, [Risk of Rain 2](/en/games/risk-of-rain-2/), is another option.

📚 Sources and information not covered

This page uses only facts explicitly stated in the official Steam store listing. Character tier lists, strongest builds and item-performance evaluations are not included until reliable sources are available; speculation could mislead readers:

▸ Official Steam page: Risk of Rain

FAQ

Risk of Rain FAQ

Q1 What kind of game is Risk of Rain? ▼

It is the 2D roguelite action game that laid the groundwork for Risk of Rain 2. The series' central rule—that elapsed time itself increases difficulty—began here. Developed by Hopoo Games and published by Gearbox Publishing, it was released on November 8, 2013.

Q2 Does it support Japanese? ▼

Japanese is not officially supported. If you want to play in Japanese, consider the Japanese-supported sequel, [Risk of Rain 2](/en/games/risk-of-rain-2/).

Q3 How does it differ from the sequel? ▼

The biggest difference is 2D versus 3D. They share mechanics such as time-based difficulty and stacking items, but this 2D game's enemy density and feel of dodging are distinctive.

Q4 Why does winning become harder as a run continues? ▼

Because elapsed time drives difficulty. If you explore slowly, enemies grow stronger faster than your equipment improves. Deciding when to leave and move on is central to a run.

Q5 How should I choose items? ▼

Stack copies of the same item. Their effects accumulate, so choosing a direction and collecting matching items makes you stronger.

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📺 Risk of Rain guide videos

🔍 Search YouTube for “Risk of Rain beginner guide” →

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→ Risk of Rain 2 The 3D sequel with Japanese support
→ Dead Cells (Japanese) A classic 2D roguelite
→ Nuclear Throne A fast-paced shooter

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