Venturing into the Unknown: A Breakdown of Every Gateway
Risk of Rain Two is a game about escalating chaos, and nothing embodies that better than its hidden portals. These shimmering gateways offer the promise of untold riches, challenging encounters, and a swift passage to unique realms that can drastically alter the trajectory of your run. But with great reward comes great risk, and stepping through one of these portals can just as easily lead to a swift and ignominious end. Are you brave enough to navigate the chaotic unknown?
This guide aims to be your ultimate resource for understanding every portal in Risk of Rain Two. We’ll delve into the mechanics of each portal, detail how to access them, explain the rewards they offer, and highlight the dangers that lurk within. Whether you’re a seasoned survivor or a newcomer just finding your footing on Petrichor V, understanding and mastering portal usage is crucial for maximizing your potential and conquering the most challenging aspects of the game. Prepare to uncover the secrets that lie beyond the shimmering veil!
The Azure Gateway: Bazaar Between Time
Ah, the familiar blue glow. The Bazaar Between Time is often the first portal that players encounter, and it’s one of the most valuable assets in Risk of Rain Two. Accessing it is remarkably simple: you need only a single Lunar Coin. You can find these coins randomly as drops from enemies, or sometimes, you can earn them by pure luck using a Shrine of Order, which rerolls all your items into a random one.
What awaits you inside? The Bazaar is a haven of sorts, offering a selection of powerful Lunar Items. These items often come with a considerable tradeoff, providing immense power but also imposing a drawback. Experimentation is key to finding the Lunar Items that suit your playstyle. You can also trade existing items for different items.
But that’s not all. The Bazaar is also home to the enigmatic Void Fields, accessible through a distinct portal. Navigating this treacherous zone will be discussed later.
Also, the Seer’s Key can be claimed here which will unlock an achievement.
The Bazaar Between Time is a tempting proposition, but remember that Lunar Items can significantly alter your build, for better or worse. Weigh the potential benefits against the risks before making your purchase.
The Celestial Path: Obliteration at the Obelisk
This isn’t your typical portal. The Celestial Obelisk is found on Sky Meadow (Stage Five), and it offers a unique, albeit final, choice: Obliteration. Interacting with the Obelisk ends your run.
While that might sound counterintuitive, Obliteration is essential for unlocking certain content. Some achievements and character unlocks require you to reach the Obelisk and choose to end your run in this manner.
There are no risks to consider here, other than the obvious: you’re ending your current run. It’s best to only obliterate when you’ve made peace with your progress and are ready to start anew.
The Golden Doorway: Avarice and the Gilded Coast
Greed can be a powerful motivator, and the Gold Portal is proof of that. This portal is activated by paying with a Shrine of Gold found on any stage. Once activated, it transports you to the Gold Shores.
This realm is a treasure trove of gold chests, ripe for the looting. However, it’s also guarded by the formidable Gilded Wurm, a powerful boss that will test your combat prowess.
The Gilded Shores offer a substantial economic boost to your run, allowing you to purchase more items and enhance your build. However, the cost of entry can be prohibitive if you’re struggling for gold. Additionally, the Gilded Wurm is a significant threat, so ensure you’re adequately equipped before venturing inside.
The Shifting Void: A Test of Endurance
Within the Bazaar Between Time lies a mysterious void portal, leading to the Void Fields. Activating this portal sends you to a zone filled with nine waves of increasingly challenging enemies.
Each wave presents a new threat, forcing you to adapt and utilize your skills and items effectively. Successfully completing all nine waves rewards you with a unique item, often possessing powerful and game-changing properties.
The Void Fields are not for the faint of heart. The confined space and relentless enemy waves demand exceptional combat skills and a well-rounded build. Make sure you’re prepared for a grueling challenge before entering the void.
Whispers of the Deep: Confronting the End Game Early
Sometimes, you might notice strange Deep Void Signals scattered throughout the levels. Interacting with these signals opens a Deep Void Portal, offering a shortcut to the final boss.
This portal allows you to bypass the remaining stages and immediately confront the ultimate challenge. However, it comes at a cost. The enemies encountered within these areas can be very strong, and skipping stages means missing out on valuable items and upgrades.
The Deep Void Portal is a risky proposition. While it offers a faster route to the final boss, it can also lead to a premature and painful defeat if you’re not adequately prepared. Only consider this option if you have a strong build and are confident in your ability to take on the final boss.
Other Hidden Passages
Beyond the well-known portals, there are other ways to shift between spaces, such as commencement, which is used when trying to beat the game on a certain difficulty.
Mastering the Portals: Strategies and Considerations
Understanding the mechanics of each portal is only the first step. To truly master them, you need to develop effective strategies and learn to assess the risks and rewards involved.
Weighing the Scales: Risk Versus Reward
The most crucial decision is determining when to enter a portal. Consider your current build, health, and the stage of the run. Are you struggling for items and need a boost from the Gold Shores? Are you confident in your combat skills and ready to face the challenge of the Void Fields? Or do you feel that skipping to the final boss will be the right choice?
Carefully evaluate your situation before making the leap. A poorly timed portal entry can quickly derail an otherwise successful run.
Synergistic Power: Item Combinations for Portal Success
Certain item combinations can significantly enhance your chances of survival and success within specific portal realms. For example, movement speed items are invaluable in the Void Fields, allowing you to dodge enemy attacks and navigate the confined space. Area-of-effect items are highly effective against the numerous enemies in the Gold Shores.
Experiment with different item synergies to discover what works best for you.
The Right Tool for the Job: Character Selection
Different characters excel in different portal scenarios. Characters with high burst damage are well-suited for boss fights, while characters with good mobility can easily navigate treacherous terrains.
Consider your character’s strengths and weaknesses when deciding which portal to enter.
Working Together: Teamwork in Multiplayer
If you’re playing in multiplayer, communication and coordination are key. Discuss with your teammates which portal to enter and develop a strategy for tackling the challenges within.
A well-coordinated team can overcome even the most daunting obstacles.
Adapt and Overcome: Adjusting Your Build for the Challenge
Each portal presents unique challenges, and it’s important to adapt your build accordingly. If you’re heading to the Void Fields, prioritize survivability and crowd control. If you’re facing the Gilded Wurm, focus on dealing sustained damage.
Flexibility is essential for mastering the portals of Risk of Rain Two.
Conclusion: Embrace the Chaos and Conquer the Realms
The portals of Risk of Rain Two are a defining feature of the game, offering both immense rewards and significant risks. By understanding the mechanics of each portal, developing effective strategies, and adapting to the challenges within, you can unlock your full potential and conquer even the most formidable obstacles.
So, embrace the chaos, step through the shimmering veil, and discover the secrets that await you in the hidden realms of Risk of Rain Two. What’s your favorite portal and why? Share your experiences and strategies in the comments below! Happy adventuring!
