Risk of Rain 2 is filled with unique characters, each offering their own distinct playstyle. Among them, Acrid stands out as a melee-ranged hybrid who combines poison-based attacks with powerful mobility. Unlocking Acrid is not as straightforward as completing a level or gathering a number of kills. Instead, players must explore a specific hidden area within the game. For those eager to expand their survivor roster, understanding how to unlock Acrid in Risk of Rain 2 is essential for both casual and experienced players.
Who Is Acrid in Risk of Rain 2?
A Hybrid Character with Poisonous Power
Acrid is a unique survivor who originally appeared in the first Risk of Rain game. In Risk of Rain 2, he returns with a blend of close-range melee attacks and long-range poison abilities. What makes Acrid distinct is his passive, which allows him to poison enemies and deal damage over time. This makes him excellent for crowd control and dealing with tanky foes.
While Acrid may seem difficult to control at first, his skillset becomes incredibly powerful in the hands of a player who knows when to engage and when to retreat. Unlocking Acrid opens up a new gameplay experience for those looking to diversify their strategies in Risk of Rain 2.
How to Unlock Acrid
Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Acrid
To unlock Acrid, players must enter the hidden realm known as the ‘Void Fields.’ This area is not immediately obvious and requires specific steps to access. Follow this guide to successfully unlock Acrid:
- Start a run and reach the Bazaar Between Time. This can be accessed by finding a Newt Altar and using a Lunar Coin to open a blue portal.
- Once inside the Bazaar, head toward the back and jump off the edge. Normally this might seem like falling to your death, but you will land in the Void Fields below.
- Survive through nine cell vents in the Void Fields. Each vent will trigger waves of powerful enemies. You must activate and complete all nine to progress.
- Once all nine vents are completed, Acrid will be unlocked automatically. You do not need to complete the run after this point unlocking happens immediately after the ninth cell is completed.
Tips for Surviving the Void Fields
The Void Fields can be punishing. With constant damage being dealt when you’re outside of active cells, preparation is key:
- Enter the Void Fields early in your run when enemies are weaker, but make sure you have a few healing or defensive items.
- Bring a survivor with good mobility such as Loader, Huntress, or Mercenary to navigate quickly between cell vents.
- Stick close to your team if playing co-op, and don’t activate multiple cells at once.
- Use terrain to your advantage to dodge and escape enemy attacks.
Why Unlock Acrid?
Strengths of Acrid
Unlocking Acrid in Risk of Rain 2 brings a host of benefits for those looking for a new gameplay style. Acrid’s primary advantage is his passive poison, which applies a damage-over-time effect that scales with health percentages rather than flat values. This makes him extremely effective against bosses and elite monsters.
Some of Acrid’s key strengths include:
- Excellent survivability with healing through his Neurotoxin skill (if chosen).
- Ability to weaken enemies using poison over time.
- Flexible combat with both ranged and melee attacks.
- Strong synergy with mobility and survivability items.
Ideal Playstyle for Acrid
Players who enjoy hit-and-run tactics, damage-over-time mechanics, and area denial will find Acrid especially enjoyable. His melee attack allows for aggressive close combat, while his ranged poison spit gives him a way to fight from a distance. Acrid excels when players weave in and out of combat zones, applying poison and letting it tick while they reposition or heal.
Best Items to Use with Acrid
Enhancing Poison Damage and Survivability
Once you unlock Acrid, you’ll want to build him effectively. His skills benefit from both mobility and defensive items, as well as those that amplify damage over time. Here are some recommended items:
- Will-o’-the-wisp: Helps clear crowds when enemies die from poison.
- Tougher Times: Reduces incoming damage and increases survivability.
- Ukulele: Adds chain lightning to his attacks, great for groups.
- Infusion: Increases max health, allowing Acrid to stay alive longer during poison ticks.
- Harvester’s Scythe: Provides healing on crits, which complements his constant skirmishing style.
Items to Avoid
Not all items benefit Acrid equally. Items that rely on rapid, high-damage single hits (like Preon Accumulator) may not suit his poison-over-time playstyle. Focus on synergy with sustained engagements and area control.
Alternate Skills for Acrid
Customizing Acrid’s Abilities
After unlocking Acrid, players can later unlock alternate skills by completing specific in-game challenges. These alternate skills can significantly change how Acrid functions in combat:
- Frenzied Leap: A high-mobility leap with strong AoE damage.
- Caustic Sludge: Leaves a damaging trail that slows enemies, offering crowd control.
- Neurotoxin: Applies poison to enemies within a cone and provides healing per enemy hit.
Choosing the right skills depends on your preferred playstyle. For defensive builds, Neurotoxin provides survivability. If you want more area control, Caustic Sludge might be ideal.
Challenges of Playing Acrid
Learning Curve and Positioning
Although powerful, Acrid comes with a learning curve. His melee attacks can put him in danger if not timed well. Players must learn how to manage cooldowns, poison application, and safe retreating. Acrid is not the type of character that can rush headlong into fights without thinking. Understanding enemy patterns and map layout becomes essential for mastering Acrid’s potential.
Balancing Risk and Reward
Players will find that playing Acrid effectively involves high risk and high reward. His poison damage is not instantaneous, so patience is key. Managing aggression without overcommitting is the secret to long runs and surviving higher difficulty levels like Monsoon or Eclipse.
Unlocking Acrid in Risk of Rain 2 adds a fresh dimension to your gameplay. His poison-based mechanics, hybrid combat style, and survivability make him one of the more unique survivors available. Though the process to unlock him may seem complex requiring a journey to the Void Fields and survival through dangerous waves the payoff is well worth it. With the right items, skills, and tactics, Acrid can become a powerhouse in any run. For players seeking a character that balances strategy, aggression, and control, Acrid is a top-tier choice in Risk of Rain 2.