There are few roguelikes that strike the perfect balance between chaos, strategy, and sheer replayability quite like Risk of Rain 2. Hopoo Games turned the series into a third-person shooter that feels as frantic as it is satisfying. But what truly keeps players coming back isn’t just the loot or the procedurally generated stages—it’s the diverse cast of characters. Each survivor brings something unique to the table, from nimble mobility to brutal crowd control.

Whether you're just starting out or aiming to master the game's toughest runs, knowing who to pick and how to unlock them is key. This guide breaks down each playable character, how to unlock them, and ranks them from god-tier to just-for-fun. We’ll also dive into builds, tips, and how to choose the survivor that matches your style.

You don’t need to rely on RNG to expand your roster. Each survivor has a challenge tied to their unlock. Here's how to handle Risk of Rain 2 unlock characters efficiently:

• Commando – Unlocked by default. A reliable starter with balanced stats.

• Huntress – Complete any level three times. Agile with homing attacks.

• MUL-T – Beat the first stage five times. A tank with dual weapon sets.

• Engineer – Complete 30 stages. A defense mastermind with turret synergy.

• Artificer – Buy with Lunar Coins at the Bazaar Between Time. High burst damage.

• Mercenary – Reach the Obelisk and obliterate your character.

• REX – Deliver the Fuel Array (from your drop pod) to Rex in Abyssal Depths.

• Loader – Trigger the unique boss Grovetender in Siren’s Call and defeat it.

• Acrid – Enter the Void Fields and survive.

• Captain – Finish the final boss and escape.

• Railgunner and Void Fiend – Unlocked through the Survivors of the Void DLC.

Survivors are judged on their ability to scale, survive, and perform in solo and team play. Here's the latest tier list:

S-Tier: Dominators

• Railgunner
  Devastating single-target damage. Long-range specialist with critical burst potential.

  • Pros: Massive boss damage, zoom functionality, synergy with crit builds.

  • Cons: Low mobility, struggles with swarm enemies.

• Loader
  A mobile brawler with insane melee burst. Can bypass terrain and avoid fall damage.

  • Pros: Insane mobility, high burst, fall immunity.

  • Cons: Melee focus can be risky in swarms.

A-Tier: High Performers

• Mercenary
  Fast, evasive, and deadly in close combat. Feels like a ninja.

  • Pros: Invincibility frames, great mobility, high DPS.

  • Cons: High skill floor, can be punishing for mistakes.

• Huntress
  Auto-locking attacks and unmatched mobility. Excellent for kiting.

  • Pros: Easiest to use effectively, no aim required, blink ability.

  • Cons: Fragile, poor AOE early game.

• MUL-T
  Heavy and customizable. Excels with double weapons and tanks damage.

  • Pros: High health, armor, flexible playstyles.

  • Cons: Slower movement, dependent on item synergy.

B-Tier: Situationally Strong

• Captain
  Unique utility-focused support with defensive and offensive tools.

  • Pros: Orbital probes, revive beacon, crowd control.

  • Cons: Limited item scaling, long cooldowns.

• Acrid
  Hybrid melee-ranged poison expert. Best for attrition tactics.

  • Pros: DOT damage, large health pool.

  • Cons: DOT takes time to kill, awkward hitboxes.

• Engineer
  Strategic turret placement makes him a walking base.

  • Pros: Turrets inherit items, amazing for AFK farming.

  • Cons: Stationary playstyle, map awareness needed.

C-Tier: Tricky But Fun

• Artificer
  Magic-based glass cannon with elemental skills.

  • Pros: Huge burst, fun combos, airborne abilities.

  • Cons: Long cooldowns, low mobility, not newbie-friendly.

• REX
  A unique hybrid who trades HP for power. Skill ceiling is high.

  • Pros: High potential burst, leeching abilities.

  • Cons: Fragile, poor scaling without right items.

• Commando
  The default survivor. Straightforward and simple.

  • Pros: Easy to play, consistent fire rate.

  • Cons: Lacks burst or scaling; underwhelming late-game.

Let’s break down each survivor with a personality touch and playstyle pointer.

Commando

Think of him as the default marine. A safe pick with no glaring weaknesses, but also no dramatic power spikes. Perfect for learning the ropes.

Huntress

Love to stay agile and out of harm’s way? Huntress keeps things fluid with her blink and tracking arrows. Great for players who prefer movement over muscle.

MUL-T

Need a bruiser that can swap between heavy shots and crowd-clear? MUL-T thrives with customization. He’s a machine built for adapting.

Engineer

If you’re patient and like playing tactically, Engineer rewards smart positioning and map control. His turrets are game-changers.

Artificer

Magic users will appreciate the burst potential here. If you can line up cooldowns and pick your moments, she devastates mobs.

Mercenary

Stylish and slippery, Mercenary’s swordplay feels amazing—once mastered. Expect to die a few times before it clicks.

REX

For those who enjoy managing risk and reward, REX fits the bill. Part plant, part robot, all danger.

Loader

If speed is your addiction, Loader is the ultimate rush. Swing across the map like Spider-Man and slam enemies into the dirt.

Acrid

A primal beast with toxic claws. Acrid excels in slowly melting foes. Not a brawler—he’s a predator.

Captain

Support mains will love him. Drop beacons for allies, control spawns, and hold the line.

Railgunner

Do you love sniping? Railgunner’s your dream. Set up your shots and watch bosses evaporate.

Void Fiend

Chaotic but powerful. Shifts forms and excels when you ride the line between control and chaos.

Optimizing each survivor means building around their strengths. Here’s what to focus on:

• Loader – Backup Mags, Crowbars, Energy Drinks

• Railgunner – Lens-Maker’s Glasses, Harvester’s Scythe, Predatory Instincts

• Engineer – Bustling Fungus, Tougher Times, Shield Generator

• Mercenary – Soldier’s Syringe, Focus Crystal, Paul’s Goat Hoof

• Artificer – Runald’s/Kjaro’s Bands, Fuel Cell, Alien Head

• Huntress – Will-o’-the-wisp, Ukulele, Backup Mag

• Captain – Defensive Microbots, Shuriken, Energy Drinks

• Use Artifacts like Command to direct your builds.

• Play on Drizzle if you want stress-free unlocks.

• Check Void Fields and Bazaar regularly.

• Stack Lunar Coins early in runs to prep for Artificer.

Risk of Rain 2 continues to impress with its depth, unique roster, and chaotic fun. Whether you're looking to blast from afar, poison and flee, or brawl up close, there’s a character to match every instinct.

With these tips and tier breakdowns, you’re equipped to dominate. Just don’t forget: builds matter, but so does fun.

Which survivor do you think deserves a buff or a nerf? Drop your thoughts in the comments. And if you're still grinding out unlocks, stick with it—the payoff is worth it.