Introduction
Risk of Rain throws players into chaotic landscapes overrun by bizarre creatures. But it’s the mysterious portals that truly beckon the adventurous and the reckless, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the unknown. This critically acclaimed roguelike survivor challenges players to survive against ever-increasing odds, collecting powerful items and battling hordes of enemies on a procedurally generated planet. A core mechanic of the game is engaging with the teleporter on each stage. As you progress through the game the stages become more difficult. One of the game’s most enticing features, and one that can often lead to both great rewards and utter devastation, are the portals scattered throughout the world. These shimmering gateways hold the key to hidden locations, unique challenges, and powerful loot.
This guide is your complete resource to navigating the world of Risk of Rain portals. We will explore the various portals hidden within the game, detailing their locations, the costs associated with activation, the dangers that lurk within, and the potentially game-changing rewards they offer. Whether you are a seasoned survivor or a fresh recruit, this comprehensive portal guide will equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions and maximize your chances of success. By the end, you’ll understand the secrets of the Risk of Rain portal system and be able to leverage them to conquer even the toughest challenges the game throws your way.
Understanding the Portal System
In Risk of Rain, a portal serves as a gateway to a distinct, often optional, area outside the normal stage progression. These are not simply shortcuts, but rather self-contained environments with their own set of rules, challenges, and potential rewards. Engaging with portals is a calculated risk, demanding players to weigh the potential benefits against the dangers and resource expenditure.
Activating a portal typically involves fulfilling a specific condition or paying a cost. This might require spending in-game currency, Lunar Coins, or fulfilling a certain gameplay criteria. Once activated, the portal opens, allowing players to enter and explore the destination.
The world of Risk of Rain contains a number of portals, each categorized based on their function and the type of destination they lead to. It’s helpful to first have a general understanding of the different portal types so you can make informed decisions. There are Environment Portals which lead to special locations like the Bazaar Between Time or the Void Fields. Then there are Special Event Portals, which offer timed events like the Gold Shores. Before diving into the specifics of each portal, let’s discuss the delicate balancing act all players face when interacting with portals: risk versus reward.
Engaging with a portal isn’t always a guaranteed win. These areas often feature tougher enemies, unique environmental hazards, and mechanics that can easily catch players off guard. However, the potential rewards can be substantial. Portals can provide access to powerful items, unique equipment, currency, and even unlockable content. The decision to enter a portal depends entirely on the player’s current situation, risk tolerance, and overall game plan.
Environment Portals – Alternate Dimensions
Environment portals transport you to permanent alternative dimensions. Once visited these locations will always be accessible assuming the pre-requisites are met.
The Bazaar Between Time
The Bazaar Between Time is a serene sanctuary accessible through a shimmering blue portal. This portal randomly appears after completing a teleporter event on any stage. The cost of entry is one Lunar Coin per visit, a small price to pay for the refuge it offers.
Within the Bazaar, players can find several valuable services. Newt is a key figure who accepts Lunar Coins in exchange for powerful, albeit unpredictable, Lunar items. A Traveling Merchant offers a rotating selection of items at varying prices. A Cleansing Pool allows you to trade in lunar items for a regular item of the same tier, but costs one lunar coin. Lastly, The Seer will show you the location of an artifact that exists on the current world in exchange for one lunar coin.
The Obelisk
The Obelisk is encountered by entering the Celestial Portal on Commencement. This portal will appear after completing the teleporter event on Commencement. Interacting with the Obelisk itself triggers the ending sequence, without requiring currency. This option allows you to Obliterate yourself from existence, resetting your run. This is considered by some to be the default ending of the game.
The Void Fields
The Void Fields, accessed through a randomly spawning purple Void Portal, offer a unique and dangerous challenge. These portals appear randomly after a teleporter event after the fourth stage. There is no initial cost, but each chamber inside applies a stacking debuff, known as Void Corruption, to the player.
The Void Fields is a series of interconnected chambers filled with void rifts. Each chamber presents a wave of enemies infused with void energy. These enemies pose a significant threat, often possessing unique abilities and enhanced stats.
The main challenge within the Void Fields lies in managing the Void Corruption. This debuff stacks with each chamber visited, decreasing maximum health and increasing damage taken. Players must carefully balance clearing chambers with mitigating the effects of the corruption.
Upon completing all the chambers in the Void Fields, players are rewarded with one guaranteed Void item. These items can be incredibly powerful, but often come with downsides or require a specific playstyle to maximize their effectiveness.
Special Event Portals – Timed Challenges
Special Event Portals are timed challenges where players can try their hand at difficult scenarios in exchange for a valuable reward.
The Gold Shores
The Gold Shores are accessed through a golden portal that randomly spawns during teleporter events. Activation requires a substantial sum of money. This high cost reflects the potential riches that await those who dare to enter.
The Gold Shores are a land of excess, filled with glistening gold and guarded by formidable Gold Golems. The primary objective is to reach the Golden Vault, which houses a treasure trove of items.
The main challenge lies in navigating the hordes of enemies protecting the vault. The Gold Golems are tough and resistant to damage, requiring strategic positioning and focused fire. Additionally, a horde of enemies will come to defend the vault.
Once the vault is opened, players can claim a multitude of items, significantly boosting their power and survivability. However, be mindful of the swarm of enemies that will attempt to stop you from leaving.
The Aphelian Sanctuary
The Aphelian Sanctuary, an altered version of the Sanctuary stage, is accessed through the Deep Void Portal. This portal appears after activating a cleansing pool with nine Lunar items in the Bazaar Between Time, costing you all nine items.
This location is filled with swarms of void-infused enemies that can quickly overwhelm unprepared players. Constant movement and crowd control are essential for survival.
The primary reward for braving the Deep Void Portal is a guaranteed Pearl and Iridescent Pearl. These items permanently increase a character’s base stats, providing a significant advantage for the remainder of the run.
Mastering Portal Navigation
Knowing when to engage with portals is crucial for success. Entering a portal at the wrong time can leave you vulnerable and unprepared for the challenges ahead.
Consider your current item build, stage, and difficulty level. If you lack essential defensive items or are struggling to clear regular stages, entering a challenging portal might be too risky. Conversely, if you have a strong build and are feeling confident, a portal can offer a significant power boost.
Different team compositions excel in different situations. A team with strong crowd control abilities might be well-suited for the Aphelian Sanctuary, while a team with high single-target damage might be better equipped for the Gold Shores.
Experiment with different item synergies to find combinations that help you survive portal challenges. Items that provide increased mobility, healing, or damage reduction can be invaluable for mitigating the risks. Items that synergize with each other, such as the Lens Maker’s Glasses and the Crowbar, can substantially increase your damage output.
Final Thoughts
Portals represent a thrilling aspect of Risk of Rain, offering players the chance to deviate from the standard progression and explore uncharted territories. From the serene Bazaar Between Time to the perilous Void Fields, each portal presents unique challenges and opportunities. By understanding the locations, costs, mechanics, and strategies associated with each portal, you can transform these shimmering gateways into powerful assets in your quest for survival.
Now that you’ve acquired the knowledge to navigate the portal landscape, it’s time to embark on your own journey of discovery. Dive into these hidden realms, experiment with different strategies, and unlock the secrets that lie beyond. The world of Risk of Rain awaits, ready to reward the bold and challenge the unprepared. Embrace the adventure, and may your runs be filled with both fortune and excitement as you traverse the ever-changing landscape and conquer the portals that stand in your way.
