Risk of Rain Returns similar games & best alternatives
Risk of Rain Returns
2023
Related articles
Quick resume
Carefully designed, beautifully remastered, and loaded with new ways to play—Risk of Rain is back and better than ever! Dive into the iconic roguelike full of unique loot combinations, enhanced with new Survivors, overhauled multiplayer, fan favorite content from Risk of Rain 2, and more!
Global score
90/100
Genres
Action, Shooter, Indie, Hack and slash/Beat 'em up
Pros
- Faithful and polished remake of original risk of rain
- Improved graphics, sound, and quality of life features
- Challenging and rewarding gameplay with high replay value
- Functional and balanced multiplayer cooperative mode
- Rich content with new characters, items, and trials
Cons
- Some players find difficulty spikes and trials frustrating
- Lack of minimap and slow pacing in exploration
- Certain mechanics (e.g. aiming, platforming) can feel awkward
- No ongoing updates or official mod support yet
- Some content locked behind tedious challenges
Motivations
-
Autonomy4
"Players have freedom to choose characters, abilities, and playstyle; also options to toggle new content on/off."
-
Competence4
"Game is challenging with skill-based combat, requiring mechanical mastery and strategic item use."
-
Competition-2
"Focus is mainly on personal progression and overcoming game challenges; multiplayer is cooperative rather than competitive."
-
Continuation4
"High replay value with unlockables, trials, and progression systems encouraging long-term engagement."
-
Cooperation3
"Supports multiplayer with cooperative gameplay and item sharing options, enhancing teamwork."
-
Creativity3
"Players can customize builds with items and alternate skills; some modding support exists."
-
Domination-3
"Interactions emphasize shared challenge and cooperation rather than dominance or power over others."
-
Escapism4
"Players use the game as distraction and stress relief, enjoying immersive roguelike experience."
-
Expectation-4
"Players engage voluntarily out of intrinsic interest and nostalgia for the series."
-
Experimenting4
"Encourages trying new characters, item combinations, and alternate abilities; exploration of mechanics."
-
Exploration3
"Players explore varied levels with secrets and stage variants, though maps are familiar to series fans."
-
Expression2
"Some character customization and cosmetic options, plus modding potential, but limited compared to sandbox games."
-
Fantasy4
"Set in a sci-fi fantasy world with imaginative characters, enemies, and lore."
-
Fellowship3
"Community and multiplayer aspects foster social connection and shared experiences."
-
Growth4
"Players develop skills, learn character mechanics, and unlock new content progressively."
-
Health-4
"Primarily sedentary gameplay with no physical activity elements."
-
Idle-3
"Requires focused attention and continuous engagement during runs; not suited for passive play."
-
Intimacy1
"Some social interaction in multiplayer, but limited emotional or close relationship building."
-
Leadership-2
"Multiplayer roles are cooperative and balanced without strong leadership or authority dynamics."
-
Progression5
"Strong emphasis on unlocking characters, items, abilities, and achievements over time."
-
Relaxation2
"Offers flow and catharsis through gameplay, though difficulty can cause tension and challenge."
-
Sensation3
"Enjoyable pixel art, sound design, and music provide sensory stimulation and emotional engagement."
-
Status1
"Some recognition through achievements and community, but limited focus on social status."
-
Story2
"Narrative elements and lore exist but are secondary to gameplay; some immersion in world-building."
-
Strategy3
"Requires planning item builds, character abilities, and stage navigation; moderate mental challenge."
-
Thrill3
"Tense moments from difficulty spikes, boss fights, and time pressure create excitement."
-
Value4
"Highly praised for content amount, replayability, and polish relative to price."
-
Violence3
"Combat against enemies is central, with destruction and defeating foes as core gameplay."
-
Survival4
"Players must manage resources, avoid death, and overcome threats to progress."
Similar games
Last update: 06/03/2026