Deal | "The ideal roguelike" is just $2 on Steam right now – 20K reviews, 93% positive
Risk of Rain is a 2D roguelike platformer that made waves back in 2013 with its pixel-art style and memorable soundtrack. Developed by the small indie team at Hopoo Games, the game combines intense platforming with strategic shooting in a way that feels both challenging and rewarding. The premise is straightforward: after a spaceship crash, you're stranded on a hostile alien planet crawling with monsters. Your goal is to survive, gather gear, find a teleporter and escape. While the setup follows classic sci-fi tropes, the game quickly develops a rhythm of its own. Polygon even called it an “ideal roguelike.”
You start with one of ten unlockable characters, each offering a distinct playstyle – from precise snipers to brutal melee fighters. Eurogamer compared this variety to learning an instrument, pointing to the game’s depth and complexity. While this adds significant replay value, it also results in a steep learning curve that might put off newcomers at first. The difficulty is high, and mastering the mechanics takes time.
Every second counts
As with most roguelikes, every death in Risk of Rain sends you back to the start. What sets it apart is a unique twist: the longer you play, the harder the game becomes. A timer constantly ticks in the background, steadily increasing enemy difficulty. Linger too long and you’ll be overwhelmed. This constant pressure creates a tense, fast-paced rhythm where every decision matters – should you farm for gear or head for the exit? Eurogamer praised this mechanic for adding a fresh layer of strategy, pushing the gameplay to a new level. Still, the pacing isn’t without flaws. At times, it can feel either too slow or suddenly too hectic.
Combat in Risk of Rain is fast and intense, rewarding clever use of character abilities and item combinations. With over 100 items randomly spread throughout each run, the potential for wild, sometimes absurd synergies keeps gameplay fresh and exciting. This randomness adds replay value but also introduces a luck factor – not every run feels balanced or fair. Visually, the game impresses with its charming pixel art, clean interface and a moody soundtrack that perfectly complements its dark atmosphere. Eurogamer praised the cohesive presentation and the game’s thoughtful design. Still, Risk of Rain isn’t without flaws. In later stages, when waves of enemies, effects and buffs flood the screen, it can become overwhelming and hard to follow.
Overall, Risk of Rain received a solid 8 out of 10 from Eurogamer. On Metacritic, it holds a Metascore of 77 and a User Score of 8.1. The response on Steam has been especially enthusiastic, with over 20,000 reviews and a 93% positive rating.
80% discount on Steam
Risk of Rain usually costs around $10 on Steam, but until July 21 it’s available for $2 thanks to an 80% discount. According to SteamDB, the price has never dropped lower, even though similar deals have appeared before, most recently in May 2025.
Disclaimer: Notebookcheck is not responsible for price changes carried out by retailers. The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability.
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