What are Void Items?
The allure of power is tempting, but in Risk of Rain 2, sometimes it comes at a deadly price. Void items, shimmering with an otherworldly luminescence, beckon players with the promise of incredible strength. Yet, they also carry a shadowed side, a potential for devastating consequences that can swiftly end even the most promising runs.
Risk of Rain 2 is a roguelike experience unlike any other. You crash land on a strange planet, and must battle relentless waves of alien creatures while collecting items to increase your power and eventually fight the final boss. Each run is unique, and the thrill of discovery and the constant threat of death keep players coming back for more. Among the countless items scattered across the diverse landscapes are the enigmatic Void Items, which completely change the game.
Void Items are a unique class of equipment in Risk of Rain 2, distinguished by their distinctive purple and black visual aesthetic. They’re not simply another layer of power; they fundamentally alter the item system. Their primary function is to corrupt existing items, transforming their effects and, in some cases, introducing new mechanics that drastically impact gameplay. Unlike regular items, which simply grant passive or active bonuses, Void Items operate through a system of replacement and alteration. They often offer a significant boost to your power, but they almost always come with trade-offs.
The core mechanic revolves around a process called corruption. When you acquire a Void Item, it seeks out a corresponding regular item within your inventory. If it finds a suitable match, the original item is “consumed” and replaced by the Void counterpart. This replacement doesn’t simply destroy the item; it *transforms* it, altering its original function. Consider it an evolution, but one that can either be beneficial or detrimental, depending on the situation and the item involved.
Visually, Void Items are immediately recognizable. They often pulse with an eerie energy, shifting between shades of purple and black. They frequently have a unique name indicating the item type and the fact it’s now a void item. This distinct visual style is a constant reminder that you’ve entered into the realm of the Void and its unpredictable influence.
Acquiring these powerful, and often dangerous, items is crucial to understanding their influence on your playthrough.
How to Find Void Items
The hunt for Void Items is an integral part of the Risk of Rain 2 experience. They’re not as readily available as standard items, adding a layer of strategic depth to your runs.
Void Cradles are a reliable source of Void Items. These small, egg-shaped structures spawn on various stages, and they are the most common method of acquisition. Interacting with a Void Cradle allows you to choose an item to claim. They can also have a chance of granting void items.
You can also find the Void Seer, a unique, boss-like enemy that can appear during your runs. Upon defeating the Void Seer, it drops a guaranteed Void item. These encounters, although risky, are often worth the reward, especially if you have a strong build to handle the battle.
Lunar items, often linked to the game’s enigmatic lunar offerings, can sometimes lead you to Void Items. The interaction between the lunar pool and the Void is mysterious, but sometimes it is the key to acquiring Void items.
The benefits of Void Items can be transformative. However, it’s crucial to understand the risks before delving further.
The Powerful Benefits of Void Items
Void Items, when used strategically, can unleash incredible power. The benefits are rarely straightforward. They often provide a more potent version of the original item’s effect or introduce entirely new mechanics. These bonuses often come with increased stats or offer unique strategic advantages.
The enhancements themselves can range from simple damage boosts to intricate synergies that completely transform your build. Void Items can alter the way you play the game by adding a strategic layer you must consider when building your run.
However, that doesn’t mean they are always a good choice. Void items have a downside that needs to be considered.
The Risks Associated with Void Items
The promise of immense power is certainly enticing, but the price of using Void Items can be steep. The very mechanic that grants their power – item corruption – introduces a host of potential risks.
The foremost risk is item corruption. Once an item is consumed by a Void counterpart, it is gone. This means if a key piece of your build gets corrupted, your overall performance can suffer significantly. If you rely on a specific set of items for your strategy, having those items changed by a Void Item can be disastrous.
Another risk is over-reliance. The instant gratification of a significant power boost can easily tempt you to blindly take every Void item you encounter. Without careful planning, this can lead to an imbalance in your build, where you are either too focused on a single item or have several that clash together and cause you to be weak. Understanding your build is essential when approaching Void Items.
Many Void Items are simply not worth the risk of picking them up. The benefits may not be worth the cost, and they may corrupt items you need more.
Specific Detrimental Effects of Void Items
Some Void Items are particularly prone to causing negative consequences. The effects can be unpredictable, and sometimes, they can hinder a player’s ability to survive.
A deeper understanding of specific items is important to deciding whether or not to pick up certain Void Items. Let’s examine a few examples and their effects.
A Look at Some Specific Examples
Let’s analyze a few select Void Items, comparing their original counterparts to their corrupted forms to give a clearer picture of the risks and rewards.
Corrupted Leeching Seed vs. Leeching Seed
The original Leeching Seed heals you for a small amount of your maximum health when you deal damage. It’s a reliable source of sustain, especially early in the run.
The Corrupted Leeching Seed provides healing *based on damage taken.* This means the more you get hit, the more you heal. This can lead to some powerful healing, but it also means that your survivability is more reliant on getting hit, which can be dangerous.
Corrupted Ukulele vs. Ukulele
Ukulele, the original item, lets you unleash electrical attacks that deal damage to multiple enemies. It’s great for clearing hordes of enemies.
The Corrupted Ukulele is a massive upgrade from the standard version. It causes enemies to release smaller electrical attacks. With multiple attacks, this can clear entire rooms in seconds. It is a very strong item, and in most cases, it’s worth taking.
Corrupted AtG Missle Mk1 vs. AtG Missle Mk1
AtG Missle Mk1, the original item, fires off homing missiles with a chance to deal large amounts of damage.
The Corrupted AtG Missle Mk1 launches missiles with a greater chance to deal increased damage. However, it also has a chance of firing missiles at your character. This is a high-risk, high-reward item, where even with a good build, you can kill yourself.
Strategy and Tips for Navigating the Void
Successfully incorporating Void Items into your runs requires a blend of careful planning and strategic adaptation.
If you are considering utilizing Void Items, you should first assess your build’s current state. Are you heavily reliant on any particular items? If so, consider the potential consequences of corruption. Is your build already strong enough that the risk is worth it? These questions are very important when considering Void Items.
Understand the risk/reward ratio. Some Void Items offer a clear upgrade, but others can be incredibly dangerous. Evaluate the item’s effect, the potential for negative interactions, and your current build before making a decision.
Experiment and learn from mistakes. Don’t be afraid to try out different Void Items and see how they interact with your builds. Each run is unique, and the experience will teach you what works and what doesn’t.
Prioritize items based on your specific needs. Don’t simply take a Void Item because it’s there. Choose the items that best enhance your current strategy or fill gaps in your build.
Advanced strategies can benefit more experienced players. Synergies can be maximized with certain builds. You can also plan ahead and optimize your runs. Knowing how the stage hazards work can also determine if picking up a Void Item is a good decision.
Conclusion: Embrace the Shadows, But Tread with Caution
Void Items add a fascinating layer of complexity and strategic depth to Risk of Rain 2. They can transform your runs with powerful effects, but they also demand careful consideration. It is extremely important to weigh the potential benefits against the risks.
The unpredictable nature of Void Items makes them an exciting element of the game. Their existence forces players to adapt, plan, and embrace the unknown. They are a core part of the experience, forcing players to adapt and overcome.
What are your favorite Void Item combinations? Share your strategies in the comments below.
