Risk of Rain Returns brings back many fan-favorite characters from the original game, but few are as unique and beloved as Acrid. This venomous hybrid between beast and plague offers a fast, toxic style of gameplay that is extremely rewarding once mastered. Unlocking Acrid in Risk of Rain Returns is not immediately obvious, and for many new players, discovering how to do it can be a bit of a mystery. Thankfully, with the right approach, a bit of patience, and some map knowledge, unlocking Acrid is a straightforward process that opens up a powerful survivor for your future runs.
Who Is Acrid?
Acrid is a melee-ranged hybrid character in Risk of Rain Returns, known for his poison-based attacks and ability to deal damage over time. He first appeared in the original Risk of Rain and quickly became a fan favorite due to his unique mechanics and playstyle. Acrid’s strength lies in applying consistent poison damage to enemies while staying mobile and evading incoming hits.
Core Characteristics of Acrid
- Hybrid Style: Combines close-range melee strikes with long-range acidic abilities.
- Poison Damage: Inflicts damage over time, bypassing many enemy defenses.
- High Mobility: Capable of fast movement and evasion tactics.
- Survivability: Can disengage quickly from danger, reducing risk of death.
Unlocking Acrid provides players with access to one of the most dynamic and satisfying survivors in the game, especially for those who enjoy a hit-and-run or damage-over-time playstyle.
Where to Find Acrid
To unlock Acrid in Risk of Rain Returns, you need to encounter him during a specific stage. Acrid is found in the Sunken Tombs level, which typically appears as the fourth stage during a run. This level features a distinct underwater temple-like environment filled with vertical terrain, dangerous mobs, and sometimes hidden areas.
Steps to Locate Acrid
- Play the game normally until you reach Stage 4.
- Once you enter the Sunken Tombs, begin searching the stage thoroughly.
- Look for a large glass prison pod, often located in a lower or side chamber.
- This pod holds Acrid and appears as a distinct environmental object.
Finding the pod requires some platforming and exploration. If you rush through the level or activate the teleporter too soon, you may miss the opportunity to unlock Acrid during that run.
How to Unlock Acrid
Once you locate Acrid’s prison pod in the Sunken Tombs, you’ll need to free him. This isn’t as simple as just pressing a button you must defeat the monsters guarding the area. These enemies will spawn as soon as you approach the pod, and they must all be eliminated before Acrid can be released.
Unlocking Procedure
- Approach the glass container holding Acrid.
- Trigger the pod to initiate the mini-event.
- Fight off the waves of enemies that appear.
- After defeating all enemies, the pod breaks open and Acrid is unlocked.
You will receive an on-screen notification confirming that Acrid has been unlocked. From this point forward, Acrid will be available to select in the character selection screen for future runs.
Tips for Reaching Stage 4 Safely
Getting to the Sunken Tombs can be a challenge, especially for new players. You’ll need to survive at least three earlier stages, each of which increases in difficulty as time passes. The following tips can improve your chances of reaching Stage 4 and unlocking Acrid successfully.
Early Game Strategies
- Prioritize Mobility: Items like Goat Hoof, Hopoo Feather, and Paul’s Goat Hoof make exploration faster and safer.
- Damage Output: Collect items that improve attack speed, damage over time, or AOE effects.
- Teleporter Strategy: Activate the teleporter early in each stage, but only once you’re prepared to fight the boss.
- Stay Alive: Avoid unnecessary risks. Defensive items such as Tough Times and Infusion are valuable.
Efficient use of items and strategic combat decisions are key to ensuring you reach the Sunken Tombs without losing your run.
Why Unlock Acrid?
Acrid is not just a cosmetic unlock he changes how you approach the game. Unlike some survivors that rely on burst damage or projectile spam, Acrid rewards timing, positioning, and patience. His damage-over-time mechanics allow him to chip away at high-health targets, making him especially useful against bosses or elite enemies.
Benefits of Playing Acrid
- Consistent Damage: Poison continues dealing damage while you reposition.
- Versatility: Effective at both mob-clearing and boss encounters.
- Unique Mechanics: Acrid’s gameplay stands out from the rest of the cast.
- Fun to Master: Learning Acrid’s movement and timing feels rewarding over time.
Unlocking Acrid also contributes to your overall survivor collection and encourages experimentation with different builds and loadouts.
Recommended Items for Acrid
Once you’ve unlocked Acrid, item synergy becomes crucial to maximizing his potential. Some items enhance his poison capabilities, while others increase his survivability or mobility.
Item Synergies
- Will-o’-the-wisp: Combines well with Acrid’s AOE playstyle, especially during large mob fights.
- Ukulele: Adds chain lightning for crowd control.
- Infusion: Increases HP for better frontline engagement.
- Backup Magazine: Gives extra charges of Acrid’s secondary ability.
- Harvester’s Scythe: Provides healing on critical hits.
While any run may provide a random assortment of items, building around Acrid’s strengths greatly improves his effectiveness and survivability.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Unlocking Acrid isn’t overly difficult, but some players make small mistakes that lead to missing the opportunity during a run. Understanding these pitfalls can help you succeed more consistently.
Watch Out For:
- Activating the teleporter too early: Always explore the map first to find Acrid’s pod.
- Ignoring the environment: Acrid’s pod can be tucked away in obscure corners or behind vertical obstacles.
- Not preparing for combat: The enemies guarding Acrid can be strong make sure you’re ready before triggering the event.
Take your time when you reach Stage 4. Exploring thoroughly and ensuring you’re equipped for the fight is worth the effort.
Unlocking Acrid in Risk of Rain Returns is one of the more exciting side objectives players can pursue. With his poison-centric abilities, high mobility, and unique hybrid combat style, Acrid adds depth and variety to the gameplay experience. By following the proper steps reaching the Sunken Tombs, locating the pod, and surviving the guard fight you’ll earn access to a powerful new survivor. Whether you’re a veteran or new to the Risk of Rain universe, adding Acrid to your roster is a milestone worth achieving. Once unlocked, his venomous gameplay will keep you hooked run after run.