The Simulacrum mode inRisk of Rain 2offers a unique, challenging twist on the traditional gameplay format. Rather than progressing through randomized stages with teleporter events, players are placed in a single arena where they must survive endless waves of enemies. Unlike other game modes that feature traditional endings or final bosses, the Simulacrum offers a very different kind of conclusion. Understanding how the Simulacrum ends, what triggers it, and what players can expect at that point is crucial for mastering this mode and getting the most out of the experience.
Understanding Simulacrum Mode
What Is Simulacrum in Risk of Rain 2?
Simulacrum is a wave-based survival mode introduced in theSurvivors of the Voidexpansion. In this mode, players are transported to a virtual combat simulation that tests their endurance against increasingly difficult enemy waves. Each wave features a mix of enemies, and after every few waves, the difficulty increases significantly. Between rounds, players can open chests, collect items, and prepare for the next onslaught.
Core Mechanics of Simulacrum
Some defining characteristics of this mode include:
- Endless Waves: The mode continues until every player dies or the simulation ends by design.
- Void Fields Setting: The arena is randomized but typically features smaller, enclosed areas.
- Team-Based or Solo Play: Simulacrum can be played alone or with a team of up to four players.
- No Escape: Unlike the main game, there’s no option to loop or reach a final boss by normal progression.
How the Simulacrum Ends
Wave Limit and Final Outcome
The Simulacrum technically has no pre-set wave limit; however, it ends under one of two conditions:
- All players are eliminated and fail to respawn in time.
- Players reach a specific hidden wave where the simulation breaks down, triggering an automatic end.
Most players will experience the end by being overwhelmed, as enemies scale exponentially in difficulty, particularly after wave 20 and beyond. If you survive long enough, the environment begins to glitch, and a message appears suggesting that the simulation is failing. This is the closest thing Simulacrum has to a true ending.
The Glitched Simulation Ending
If players manage to progress deep into the waves typically beyond wave 50 they may notice unusual environmental effects and audio distortions. These changes signify that the simulation is becoming unstable. Eventually, the screen may flicker, and a corrupted message indicates that the test has concluded. This surreal and abrupt ending serves as the narrative closure for this game mode, emphasizing the simulation’s artificial nature and the inescapable doom that lurks within.
Rewards and Progress
Does Simulacrum Grant Unlocks?
Yes, participating in Simulacrum can unlock certain items, logbooks, and even survivors, depending on your actions during the run. For example, reaching specific wave milestones may unlock achievements, while defeating particular elite enemies in this mode can grant lore entries or new items.
Artifact and Character Unlocks
Although most unlocks are tied to standard gameplay or specific environments, Simulacrum does support artifact use and may help with some unlock challenges if conditions are met. However, note that not all achievements count from this mode some character-specific unlocks might require playing standard runs.
Strategies to Reach the End
Choose the Right Survivors
Certain survivors perform better in a stationary, arena-based environment. Some of the best picks for Simulacrum include:
- Engineer: Turrets provide sustained area defense and scale well with items.
- Railgunner: Excellent at long-range enemy elimination with high burst damage.
- Acrid: His area poison and healing mechanics make him durable in clustered fights.
- Void Fiend: Great for switching between damage and healing modes.
Item Prioritization
To survive in Simulacrum for long durations, item synergy is key. Prioritize the following types of items:
- Survivability: Tougher Times, Repulsion Armor Plate, Harvester’s Scythe.
- Area Damage: Will-o’-the-wisp, Gasoline, Ukulele.
- Healing: Bustling Fungus (especially for Engineer), Leeching Seed, Rejuvenation Rack.
- Mobility: Hopoo Feather, Paul’s Goat Hoof, Wax Quail.
Team Synergy in Multiplayer
If playing with friends, balance your team by mixing crowd control, support, and raw damage. For instance, combining a healing-focused character like Rex with a high-damage output survivor like Loader can help your team survive longer and reach the simulation failure event that ends the run.
Simulacrum vs. Other Game Modes
How It Differs from Standard Runs
Simulacrum offers no escape and focuses purely on how long you can survive. There is no teleporter to charge, no planetary travel, and no option to obliterate or loop. This streamlined mode caters to players who enjoy wave-based challenges and endless survival mechanics, providing a more intense and focused gameplay loop.
Replayability and Challenge
The replay value of Simulacrum lies in its unpredictable wave structure, scaling difficulty, and opportunity to test different survivor builds and team compositions. Each run feels unique due to random wave compositions, elite variants, and item spawns.
The Simulacrum end inRisk of Rain 2doesn’t follow traditional conventions. Rather than a boss battle or scripted finale, players are left to endure until the simulation becomes unstable or they are inevitably defeated. This mechanic reinforces the game’s themes of survival and existential struggle in a hostile universe. For those seeking a fresh, adrenaline-pumping challenge, mastering Simulacrum and experiencing its eerie, broken conclusion offers a thrilling alternative to the core game. Whether playing solo or with allies, the key to victory lies in smart builds, adaptable strategies, and pushing your limits wave after wave.