Risk of Rain 2, developed by Hopoo Games, has expanded its gameplay through various updates and expansions, with Simulacrum being one of the most notable additions introduced in the Survivors of the Void DLC. This new game mode presents a distinct arena-style experience that challenges players in increasingly difficult waves of enemies. One of the common questions among fans and new players is whether Simulacrum is multiplayer-compatible or if it’s meant only for solo runs. Understanding the multiplayer functionality of Simulacrum is key to maximizing your enjoyment and coordinating survival with friends in Risk of Rain 2.
Understanding Simulacrum in Risk of Rain 2
What Is Simulacrum Mode?
Simulacrum is a wave-based survival mode in Risk of Rain 2 that drops players into a mysterious void simulation. The goal is to survive as many waves of enemies as possible, with each wave growing progressively harder. Unlike the standard looping game format, Simulacrum is contained within a single stage with set wave triggers, random item drops, and the possibility of encountering elite or void-infested enemies.
The mode ends when all players die or when the game reaches the final wave. The challenge is intense, the action is constant, and the rewards are significant for those who can endure the increasing chaos.
Is Simulacrum Multiplayer in Risk of Rain 2?
Yes, Simulacrum Supports Multiplayer
Simulacrum is fully multiplayer-compatible, supporting up to four players just like the standard game modes. You can join with friends in a co-op session or open your lobby to the public. This adds a completely new dynamic to the Simulacrum experience, as teamwork and class synergy play a critical role in how far you can progress through the waves.
Multiplayer in Simulacrum works seamlessly. All players spawn in the same simulation arena and must cooperate to defeat each wave of enemies. Unlike in some roguelike games where multiplayer feels tacked on or disconnected, Risk of Rain 2’s systems are tightly integrated to ensure Simulacrum functions naturally as a multiplayer mode.
How to Play Simulacrum with Friends
- Start the game and create a multiplayer lobby.
- Invite friends via Steam or your platform’s friend list.
- Select Simulacrum as the game mode.
- Choose your characters and ready up.
- Begin the match and prepare to face the waves together.
Whether you’re using a controller or mouse and keyboard, the experience is fluid and optimized for cooperative play.
Benefits of Playing Simulacrum in Multiplayer
Increased Survivability
With more players in your party, you’ll benefit from shared damage output and revivals. The difficulty does scale based on the number of players, but with good communication and item distribution, your group can survive longer than a solo player might.
Class Synergy
One of the biggest advantages of multiplayer is character synergy. Some survivors are stronger when paired with others. For example:
- Engineer’s turrets provide crowd control while Artificer delivers burst damage.
- Captain’s utility skills support others, making him ideal in team-based survival.
- Acrid’s poison can weaken large groups while a ranged survivor like Huntress finishes them off.
These combinations can make progressing through the waves significantly more manageable.
Shared Loot Pool
Items in Simulacrum are dropped for all players to see and choose from. Working together to distribute items based on character needs (e.g., giving healing items to tanks, attack speed to DPS) can greatly improve group performance. This is especially important in later waves where incorrect item distribution can lead to sudden defeats.
Simulacrum Multiplayer Challenges
Scaling Difficulty
While having more players is generally advantageous, it also increases the number of enemies and the frequency of elite spawns. In multiplayer Simulacrum, waves can become overwhelming quickly if players aren’t careful with their positioning and tactics.
Communication is Key
Coordination becomes vital in multiplayer Simulacrum. Players need to agree on who gets which items, how to position for elite enemies, and when to retreat or revive fallen teammates. Without good communication, the mode becomes chaotic and survival odds diminish.
Limited Respawn Opportunities
Unlike standard stages in Risk of Rain 2, where fallen players can revive at the teleporter event, Simulacrum only allows revivals at the end of each completed wave. If a teammate dies mid-wave, you’ll need to survive until the wave ends before they come back. This adds an extra layer of tension to multiplayer runs.
Tips for Multiplayer Simulacrum Success
Choose Complementary Characters
- Pair melee fighters with support or long-range characters.
- Have at least one healing-oriented survivor if possible.
- Balance burst damage with sustained DPS.
Coordinate Item Picks
- Communicate clearly about who benefits from which item.
- Prioritize team-wide utility items like Warbanner and Focus Crystal.
- Build according to your role don’t hoard items just because they’re powerful.
Stick Together
Wandering off on your own may lead to being surrounded and killed, especially in later waves. Stay near your teammates, especially if one is using crowd-control abilities or turrets for defensive positioning.
Why Simulacrum Is a Great Multiplayer Mode
Fast-Paced and Focused
Unlike the main game mode, which can become a long and winding journey, Simulacrum keeps players in one contained environment. This creates a focused experience where decisions and teamwork have immediate impact.
Replayability
With randomized waves, item drops, and enemy compositions, no two runs are the same. This keeps multiplayer fresh and challenging, even after dozens of playthroughs.
Achievements and Unlocks
Progressing through Simulacrum can contribute to unlocking items, challenges, and achievements that carry over into all other game modes. Whether solo or in co-op, the rewards are worth the time investment.
Simulacrum in Risk of Rain 2 is more than just a side mode it’s a compelling and well-balanced alternative to the base game loop. Its support for full multiplayer functionality makes it even more appealing for players who enjoy cooperative gameplay. Whether you’re looking to test out new survivor builds, work on item synergy, or just survive as many waves as possible with friends, Simulacrum provides endless replay value. Next time you’re logging into Risk of Rain 2, grab your team, choose your survivors wisely, and jump into the void for a multiplayer Simulacrum run that will keep you on the edge of your seat.