As a seasoned gamer with years of experience diving into Risk of Rain 2's chaotic co-op runs, I've tested multiplayer extensively across Steam lobbies. The mode supports up to four players via LAN, Steam friends lists, public rooms, or private lobbies—but lacks matchmaking and visibility into player connections beforehand, which can lead to frustrating mismatches.
Released into early access, Risk of Rain 2 prioritizes accessibility over perfect sync, allowing play despite input lag or high latency. This design choice enables broader participation but impacts smoother gameplay for those with optimal connections. Common issues include performance dips, networking glitches, and regional latency spikes.
Strange multiplayer bugs affect not just frame rates but core mechanics like player input handling. In my playthroughs, high-ping players disrupt runs, emphasizing the need for solid internet—challenging for offline or traveling gamers.
Noted since the March 24, 2018, early development phase, these persist in some builds. Mixed reviews highlight them, but solutions exist: host private lobbies with vetted friends, use wired connections, close background apps, verify game files on Steam, and check regional servers for latency.
For seamless sessions, prioritize low-latency groups. While addictive, the roguelike intensity demands reliable multiplayer—address these for peak enjoyment.
