The Mercenary is a returning character in Risk of Rain 2. He's a high-skill, high-mobility melee character who can have difficulties dealing with large groups of flying, ranged enemies.
Stats
- Health: 140 (+42 per level)
- Damage: 12 (+2.4 per level)
- Speed: 7 m/s
How to Unlock
Unlocked by completing the challenge "True Respite" (Obliterate yourself at the Obelisk.)
Abilities
Cybernetic Enhancements |
The Mercenary can jump twice. |
Laser Sword |
Slice in front for 130% damage. Every 3rd hit strikes in a greater area for 300% damage. |
Whirlwind |
Quickly slice horizontally twice, dealing 2x200% damage. If airborne, slice vertically instead. |
Blinding Assault |
Dash forward, stunning enemies for 200% damage. If you hit an enemy, you can dash again, up to 3 total. |
Eviscerate |
Target the nearest enemy, attacking them for 110% damage repeatedly. You cannot be hit for the duration. |
Notes
- Laser Sword is fairly slow without stacking Soldier's Syringe a few times, so don't rely on it too much. Best used to finish off weakened enemies without using other cooldowns, or as a filler between other attacks.
- The third slash of the combo deals more damage than the other two combined, and will trigger if you use Whirlwind right after the first two.
- As before, Whirlwind has a short cooldown and can be used as another jump. Great for staying airborne whilst fighting larger bosses.
- Blinding Assault dashes in the exact direction you're aiming, so you can use it to dash up to attack airborne targets. It's your most reliable way to engage flying opponents without using Eviscerate.
- You can also use your second jump to cancel fall damage that you might otherwise incur from using Blinding Assault to get too high up.
- Some flying enemies are large enough to stand on, most notably the Wandering Vagrant. They allow you to regain your jumps mid-air.
- As in classic Risk of Rain, Eviscerate's invulnerability whilst attacking is one of its greatest strengths. By managing all your abilities carefully, you can be almost untouchable even when surrounded by swarms of enemies.