GuideRisk of Rain 2
11 Best Risk of Rain 2 Mods: 2026 Thunderstore Picks
Pick mods by the problem they fix, not by download count. These are the ones we'd install, and the one patch that means checking first.
VerdictLookingGlass is the safe first install; add Starstorm2 or Sandswept when you want new content. Check each mod's page shows a post-October 8 release first.
Best Risk of Rain 2 Mods are worth choosing by purpose, not by download count alone. I first checked the live Thunderstore listings for every mod named below on September 25, 2026, and we rechecked all eleven on October 20, after Hallowed Concepts changed the base game.

About the game
Risk of Rain 2
Hopoo Games
The result is an 11-mod shortlist for the PC version. It includes large content expansions, survivor additions, information tools, run recovery, co-op utilities, and one very specific Mithrix fix. It does not treat a library or loader as a gameplay recommendation, and it does not promise that a fresh Steam patch will leave every hook intact.
Updated 2026-10-20: Rebuilt the version table for Hallowed Concepts, which shipped with a free base-game update on October 8. Eight of the eleven mods have a release since then. DropinMultiplayer, BiggerBazaar and PizzaClientLagFix don't, so test those three on a throwaway profile first.
TL;DR: The 11 Best Risk of Rain 2 Mods here are Starstorm2, Aetherium, Sandswept, ArtificerExtended, Enforcer, LookingGlass, ProperSave, ShareSuite, DropinMultiplayer, BiggerBazaar, and PizzaClientLagFix. Build a new r2modman profile, install one category at a time, and check the linked Thunderstore page again after every game update.
BESTPRICE: Want Risk of Rain 2? Eneba sells a Steam key: Buy on Eneba →
Best Risk of Rain 2 Mods for 2026 (quick answer)
For new content, start with Starstorm2 or Sandswept. For a single survivor, ArtificerExtended and Enforcer are the clearest additions. LookingGlass is the safest general quality-of-life choice because it explains items and player stats without changing the run's loot table. ProperSave, ShareSuite, and DropinMultiplayer solve different co-op or run-continuity problems, while BiggerBazaar changes how leftover money becomes a build decision.
The current-game qualifier matters. On October 8, 2026, Gearbox shipped the Hallowed Concepts DLC together with a free base-game update that adds new skills for six original survivors and a long list of fixes. Thunderstore has no Hallowed Concepts category yet, so the tags still stop at Alloyed Collective. The useful signal is each mod's changelog, and that's what the table below reads.
The fast, crowded combat space that content and co-op mods build around. Screenshot: Risk of Rain 2: Survivors of the Void Steam store page
The official Risk of Rain 2 Steam page remains the source of truth for the live game listing. The September version of this table was read against Alloyed Collective patch 1.4.1. The October 8 Hallowed Concepts launch notes changed the base game after that, so every row below is the October 20 recheck.
Here is the October 20 recheck. Every row links to the mod's own listing, not a re-upload or a search result.
| Mod | Latest release (checked October 20) | Hallowed Concepts signal | Our read |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starstorm2 | v0.6.46, October 15, 2026 | Changelog: its survivors can now use the N'tormat | Updated for the new DLC; still a work in progress |
| Aetherium | v0.9.21, October 18, 2026 | Changelog keeps its Buff Braziers out of the new Trials and boss hidden realms | Updated for the new DLC, and the freshest release here |
| Sandswept | v1.4.5, October 9, 2026 | Changelog: "Updated for Hallowed Concepts" | Clear signal, a day after launch |
| ArtificerExtended | v4.0.32, October 9, 2026 | Changelog: works as intended for the Hallowed Concepts update; Tectonic Blast removed | Clear signal; one ability is gone |
| Enforcer | v3.11.10, October 15, 2026 | Changelog calls it a temporary update for the new DLC, with item displays disabled | Playable, with cosmetic gaps for now |
| LookingGlass | v1.16.3, October 14, 2026 | Changelog adds stats for DLC4 items, the DLC4 survivors and the new base-game abilities | Clear signal; still the safe first install |
| ProperSave | v3.1.2, October 13, 2026 | Changelog: fixes for the Hallowed Concepts update; saves from before 3.0.0 no longer load | Updated, but old save files are dead |
| ShareSuite | v2.12.0, October 15, 2026 | README: Hallowed Concepts fix; the changelog still stops at 2.11.0 | Updated; test the new items before trusting the blacklist |
| DropinMultiplayer | v4.2.1, March 22, 2026 | No release since Hallowed Concepts | Last confirmed for Alloyed Collective; test alone |
| BiggerBazaar | v1.14.5, February 9, 2026 | No release since Hallowed Concepts | Last confirmed for Alloyed Collective; test as a group |
| PizzaClientLagFix | v1.3.4, September 13, 2026 | No release since Hallowed Concepts; last compatibility fix targets patch 1.4.1 | Narrow Mithrix fix; test before a long co-op run |
This is a compatibility screen, not a claim that all 11 belong in one profile. Large content mods can overlap, content dependencies can change, and multiplayer players should agree on a profile before a run begins. If you want the vanilla roster and loot tables explained first, use the Risk of Rain 2 complete guide hub and the survivors guide as the baseline.
New content mods
These are the picks for players who want a meaningfully larger game. Install one large content mod first, finish a short test run, and only then decide whether another expansion belongs in the same profile.
Starstorm2
Starstorm2 on Thunderstore is the biggest all-round content recommendation here. Its own page describes a sequel to the original Starstorm mod with new survivors, mechanics, items, skills, enemies, and more. The page currently lists four new survivors, three monsters, more than 20 items and equipment pieces, new interactables and drones, events, a Typhoon challenge, and two artifacts.
The TeamMoonstorm listing is version 0.6.46, released October 15, 2026, and its changelog gives every Starstorm2 survivor access to the N'tormat, the Curio Hallowed Concepts added. If the front-end page lags behind the API version label, use the package manager's current file and the page's changelog when you install. The page also calls the project a work in progress and notes that artifact codes are not placed in the world yet. Treat Starstorm2 as a substantial content profile, not as a tiny plug-in.
Its four survivor concepts also give the mod a useful range. Executioner is built around target picking and kill chains, Chirr supports allies with control and healing, and the unrevealed survivor entry is intentionally less specific. That variety makes this a better choice for a group that has exhausted the official roster than for someone who only wants a cleaner item tooltip.
Before adding Starstorm2, compare its new encounter density with the official Risk of Rain 2 bosses guide so your first test run has a clear vanilla reference.
Aetherium
Aetherium on Thunderstore is a variety pack for players who want new decisions inside the existing Risk of Rain 2 structure. The author describes a large set of new items, equipment, artifacts, enemies, skills, and other additions, with examples ranging from movement triggers and drone support to lunar effects and new artifacts.
Its listing is version 0.9.21, released October 18, 2026, and the 0.9.1 changelog keeps its Buff Braziers out of the new Trials and boss hidden realms. The page carries both client-side and server-side categories and has a long dependency chain, so the safest approach is to install it through a profile manager rather than dragging a single archive into the plugins folder. It is the most recently updated pick on this list.
Aetherium is a good fit when you want item variety without committing to the much larger survivor and stage footprint of Starstorm2. If you are still learning how vanilla item tiers and artifacts interact, read the Risk of Rain 2 items and artifacts guide first. Otherwise, unfamiliar item text can make a modded run look broken when it is simply using a different design vocabulary.
Sandswept
Sandswept on Thunderstore is a content expansion built around new survivors, enemies, interactables, and items. Its page describes two survivors, four enemies, two elites, five interactables, and 27 items, which gives it a clear identity as a broad content pack rather than a single-character project.
The current listing is version 1.4.5, released October 9, 2026, and its changelog says only "Updated for Hallowed Concepts." That's the clearest compatibility line of the three content packs. Test it alone before pairing it with another large content pack.
Sandswept works best for a group that wants fresh stage and monster pressure without installing a full overhaul framework. Keep the Risk of Rain 2 bosses guide open while you learn which encounters are vanilla and which belong to the new profile.
A survivor moving through a purple cavern, a useful visual match for the game's expanding stage roster. Screenshot: Risk of Rain 2 Steam store page
Survivor and build variety mods
These two recommendations change what it feels like to play a run without requiring an entire content expansion. They are easier to evaluate in a solo profile, then bring into co-op after you have checked their skills and multiplayer behavior.
ArtificerExtended
ArtificerExtended on Thunderstore adds 13 new abilities to Artificer. The author describes version 4 as a rework of nearly every new ability and passive, with new ability icons, so this is not a small balance slider. It is a way to give one of the game's existing survivors a deeper alternate kit.
The listing is version 4.0.32, released October 9, 2026. Its changelog says it now works as intended for the Hallowed Concepts update and removes one ability, Tectonic Blast, so an old loadout may need a new pick. Read the skill descriptions before using it in a serious multiplayer profile, since an ability rework changes how a player understands damage, cooldowns, and the Risk of Rain 2 survivors roster.
ArtificerExtended is the right pick when the player likes the original survivor but wants more build routes. It is less useful as a first mod for a new player because it adds choices before that player has learned which parts of Artificer's base kit are supposed to solve mobility, crowd control, and aerial damage.
Enforcer
Enforcer on Thunderstore brings the Risk of Rain 1 Enforcer back as a fully playable survivor. Its page includes alternate skills and skins and notes support for systems such as Ancient Scepter and VR, giving the character more depth than a simple model swap.
The current listing is version 3.11.10, released October 15, 2026. Its changelog calls it a temporary update for the new DLC, with item displays switched off for now, so expect missing cosmetics rather than a broken survivor. The page also notes a multiplayer issue involving shield cancellation and sprint, which is exactly the sort of detail to test before bringing it into a public lobby.
Hallowed Concepts also adds an official survivor named Enforcer, which Gearbox's Dev Diary #4 introduces with "Allow us to (re)introduce." Our Acolyte and Enforcer skills guide covers the official kit. The Thunderstore mod is a separate listing whose page still describes the Risk of Rain 1 version, so don't assume the two can run side by side until the mod page says so. Enforcer is a strong choice for a returning player who wants a classic character fantasy. Keep the profile separate from large content packs until the survivor loads correctly, then add one expansion only if the dependency manager reports no conflict.
Quality-of-life, saves, and co-op mods
This section is where most players should begin. These mods change information, run continuity, item distribution, or lobby flow. They generally create less content overlap than a stage or survivor expansion, but several still need host-side agreement.
LookingGlass
LookingGlass on Thunderstore is the strongest first recommendation for a solo player or a returning veteran. Its own description calls it a quality-of-life UI mod that exposes item and player statistics, reshapes command and scrapper menus, and remains compatible with RiskUI. The page also documents full item descriptions, inventory sorting, configurable stat displays, and a DPS meter with a combo counter.
The listing is version 1.16.3, released October 14, 2026, and categorized as client-side. Its 1.16.1 changelog adds stats and proc coefficients for the DLC4 items, the DLC4 survivors and the new base-game abilities. That makes it a useful low-risk starting point because it does not add a new survivor or rewrite the stage director. Use it to understand why a build works, then compare the result with the vanilla item explanations in the items and artifacts guide.
ProperSave
ProperSave on Thunderstore saves progress at the start of a stage so a player can load that run later. Its page says the save is deleted on death and that single-player uses one save or profile. It also separates Classic, Eclipse, and Simulacrum saves, which is useful if you move between modes rather than treating the mod as a rewind button.
Version 3.1.2 was released October 13, 2026, after a 3.1.0 release with fixes for the Hallowed Concepts update. That same release dropped support for saves made before ProperSave 3.0.0, so an old interrupted run won't come back. The page describes multiplayer behavior as host-oriented when the same players return, and it warns that minion state can respawn differently. Achievements are not heavily tested either. Treat ProperSave as a recovery tool for interrupted sessions, not as a way to erase a bad decision. Back up the save directory before trusting it with a long run.
If you are returning to the game after a long break, pair that backup with the Hallowed Concepts survivors guide so the two new official survivors aren't mistaken for modded ones.
ShareSuite
ShareSuite on Thunderstore lets a party share gear, money, experience, and equipment instead of relying on the default pickup rules. The author describes it as highly balanced and customizable, and the page's recent notes include DLC3 support, drone item-sharing fixes, single-player chat messages, multiplayer scrapper behavior, and Simulacrum interactable counts.
The current listing is version 2.12.0, released October 15, 2026, with server-side and tweaks categories. Its changelog hasn't caught up past 2.11.0, so check how the new Hallowed items share before a long run. Sharing loot can make a group friendlier, but it also changes the value of character roles and item routing. Agree on its settings before a run and keep the Risk of Rain 2 complete guide hub nearby when deciding whether a shared item still matches the vanilla progression curve.
DropinMultiplayer
DropinMultiplayer on Thunderstore lets friends join or leave during a run and automatically gives catch-up items to a player who arrives late. The page explains Steam join steps, host-side settings, and toggles for hiding or showing the catch-up items. That is a much better fit for an irregular friend group than restarting every time someone misses the opening stage.
The listing is still version 4.2.1 from March 22, 2026, with no release since Hallowed Concepts. Its 4.2.0 changelog says it was updated for Alloyed Collective, and 4.2.1 is the follow-up bug-fix release. The page also warns that joining a DLC survivor without owning that DLC can crash or freeze, and it notes a Steam-join failure that can originate outside the mod. Test the catch-up rules before using them in an Eclipse run because repeated leaving and rejoining can be exploited.
The Risk of Rain 2 survivors guide is useful here because it separates official DLC ownership from the extra characters a modded lobby may expose.
BiggerBazaar
BiggerBazaar on Thunderstore expands the Bazaar with random items that can be bought using money left at the end of a stage, including lunar coins. Its page describes up to six random items, configurable prices by tier and difficulty, temporary item dispensers, direct inventory options, host-side operation, and ShareSuite integration.
The current listing is still version 1.14.5 from February 9, 2026, with no release since Hallowed Concepts; its changelog includes an Alloyed Collective update in the 1.14 series. It changes the economy of a run more than a tooltip mod does, so decide whether the group wants a safety valve for leftover gold or a stronger shopping loop. Do not add it automatically to a profile already using another Bazaar overhaul.
PizzaClientLagFix
PizzaClientLagFix on Thunderstore is a narrow but valuable multiplayer repair. Its page explains that clients can desync from the visuals during Mithrix's pizza attack, causing damage to arrive at the wrong time. The fix moves the damage check closer to what clients see and also covers the attack's shockwaves.
Version 1.3.4 from September 13, 2026 is still the latest, and the last compatibility fix in its changelog targets Alloyed Collective patch 1.4.1. It is categorized for client-side and server-side use. It will not improve a solo run or add content, but it belongs in a co-op profile if Mithrix's pizza attack is the reason otherwise stable runs end in confusing damage spikes. Keep it separate from general performance tweaks while testing so its effect is obvious.
When you test the fix, use the Risk of Rain 2 bosses guide to keep the Mithrix encounter itself separate from the network problem the mod is trying to address.
The survivor group and ship that sit behind the game's expanding mod ecosystem. Image: Risk of Rain 2 Steam store key art
GODEEPER: New content is easier to understand once the official roster is clear. The Risk of Rain 2 survivors guide lists the current characters, while the Hallowed Concepts coverage covers the two survivors that DLC added on October 8.
Step-by-Step: install Risk of Rain 2 mods safely
1. Keep a vanilla profile: Do not overwrite the game's clean launch path while you are learning. A separate vanilla profile gives you a reliable way to confirm whether a crash belongs to the game or to the modded launch.
2. Install a trusted manager: r2modman on Thunderstore manages Risk of Rain 2 profiles, downloads, updates, and dependencies. Use the official Thunderstore or GitHub distribution referenced by its own page, not a random mirror.
3. Let the manager install BepInExPack: BepInExPack on Thunderstore is the loader foundation used by the mod ecosystem. Its page's manual instructions place the contents of the inner BepInExPack folder beside RiskOfRain2.exe, but a profile manager can handle the expected layout for you.
4. Make a new profile and add one low-risk utility: Start with LookingGlass. Launch the game, open a practice run, check the UI, and quit normally. This confirms the loader and profile before a content pack adds more dependencies.
5. Add one content or survivor mod: Choose Starstorm2, Aetherium, Sandswept, ArtificerExtended, or Enforcer, not all five at once. Read the page's required dependencies and use the current file shown by the manager. A profile that combines multiple large packs is a separate compatibility experiment.
6. Match the multiplayer profile: ShareSuite, DropinMultiplayer, BiggerBazaar, and many content mods need host-side agreement. Export the profile code or compare the package list with every player. For a new group, test a short run before beginning Eclipse or a long loop.
Woolie's three-minute r2modman tutorial covers steps 2 to 6 on screen: installing the manager, adding mods with their dependencies, updating, editing configs and sharing a profile. It was recorded in January 2021, so the manager's layout may differ slightly from the current build:
*Video: r2modman tutorial for Risk of Rain 2, Woolie YouTube channel (player video)*7. Back up saves before ProperSave or economy changes: Copy the Risk of Rain 2 save and profile folders before relying on a save mod or altering item distribution. Keep the backup outside the active game directory.
8. Recheck every page after a Steam update: Read the official Hallowed Concepts launch notes and the October 14 hotfix, then check each mod's own changelog. Do not assume a recent Thunderstore date means a future patch is supported.
9. Remove one change at a time: If the profile fails, disable the newest mod first, read its known issues, and test the clean profile. Changing several dependency versions at once hides the cause and makes a working rollback harder.
Risk of Rain 2 mods I considered but left out
These pages were real catalog entries, but they did not belong in the 11 gameplay recommendations for this guide.
- Risk Of Options is a real and widely used Thunderstore page, but its own description identifies it as an API for exposing BepInEx settings. It is a dependency and developer-facing configuration layer, not a player-facing mod to count as one of the best picks.
- ClassicItemsReturns is a populated item mod whose 3.7.0 release (October 13, 2026) lists DLC4. I left it out because the catalog has several packages with the same name and the final list already has two broad item-content recommendations. Use the exact Risky_Sleeps page if its Risk of Rain and Risk of Rain Returns item pool is the feature you want.
- VanillaVoid is a strong real page with 12 Void items and a "v1.7.2 Hallowed Patch" note (October 11, 2026) in its README. It was excluded to avoid stacking another item overhaul into a first-pass profile already covered by Aetherium and the larger content packs.
- BepInExPack and r2modman are required setup tools, not counted mods. They appear in the install steps because a usable profile needs them, but the title's 11 count contains only player-facing recommendations.
- Old or duplicate package owners were not treated as separate recommendations. When Thunderstore exposed multiple package entries with the same display name, I used the current owner and version only when its own page had the clearest active listing.
Tips for a stable modded run
Keep a small profile for ordinary runs and a separate profile for experimentation. A UI utility, ProperSave, and one multiplayer helper are easier to diagnose than a profile containing three content packs, multiple item pools, and several survivor frameworks. If you want to learn the game's underlying systems before changing them, the Risk of Rain 2 items guide and boss guide are useful references.
Tell the group when a mod changes the economy or loot rules. ShareSuite and BiggerBazaar can make a run feel more generous, while DropinMultiplayer's catch-up items can alter the value of early stages. That is not automatically bad, but it should be a deliberate group setting rather than a surprise halfway through a loop.
Use the Risk of Rain 2 complete guide hub as the vanilla checkpoint when a modded profile starts changing more than one system at a time.
Do not interpret a mod's last-updated date as a permanent compatibility promise. Thunderstore dates tell you that a package was published or updated, while tags and changelogs show what the author addressed. The Steam page tells you what the game itself currently reports. Keep those three signals separate whenever a patch arrives.
Finally, keep the current game context nearby. The Risk of Rain 2 complete guide hub covers the official roster and DLC history, and the Hallowed Concepts guide covers the newest DLC. Keep official content and modded content apart when a run misbehaves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best Risk of Rain 2 mods in 2026? The 11 verified picks cover content, survivor kits, item information, saves, shared loot, drop-in co-op, Bazaar shopping, and a Mithrix multiplayer fix. Start with LookingGlass or ProperSave, then add one larger content mod after the profile works.
Are these Risk of Rain 2 mods compatible with the current game? We rechecked every listing on October 20, 2026, after Hallowed Concepts. Eight of the eleven have a release since the October 8 update, and five changelogs or READMEs name Hallowed Concepts outright. DropinMultiplayer, BiggerBazaar and PizzaClientLagFix have not updated yet, so test those three alone first.
Do all Risk of Rain 2 players need the same mods? Not always. Client-side UI utilities can be local, while content and server-side gameplay mods usually need matching files or a host configuration. Compare the full profile before joining a multiplayer run.
What do I need to install Risk of Rain 2 mods? Use r2modman or another reputable profile manager with BepInExPack, then let it resolve dependencies. Keep a vanilla profile and a save backup so you can isolate a failed update.
Can Risk of Rain 2 mods break after an update? Yes. A Steam patch can break a loader, dependency, or game hook. Check the mod's own page after each patch, update one change at a time, and keep the clean profile available while you test.
Which Risk of Rain 2 mod is best for solo players? LookingGlass is the safest general first pick because it improves information without changing the loot pool. ProperSave is useful for interrupted runs, but read its save and death rules before relying on it.
Related Reading
- Risk of Rain 2 Complete Guide Hub
- Risk of Rain 2 Survivors Guide
- Risk of Rain 2 Items and Artifacts Guide
- Risk of Rain 2 Bosses and Alloyed Collective Guide
- Risk of Rain 2 Hallowed Concepts Survivors Guide
References
- Risk of Rain 2 on Steam
- Alloyed Collective patch 1.4.1 official announcement
- Hallowed Concepts Dev Diary #4 official announcement
- Hallowed Concepts launch notes
- Hallowed Concepts hotfix, October 14, 2026
- Risk of Rain 2 official launch trailer
- Starstorm2 on Thunderstore
- Aetherium on Thunderstore
- Sandswept on Thunderstore
- ArtificerExtended on Thunderstore
- Enforcer on Thunderstore
- LookingGlass on Thunderstore
- ProperSave on Thunderstore
- ShareSuite on Thunderstore
- DropinMultiplayer on Thunderstore
- BiggerBazaar on Thunderstore
- PizzaClientLagFix on Thunderstore
- r2modman on Thunderstore
- BepInExPack on Thunderstore
- r2modman tutorial for Risk of Rain 2, Woolie: player video covering install, dependencies, updates, configs and profile sharing, January 2021
Was this guide helpful?
About the author
Systems & Economy Desk
GameBrief's byline for roguelikes, strategy and simulation. Reads patch notes, wiki tables and Steam stats and puts the numbers on the page.
- Roguelikes, strategy and simulation
- Builds, progression and economy
- Sources listed per article
Keep reading

Risk of Rain 2 Hallowed Concepts Reveals Acolyte, Enforcer
General · 3 min

Risk of Rain 2 Achievements Guide: 205 Challenges Explained
General · 11 min

Risk of Rain 2 Item Tier List 2026: Best Items for Every Run
General · 19 min

Risk of Rain 2 Multiplayer: 4-Player Co-op, Items, Revives
General · 10 min

Risk of Rain 2 Best Survivors: 20 Picks and Builds
General · 17 min

Risk of Rain 2 Stages: Which Maps Appear at Stages 1 to 5
General · 16 min
More game deals
Disclaimer
This article is published for informational and entertainment purposes. It does not constitute professional financial, legal, or technical advice. Game performance, online services, patch schedules, and store listings change. Verify critical details (pricing, system requirements, regional availability) with publishers and storefronts before you buy. Affiliate links, where present, help support our editorial work and are labelled in our affiliate disclosure.


