After a complete change of pace from their first title in the series, Hopoo Games has continued to build on the Early Access success of Risk of Rain 2. The game was revealed initially at PAX East where Gearbox announced that they’d be publishing it and that it’s Early Access was immediately available. Even in its youth, Risk of Rain 2 showed off a new playable Survivor named “Rex” at E3 that brings a host of new skills to the table.

For those who haven’t played any Risk of Rain 2 or its predecessor, the game involves Survivors that crash land on a planet. As the Survivors defeat creatures and other foes in fast-paced fashion they must face increasingly more difficult enemies. As this time and challenge progresses players must pick powerups and other loot to help them face the next oncoming wave.

The newest Survivor, Rex, is not from the old game and is the strange combination of a “plant-robot hybrid.” The large character is unlockable through a specific quest that players must fulfill once the update is live, which differs greatly from how Survivors were unlocked in Risk of Rain. Rex’s has four skills just like the other characters and they are evenly split between his plant and robotic characteristics. He is able to fire damaging darts where the third dart in a rapid fire will heal the player, which is useful since both of his plant abilities actually cost health to use. What is be noted as his signature ability is his mortar that also costs health, but is a quick strike. It’s clear that his built in healing and skills that cost health will be good fits for players who are able to manage their resources and it should pay off for them since everything that requires health to use will only increase other attacks’ damage.

Along with Rex comes another new environment and with all the updates coming in Early Access, players can check out the developers’ roadmap on the future of Risk of Rain 2 here.