The Three Stacking Types in Risk of Rain 2

Any veteran survivor knows that victory isn't just about collecting items—it's about understanding how they scale together. Grasping the mechanics behind item stacking is the single most important factor for transforming from a struggling beginner into a run-dominating force. This guide breaks down the three core stacking types in Risk of Rain 2, giving you the knowledge to optimize your loadout and shred through even the toughest bosses.

Why Item Stacking Mechanics Matter

Simply grabbing every item you see is a recipe for a late-game failure. The secret to dealing millions of damage lies in understanding item synergy and scaling. Different items follow distinct stacking rules, and knowing which ones multiply your power versus which ones offer diminishing returns is the key to creating an unstoppable build. By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly which items to prioritize for a devastating damage output.

The Three Core Stacking Types Explained

1. Linear Stacking (Additive)

This is the most straightforward scaling method. Each additional copy of an item adds its base value directly to the total.

• How it Works: The effect increases in a simple, straight line. For example, two Soldier’s Syringes, each granting +15% attack speed, will give you a total of +30% attack speed.
• Key Items: Soldier’s Syringe, Gasoline, Crowbar, Ukulele.
• Strategic Insight: While simple, Linear stacking has inherent diminishing returns. Stacking 10 of the same item is often less effective than diversifying your build with items from other categories, as the relative value of each new stack decreases.

2. Logarithmic Stacking (Diminishing Returns)

Often confused with Hyperbolic stacking, this type features a curve thatprovides less value per stack, making it impossible to reach 100%effectiveness.

• How it Works: The chance-based formula makes early stacks very powerful, while laterstacks offer smaller gains. A classic example is Tougher Times. Thefirst few stacks dramatically increase your block chance from 15% to 55% (5 stacks), but reaching 80% requires 10 stacks.
• Key Items: Tougher Times, Harvester's Scythe.
• Strategic Insight: There is a "sweet spot" for these items. Instead of stacking theminfinitely, aim for a reasonable number (e.g., 8-12 Tougher Times) andthen invest in other defensive or utility items for a more efficientbuild.

3. Hyperbolic Stacking (Exponential/Multiplicative)

This is where the game's most spectacular damage numbers come from. Hyperbolic stacking involves items from different sources multiplying their bonuses together.

• How it Works: Instead of adding percentages, the multipliers combine to create anexplosive growth in damage. Combining a Focus Crystal (+20%), an ATGMissile (+300%), and Armor-Piercing Rounds (+20%) doesn't add up—itmultiplies: 1.2 * 3.0 * 1.2 = a 4.32x total damage multiplier.
• Key Items: ATG Missile, Runald's Band, Focus Crystal, Lens-Maker's Glasses (for critical strike chance).
• Strategic Insight:Diversification is key. To maximize your damage, you want a wide variety of thesemultiplicative items. A build with one of ten different damage itemswill always outperform a build with ten of the same item.

Advanced Stacking Concepts: Proc Chains and Coefficients

To truly master stacking, you need to understand how items trigger each other.

• Proc Coefficients: Every attack and ability has a "Proc Coefficient" (a value between 0and 1) that affects the chance for on-hit items to activate. Ahigh-coefficient ability like Commando's primary fire (1.0) is excellent for triggering effects, while a area-of-effect ability might have alower coefficient (e.g., 0.5), halving your item's trigger chance.
• Proc Chains: This is the engine of Hyperbolic scaling. A single attack can triggeran ATG Missile, which then triggers a Runald's Band, creating a cascadeof damage where each proc scales off the last. This is how playersachieve those legendary, screen-clearing explosions.

Final Verdict: How to Build for Maximum Damage

The path to becoming a Risk of Rain 2 god is clear: prioritize Hyperbolic (multiplicative) items above all else. While Linear items are good for early-game consistency and Logarithmicitems have their defensive uses, the incredible scaling of diversified,multiplicative damage sources is what will carry you through the finalloop. Stop blindly stacking and start building with purpose—your futureMonsoon wins depend on it.

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