Hive Cluster
Description
Hive Cluster is one of two stages that can be encountered as the fourth level of a run. The environment depicts a hazy green atmosphere contained within a large cave system. Its flora (or fauna?) is largely represented by sickly pink pustules and slime that span the gaps of the cave, and provide sticky platforms and ropes that can be used by any survivor to traverse the stage. These organic formations appear to be the dominant form of life within the region and have most likely earned the stage its name. Littered throughout the level, broken egg-like formations can be found, and while no enemies appear to emerge from these, Gups are exclusive to this level and should be considered the native inhabitants of the caves and spawn from the broods of slime.
Along with Gups, other organisms have unfortunately found their place here, perhaps driven away by the searing heat of magma fissures of other caves, or by conflict between species. Whatever independent creatures find in terms of food must be quickly scavenged before it is recycled into the hive. However much twisted growth takes place here, there is an equal amount of withering death that is found as well. Putrid spawn of Toxic Beasts that live here spread plague and corruption, while Imp Overlords mercilessly dismember any victim foolish enough to end up in the caverns. Little comfort is to be found in this most competitive ecosystem, while certain death awaits any human survivors trapped within the endless gardens of flesh.
Despite the presence hungering predators, numerous ruins and shrines can be found in the stage, crumbling as perverse lifeforms decay them over time. It is possible that the hive cluster may have once been the sacred ground of more advanced creatures, suggested by the appearance of Parents, who are shown to live in accordance with large groups of similarly-genetic children. However, no children can be encountered on this level, likely picked off by the fearsome organisms that compete for survival in the cavern. As well as natural life, a defeated and bloated survivor from the UES Contact Light can be found among the festering pits at the bottom of the stage, long since claimed by the ever-expanding hive system that dominates the environment.
Environment Log
It's hard to tell whats alive and what isn't down here. The fibrous membranes that line the walls are sticky like fresh sap, and its difficult to avoid stepping on gestating pustules wherever you go. I'm stuck hanging from this flesh-rope for now. It's either waiting for these orange beasts to leave or upsetting the hive with more gunfire. At least this time I'm smelling strawberries instead of rot, but the sweet siren's call isn't doing much when I can see skeletons inside this thing. I can feel a slight crawling sensation around my hands and the heat pulses from these fibers like some kind of sick womb. I heard what sounded like crying a moment ago, but it's stopped since then. It was probably my imagination, the constant buzzing is as deafening as it is frightening.
Monsters
Enemies
Bosses
Variants
There are 6 variants of Hive Cluster that are randomly selected from upon entering the stage. Open full images for proper viewing!
The first variant of Hive Cluster. Unlockables and Secrets
The second variant of Hive Cluster. Unlockables and Secrets
The third variant of Hive Cluster. Unlockables and Secrets
The fourth variant of Hive Cluster. Unlockables and Secrets
The fifth variant of Hive Cluster. Unlockables and Secrets
The sixth variant of Hive Cluster. Unlockables and Secrets
Secrets
Artifacts
Artifact of Command
- Found in Stage Variant #1, #2 and #3 [Any Ruleset]
Artifact of Command in the top right of Stage Variant #1
Artifact of Dissonance
- Found in Stage Variant #X [X Ruleset]
Bloated Survivor
- Found in Stage Variant #1 [Any Ruleset]
Bloated Survivor in the bottom right of Stage Variant #1
Logs
Stage Variant #1
At the center of Stage Variant #1 there is a hidden flesh-rope leading to the log.
Stage Variant #2
At the top center of Stage Variant #2 through a secret passage. Requires Hopoo Feather, Rusty Jetpack or Photon Jetpack to reach.
Stage Variant #3
On the top left side of Stage Variant #3, there is a climbable pillar and a hidden passage leading to the log. Requires Hopoo Feather, Rusty Jetpack or Photon Jetpack to reach.
Stage Variant #4
On the far right side of Stage Variant #4, there are a few platforms and a hidden flesh-rope leading to the log.
Stage Variant #5
On the far left bottom side of Stage Variant #5.
Stage Variant #6
At the top center of Stage Variant #6, there is a hidden flesh-rope and passage leading to the Artifact of Dissonance and the log.
Trivia
- Risk of Rain 1 has a unused boss version of the Macrobe and the Macrobic Predator called the The Pale One. This enemy would have teleported behind the player and poked them as well as left deadly traps which may explain the unlock Dead Man's Foot acquired from the Bloated Survivor on this stage.
- Additionally, the Bloated Survivor spawning many Archer Bugs upon interaction may have been a repurposed unused enemy called Hive which may have had a similar effect.
Version History
- Adjusted spawnable tiles within tight tunnels in Hive Cluster.
- Changes the following stage variants to fix abnormalities: Ancientvalley 2, Desolate Forest 3 & 5, Hivecluster 1 & 3, Riskofrain 2, Temple of the Elders 1
| Risk of Rain Returns Wiki | |
|---|---|
| Main | Artifacts • Challenges • Monsters • Drones • Items • Interactables • Providence Trials • Difficulty • Game Rules |
| Survivors |  Commando •  Huntress •  Enforcer •  Bandit •  HAN-D •  Engineer •  Miner •  Sniper •  Acrid •  Mercenary •  Loader •  CHEF •  Pilot •  Artificer •  Drifter
|
| Stages | Desolate Forest • Dried Lake • Damp Caverns • Sky Meadow • Ancient Valley • Boar Beach • Sunken Tomb • Magma Barracks • Hive Cluster • Temple of the Elders • Risk of Rain |
| Other | Soundtrack • Version History |