How to Unlock Acolyte in Risk of Rain 2: Hallowed Concepts

Unlocking the Acolyte: The A Broken Ritual Challenge

The Acolyte is a unique survivor introduced in the Hallowed Concepts expansion for Risk of Rain 2. Unlike the Enforcer, who is available by default, the Acolyte requires you to complete a specific sequence of actions during a run known as the "A Broken Ritual" challenge. This survivor excels in close-range combat, utilizing a glaive and the ability to summon the Anima Harvester.

To begin the unlock process, ensure you have the Hallowed Concepts DLC enabled. Start a standard run and focus on acquiring the "End Twermat" item along with at least one page. You can obtain these by completing trials or via random wake events. For a more reliable method, visit the Bazaar Between Time, drop down into the pit, and interact with the gong to access a trial directly.

Finding and Activating the Shrine of Descent

Once you possess the End Twermat and at least one page, keep a close watch for the Shrine of Descent. According to community reports, this shrine typically spawns once per stage after you have secured the required items. Visually, it resembles the familiar Shrine of the Mountain but is distinguished by a glowing eye hovering above it.

Activating the Shrine of Descent will significantly increase the difficulty of the teleporter event for that stage. Be prepared to face extra pressure, as you will need to defeat the teleporter boss while managing the additional threats introduced by the shrine’s activation. Once the teleporter event reaches 100% and the boss is defeated, a ritual portal will spawn.

The Soulbound Threshold and Reviving the Acolyte

Enter the portal to be transported to the Soulbound Threshold. Here, you must navigate through a rigorous boss rush consisting of four waves of regular enemies and boss monsters. After successfully clearing all four waves, the final boss, the Anima Harvester, will spawn.

After defeating the Anima Harvester, you will find the Acolyte’s body lying in the arena. You must approach her and interact to "feed" her one of your healing items. Note the following community-shared tips for this step:

• Item Consumption: The healing item you offer will be consumed, so choose an item of low utility or one you no longer need, such as a Bison Steak or Leeching Seed.
• Exceptions: Certain items, such as Dio’s Best Friend, are not compatible and will not work to revive her.

Once you have successfully provided a valid healing item, the Acolyte will be revived, and you will unlock her as a playable survivor for future runs.

Acolyte Combat Overview: N'kuhana's Grace

The Acolyte features a unique passive skill set, N'kuhana's Grace, which fundamentally changes how you approach survival. As a player, you cannot heal through traditional means. Instead, all incoming healing and 40% of damage taken are converted into "recoverable health" and attack speed. This mechanic rewards aggressive playstyles, as you must constantly engage enemies to convert your potential health into active survivability. Master her glaive-based combos and soul-harvesting abilities to maintain the balance on Petrichor V.