Risk Of Rain 2 Mercenary Ethereal Guide

Okay, let's talk about Mercenary in Risk of Rain 2. Specifically, his Ethereal ability. It's… divisive. Some people swear by it. Me? Not so much.

I know, I know. Unpopular opinion alert! Everyone loves becoming invincible for a few seconds. It's shiny, it's powerful. Makes you feel like a space ninja god.

But hear me out. Is Ethereal really the best way to play Mercenary? Or is it just a crutch?

The Appeal of Invincibility

Let's be fair. Being invincible is objectively good. No arguments there. You can dive into a horde of Lemurians and just *exist*. It's great for dodging those pesky Titan lasers too.

It lets you reposition safely. Perfect for setting up your next combo. Plus, the i-frames are generous. We love generous i-frames!

And, of course, it feels amazing to just ignore all the damage coming your way. Who doesn't love feeling powerful?

But... Is It REALLY the Best?

Here's where I start to question things. Ethereal feels… passive. You're not actively attacking or moving. You're just… waiting.

And in Risk of Rain 2, waiting is often a death sentence. The clock is ticking. The longer you wait, the harder things get.

Ethereal also messes with my flow. I like to be constantly moving, constantly attacking. Ethereal slams on the brakes. That's just me. It is kind of annoying.

I find myself relying on it too much. Suddenly, every situation looks like an Ethereal situation. My brain turns to mush.

The Alternatives: Aggression and Mobility

So, what's my alternative? Pure, unadulterated aggression! And maybe a dash of mobility.

I'm talking about maximizing your damage output. Stacking items that increase attack speed and proc chances. Turning Mercenary into a whirlwind of death.

Movement is key. Use your skills to dart around enemies. Don't get cornered! Think of yourself as a caffeinated bumblebee.

Learn the attack patterns of enemies. Dodge roll with precision. Become one with the combat. Forget about invincibility, embrace the dance.

"But what about one-shot protection?" you might ask.

Good point! One-shot protection is important. But there are other ways to get it. Items like Tougher Times (the teddy bear) are fantastic.

And honestly, sometimes the best defense is a good offense. If everything is dead, nothing can hurt you. Simple math, really.

My "Hot Take" Conclusion

Look, I'm not saying Ethereal is bad. It has its uses. It's a perfectly viable option. I'm just saying... it might not be the *optimal* option for everyone.

I personally prefer the thrill of constant movement and relentless aggression. It's more engaging. It's more fun. It makes me feel more like a ninja, less like a ghost.

Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe I'm just bad. But hey, that's my opinion. And I'm sticking to it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go try to solo Mithrix with a purely offensive build. Wish me luck!