Unlocking the False Son in Risk of Rain 2: Guide for Seekers of the Storm

Elaine1 week ago

Key Takeaways

The False Son is a powerful new melee-focused survivor in Risk of Rain 2’s Seekers of the Storm DLC, with versatile long-range capabilities.
To unlock the False Son, players must defeat him in the Prime Meridian while carrying a Halcyon Seed this involves multiple steps and strategic gameplay.
The boss fight is challenging, but with the right items, build, and a few specific strategies, players can make the process much easier.

In Risk of Rain 2, the Seekers of the Storm DLC introduces new challenges, characters, and mechanics to keep players engaged and on their toes. Among the most exciting additions is the False Son, a bruiser-type survivor with a powerful blend of melee attacks and laser strikes that make him formidable on the battlefield. While unlocking the False Son may sound straightforward, it’s a process that demands both patience and skill. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about unlocking the False Son, mastering his abilities, and tips for making the boss fight as manageable as possible.

Who is the False Son?

The False Son is a heavy-hitting melee survivor with a surprisingly effective arsenal for ranged combat. Unlike characters like the Chef, who specialize in close-range power, the False Son’s toolkit makes him a versatile threat from both close and long distances. However, despite his potential, players need to acquire the right items to maximize his effectiveness in battle. With the correct build, the False Son can become an unstoppable force capable of tearing through anything Risk of Rain 2 throws his way.

How to Unlock the False Son in Risk of Rain 2

Image credit Hopoo Games / Gearbox Publishing

Unlocking the False Son involves a multi-step process that requires specific items, portals, and a tough boss battle. Here’s the step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Obtain a Halcyon Seed

To unlock the False Son, you’ll need a Halcyon Seed, which involves taking a side quest to defeat another powerful entity in the game.

Activate a Gold Shrine – Locate a Gold Shrine, which you can often find by exploring different levels in Risk of Rain 2. Activating it will spawn a Gold Portal after a teleporter event.
Enter the Gold Portal – Once you’ve triggered the Gold Portal, enter it to reach the Gilded Coast.
Fight Aurelionite – The Gilded Coast houses Aurelionite, a boss that must be defeated to acquire the Halcyon Seed. Activate all seven pillars in the area to disable Aurelionite’s shield and deal as much damage as possible.
Collect the Halcyon Seed – After defeating Aurelionite, collect the Halcyon Seed. This item is essential for unlocking the False Son, so make sure it stays in your inventory.

Alternatively, you may find the Halcyon Seed in the Newt Bazaar by activating the right dream portal, but this relies on luck and may take multiple attempts.

Step 2: Locate a Halcyon Shrine

Once you have the Halcyon Seed, the next objective is to access the boss area through a series of green portals, which are different from the game’s usual teleporters.

Find a Halcyon Shrine – Halcyon Shrines are new interactable objects introduced in Seekers of the Storm. They are surrounded by emerald crystals and are easily recognizable.
Stand in the Shrine’s Radius – Halcyon Shrines consume your money as you stand in their radius. The longer you stay, the more rewards you’ll earn when the shrine is fully drained. Filling the shrine completely will spawn a green portal to the Prime Meridian, where the False Son awaits.
Enter the Green Portal – Step into the green portal, and you’ll be transported to the Prime Meridian for the final showdown with the False Son.

How to Defeat the False Son

The False Son is a tough boss, with several phases that can be difficult to overcome. Unlike most bosses in Risk of Rain 2, the False Son has abilities that can completely disable your skills, adding an extra layer of challenge to the fight.

Boss Mechanics and Strategy

Laser Beam Attack – The False Son’s laser attack is similar to the Stone Titan’s but with much greater precision. It can quickly drain your health bar, so avoid staying in its path as much as possible. The spikes in the arena can serve as temporary cover.
Melee Swings and Splinter Shots – These attacks are less dangerous, but it’s still wise to dodge them to avoid unnecessary damage.
Skill-Disabling Phase – In the third phase of the fight, the False Son will strip you of your abilities, leaving you unable to attack. This phase requires strategic use of the arena’s resources.

Using Geode Pillars to Survive

Throughout the arena, you’ll notice Geode Pillars that are critical to your survival during the fight:

Activate Geode Pillars Only When Necessary – Each Geode Pillar creates a shielded area that protects you and restores your abilities when you stand inside it. Only activate them during the third phase, when your skills are disabled.
Avoid Premature Activation – Don’t activate the pillars too early, or you might find yourself without protection when you need it most.
Respawning Geode Pillars – The Geode Pillars will respawn, so don’t be afraid to use them throughout the fight. Timing their activation will give you the best chance at survival.

General Tips for Fighting the False Son

Bring Drones for Distraction – Before entering Prime Meridian, purchase drones to assist you in the fight. Drones can help distract the False Son, giving you more breathing room to find cover and activate Geode Pillars.
Use Cover Strategically – While the False Son’s melee attacks can still reach you through some objects, the arena’s spiked terrain can be helpful for blocking the laser beam attack.
Stock Up on Power Elixirs – Power Elixirs can restore your health during the fight, giving you a lifeline if you’re running low on healing options.
Keep a Safe Distance – Staying too close to the False Son, even while behind cover, can lead to unintended hits from his powerful melee swings. Maintain some distance to avoid getting caught off guard.

Easiest Way to Unlock the False Son

If you’re finding the False Son fight difficult, there are ways to make it much easier without adjusting the core mechanics.

Use the Railgunner and Artifact of Command – Selecting Railgunner on Drizzle (easy) difficulty with the Artifact of Command activated can streamline the process. With this setup, you can pick and choose your items, creating an optimized build to take down the False Son effortlessly.
Item Recommendations for Railgunner:
- Crowbars – Increases damage to healthy enemies, making it easier to one-shot the False Son in each phase.
- Armor-Piercing Rounds – Extra damage against bosses, which makes a significant difference in this fight.
- AtG Missiles – Additional firepower for consistent damage.
- Laser Scope (Legendary) – Multiplies critical hit damage, useful for high burst damage.
Other Recommended Items – Basic survivability and mobility items like Hopoo Feathers, Power Elixirs, and Runald/Kjaro Bands will help you survive earlier levels and provide better mobility during the boss fight.

Alternative Strategy for Non-Railgunner Classes

If you prefer not to use the Railgunner or don’t have this character unlocked, there are other options:

Spare Drone Parts – Equip Spare Drone Parts and buy as many drones as possible. Drones will serve as distractions, allowing you to focus on positioning and dodging the False Son’s attacks.
Artifacts of Swarms and Sacrifice – Using these artifacts together can double enemy spawns but halve their health, providing more item drops without the need for chests. This can help you gather essential items faster and make the boss fight easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I unlock the False Son on any difficulty? A: Yes, you can unlock the False Son on any difficulty, but Drizzle mode makes the process significantly easier for new players.

Q: What if I lose the Halcyon Seed before reaching the boss? A: Unfortunately, if you lose the Halcyon Seed, you’ll have to obtain another one by revisiting the Gilded Coast and defeating Aurelionite again.

Q: Do the Geode Pillars provide invincibility? A: No, the Geode Pillars don’t make you invincible, but they grant a thick shield that absorbs significant damage and restores your abilities, which is crucial for surviving the False Son’s third phase.

Q: Can I unlock the False Son in multiplayer mode? A: Yes, you can unlock the False Son in multiplayer. Just ensure one player has the Halcyon Seed when facing the False Son to complete the unlock requirement.