Providence trials are a new game mode in Risk of Rain Returns that consist of single-player mini-game challenges on custom stages, each using a different survivor with unique abilities. The trials test the player's mobility, combat effectiveness, and survivability skills, and they can unlock secret abilities and other unlockables upon completion. The trials expand as the player successfully completes each one, giving them access to more trials on the map. There are over 40 trials planned for release, and the mode provides a different way to play the game and challenge the player's skills.
The Engineer example in Providence trials is a strategy-focused custom stage. The trial starts when the player collects 80 missiles or prison shackles, which triggers groups of enemies to spawn on the stage. The player must defeat these enemies using their abilities and by picking between different items that spawn. The trial has multiple waves of enemies, and the player must choose between increasing their survivability by picking healing and utility items or increasing their damage output to kill the enemies efficiently. The player needs to plan their strategy carefully to succeed in this trial.