Streets of Rogue 2 includes a large and varied cast of animals that inhabit the open world. The developer has said the menagerie grew larger than originally expected because the animations turned out well and were received positively, leading to more and more creatures being added. Several dozen animals are planned to be available at the Early Access launch. Because the game is in development, the developer has noted that not every detail described will necessarily make the final game, and some mechanics are not yet solidified.
Planned Animals
The following creatures have been listed among the animals planned for the game.
Bear
Bison
Boar
Capricorn
Cat
Chicken
Cow
Crocodile
Crow
Deer
Dog
Elephant
Frog
Goat
Gopher
Hermit Crab
Horse
Lizard
Moose
Pig
Rabbit
Raccoon
Rat
Shark
Sheep
Skunk
Snake
Squirrel
Tiger
Turtle
Wolf
Animal Behavior
AI behavior is intended to vary between animals, reflecting their real-world counterparts. The developer has given examples such as raccoons rummaging through trash cans in grungier parts of the city, a snake lying in wait behind tall grass before striking without warning, and chickens traveling in packs and pecking aggressively at anyone who provokes them. Uniquely colored animals may signal that a creature is especially tough or carries a rare ability or loot.
Meat and Cooking
Animal meat can be used to craft a variety of recipes. The developer has said that while eating is not strictly essential, the benefits are significant enough to make it worthwhile, and that those benefits vary depending on which type of meat is consumed. Status effects tied to specific meats have been discussed as a possibility, including comedic outcomes for feeding unusual food to NPCs. The developer also plans vegetarian alternatives for major meat types so players are not forced to hunt for them.
Taming, Riding, and Combat Allies
A Ranger archetype has been described as a kind of beastmaster, able to tame, ride, and fight alongside most types of animals encountered in the world. Animals can fight on the player's behalf, similar to other party members, and their effectiveness can improve over time, much like human companions. Riding is possible for travel or combat advantage, though not all animals can be ridden; this depends on the character's size and the animal's abilities or traits. See Vehicles for how mounts fit alongside cars and boats.
Animals at Your Base
Animals can be kept at a player's home base and provide various benefits. The developer has noted that this fits into the same system that lets NPCs become the player's employees. As NPCs, Rangers may also react negatively to players who strip the land of its natural resources. Humane options have been described for animal-related quests, such as knocking a creature out and transporting it to a Ranger outpost rather than killing it.