Rare item variants

Rare item variants (RIVs) are unique weapons and accessories that are rarer versions of their common counterparts. Most rare item variants look and function identically to their common counterpart but often have different sprites, altered stats, or additional effects. Each rare item variant is dropped from a certain enemy or boss (or the boss's respective Treasure Bag), and drop rates are not affected by the Defiled Rune.

Trivia

 * Rare item variants are largely inspired by a similar mechanic in Borderlands 2.
 * Many of the items also share the names of different weapons from the series.