hardmode

Hardmode is a term used in video games to denote a game mode that increases difficulty relative to the standard or normal setting. It is typically a selectable option at the start of a new game or within the options menu, and in some titles it can be unlocked after completing the game on the easier setting. The mode is intended to provide a tougher challenge and to extend the game's longevity for players seeking more demanding play.

Common characteristics include stronger enemies with more health and damage, smarter or more aggressive AI, reduced resources or harsher resource management, stricter penalties for character death, and altered pacing or loot. Some games also adjust puzzles, platforming precision, or encounter rates to maintain challenge across playthroughs.

Variations of hardmode include hardcore or permadeath variants, where death is permanent and progress may be partially or wholly erased; and post‑game or New Game Plus variants that increase scale, reward more valuable loot, or unlock additional content when starting a second run. Some titles separate hard mode into multiple tiers, such as hard, very hard, and expert, each with incremental increases in difficulty.

Hardmode can influence player strategy, encouraging careful planning, risk assessment, and different build or loadout choices. It may also impact accessibility and accessibility considerations for players who rely on assistive features or more forgiving mechanics. Developers balance hardmode to ensure that the increased difficulty remains achievable and rewarding, without making the game inaccessible to a broad audience.

Related concepts include standard difficulty settings, permadeath or hardcore modes, and New Game Plus or iterated playthrough modes. Hardmode is widely used across genres, including role-playing games, action games, and roguelikes, as a way to extend replay value and cater to players seeking a greater challenge.