Mode

has several available, which can be chosen from at file creation.
==List of Modes==
: Play through the story. The intended mode for a first playthrough.
:, , and can be unlocked in this mode. Skull Kid can also be unlocked.
: Play through an alternate story, featuring Octavo.
: is the only playable character in this mode, unless co-op is used. Functionally identical to as Octavo.
 : Play through an alternate story, featuring Skull Kid.
:Takes place in the 's future. is the only playable character in this mode, unless co-op is used. Functionally identical to as Skull Kid.
: Play the entire game without swapping characters.
:Can choose any one character to play as. Can choose two if starting in co-op.
: Replace the overworld with a single large dungeon. For players looking for the classic NecroDancer experience.
:The dungeon contains 21 floors across 5 zones. Can choose a character the same way as in . Before each boss, a portal is present, which leads back to the start of the zone.
 : Play through the game in Dungeon Mode with all characters consecutively. Not that the save file will be removed upon completion.
:Since and are so similar to their non-shadow counterparts, you can choose between playing as the shadows or their non-shadow counterparts.
: You'll also need to play as .
: Play in Permadeath Mode with a random character on a new world each day. You get only one chance per day!
:Only , , , and can appear in this mode.
 : Play through a puzzle-centric dungeon.
:This mode is just the with an additional floor, a boss key to find, and with instead of after clearing an enemy room.
 : Play an infinite arena mode, where the enemies get harder and harder. If you're defeated, you'll have to start over!
:An endless version of the . Every six floors, a boss (other than ) will appear.
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: Play the game without moving to the beat. Enable this if you often find yourself missing beats.
:When on, the game becomes entirely turn-based, and the rhythm aspect is entirely removed. Can be toggled at any time from Options > Gameplay. Not recommended for co-op.
: Double the speed of the beat.
:Has very little effect if is on.
: A more challenging experience. Once you get a game over, the game ends permanently.
:Some additional items, like the and , are shuffled around like other key items. Enemies and bosses will be harder variations of themselves. For more details, see the main article for .
: The identity of all enemies and items is a mystery!
:The identity of items are revealed when you pick them up.