Difficulties and Game Modes

## Area and Enemy Scaling

Check the Enemies page for detailed information.

## Difficulty Options

By default, the Normal difficulty mode is enabled. The difficulty can be changed at any Site of Grace at any time, but will result in the loss of all runes.

**Hard, Co-Op Hard/Master/Raid, Regeneration, Full HP, Hybrid and Shura difficulties can be chosen only after completing the new Gilded Cave of Knowledge tutorial.**

* *AI changes are added to bosses and enemies depending on the selected difficulty. If an enemy has specific changes based on difficulty, it will be listed under their name in the Enemies/Bosses sections.*
	+ **Restored cut attacks and similar changes are available on all difficulties.**

* Difficulties now affect enemy 'teamAttack'. This is a mechanic that controls how aggressive each enemy is in a group and is the thing that makes a lot of enemies in groups stand back and not attack. The main change here is that harder/Co-op difficulties now decrease teamAttack, making groups of enemies more aggressive against more players.

#### A Small Note On Difficulty

ERR can be demanding of the player. Though it is not intended to be harder than the base game on Normal, you are generally expected to at least attempt to engage with the mod's mechanics (deflecting, ducking, etc.) and many base game "cheese" strategies (builds to kill bosses before they can act, rapidly overleveling the game, etc.) are removed or greatly nerfed to be in line with other strategies. For players who are used to these builds (intentionally or not), it might seem like you're much weaker than vanilla. The goal is for everything to be viable, but nothing should blatantly outclass anything else. It is highly recommended to start with Normal or Adept for your first playthrough, and Easy or Relaxed may be appealing if you find the mod's difficulty frustrating to grasp. Some tips for if the game feels more difficult than you expect can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), and if you're having trouble with something specific, feel free to ask on the Discord.

## Regular Difficulties

Note: **While in combat**, the player has passive FP regeneration on every difficulty unless stated otherwise.

*Numbers updated to version 0.11.5C (percentages are in relation to Normal Mode values).*

### **Relaxed Mode**

Decreased enemy stats:

* -33.3% maximum HP;
* -41.2% damage dealt;
* -41.2% stamina damage dealt;
* +50% poise damage received;
* +12.5% status buildup received;
* Nerfed enemy AI and aggression.

Increased player stats:

* +60 stamina recovery per second;
* -20% poise damage received;
* -41.2% status buildup received (-44.4% for hemorrhage);
* -15% skill, magic and item FP consumption;
* +20% FP recovered from flasks;
* +50 item discovery;
* Increased base amount of invincibility frames by 1;
* Passive HP/FP regeneration *(need new numbers)*;
* No rune loss on death;
* Permanent Rune Arc effect.

### **Easy Mode**

Decreased enemy stats:

* -13.3% maximum HP;
* -17.6% damage dealt;
* -17.6% stamina damage dealt;
* +12.5% poise damage received;
* +12.5% status buildup received;
* Nerfed enemy AI and aggression.

Increased player stats:

* -17.6% status buildup received (-22.2% for hemorrhage);
* +10 item discovery;
* Passive HP regeneration *(need new numbers)*;
* Passive FP regeneration *(need new numbers)*;
* Increased base amount of invincibility frames by 1.

### **Adept Mode**

Increased enemy stats:

* +33.3% maximum HP;
* +17.6% damage dealt;
* +17.6% stamina damage dealt;
* -25% poise damage received;
* -25% status buildup received.

Decreased player stats:

* +17.6% status buildup received (+11.1% for hemorrhage).

### **Hard Mode**

Increased enemy stats:

* +60% maximum HP;
* +10% maximum stamina;
* +29.4% damage dealt;
* +29.4% stamina damage dealt;
* -31.8% poise damage received;
* -31.8% status buildup received;
* -5% damage received from hemorrhage, frostbite, sleep and madness;
* Hard enemy effects.

Modified player stats:

* +29.4% status buildup received (+22.2% for hemorrhage);
* -20% FP recovered from flasks;
* +50 item discovery;
* -10% stealth effectiveness;
* Decreased base amount of invincibility frames by 1.

#### Hard enemy effects

On Hard, Co-Op Hard/Master/Raid, Regeneration, Full HP, Hybrid and Shura difficulties:

* *Bosses have "Hard" AI (new attack effects and new strings/combos) and are more aggressive.* These are not new attacks, rather new combinations of existing attacks and modifiers to existing attacks.
* *Enemies begin to slowly recover their health after a few seconds of not getting hit*. Aggressive play or use of quick ranged attacks (such as throwing knives) can effectively suppress enemies' HP and stance regeneration, while status effects like Poison and Scarlet Rot can offset (but not prevent) their HP recovery.
* *If an enemy is alerted, it becomes immune to backstabs.*
* *Upon dying and retrieving your lost runes, 10% of them will be gone (50% for Shura mode).* This is usually referred as "rune decay".

### **Master Mode**

Increased enemy stats:

* +100% maximum HP;
* +20% maximum stamina;
* +41.2% damage dealt;
* +35.3% stamina damage dealt;
* -40% poise damage received;
* -40% status buildup received;
* -10% damage received from hemorrhage, frostbite, sleep and madness;
* Hard enemy effects.

Modified player stats:

* +41.2% status buildup received (+33.3% for hemorrhage);
* -33.3% FP recovered from flasks;
* +100 item discovery;
* Decreased base amount of invincibility frames by 1.

## Co-Op Difficulty Modes

In all co-op modes, Flask Sharing is enabled. This grants the effect of any flask usages to nearby players, allowing players to group up to restore each other's HP and FP.

### **Co-Op Normal Mode**

Recommended for groups of 2-4 players.

Increased enemy stats:

* +53.3% maximum HP;
* +5% maximum stamina;
* +17.6% damage dealt;
* +23.5% stamina damage dealt;
* -30.2% poise damage received;
* -19.3% status buildup received;
* -4% damage received from hemorrhage, frostbite, sleep and madness;
* Modified enemy AI.

Decreased player stats:

* +29.4% status buildup received (+22.2% for hemorrhage);
* -10% HP recovered from flasks;
* -5% FP recovered from flasks;
* -2.5% damage dealt by spells and arrows.

### **Co-Op Hard Mode**

Recommended for groups of 2-4 players.

Increased enemy stats:

* +73.3% maximum HP;
* +15% maximum stamina;
* +23.5% damage dealt;
* +29.4% stamina damage dealt;
* -34.7% poise damage received;
* -13.7% status buildup received;
* -7% damage received from hemorrhage, frostbite, sleep and madness;
* Hard enemy effects.

Modified player stats:

* +3.5% maximum HP;
* +35.3% status buildup received (+27.8% for hemorrhage);
* -5% damage dealt by spells and arrows;
* -20% HP recovered from flasks;
* -15% FP recovered from flasks;
* -3.5% HP recovered from non-flask sources;
* +75 item discovery.

### **Co-Op Master Mode**

Recommended for groups of 3-4 players.

Increased enemy stats:

* +93.3% maximum HP;
* +25% maximum stamina;
* +29.4% damage dealt;
* +35.3% stamina damage dealt;
* -38.8% poise damage received;
* -8.1% status buildup received;
* -10% damage received from hemorrhage, frostbite, sleep and madness;
* Hard enemy effects.

Modified player stats:

* +6.5% maximum HP;
* +41.2% status buildup received (+33.3% for hemorrhage);
* -5% damage dealt by spells and arrows;
* -30% HP recovered from flasks;
* -25% FP recovered from flasks;
* -6.5% HP recovered from non-flask sources;
* +50 item discovery.

### **Co-Op Raid Mode**

Recommended for groups of 4+ players.

Increased enemy stats:

* +113.3% maximum HP;
* +35% maximum stamina;
* +35.3% damage dealt;
* +41.2% stamina damage dealt;
* -42.2% poise damage received;
* -2.5% status buildup received;
* -13% damage received from hemorrhage, frostbite, sleep and madness.
* Hard enemy effects and unique Raid Mode AI changes.

Modified player stats:

* +10% maximum HP;
* +47% status buildup received (+38.9% for hemorrhage);
* -5% damage dealt by spells and arrows;
* -40% HP recovered from flasks;
* -35% FP recovered from flasks;
* -10% HP recovered from non-flask sources;
* +25 item discovery.

## Special Difficulty Modes

### **God Mode**

Decreased enemy stats:

* -55.6% maximum HP;
* -60.8% damage dealt;
* -5.9% stamina damage dealt;
* +125% poise damage received;
* +125% status buildup received.
* Less aggressive AI.

Increased player stats:

* -60.8% status buildup received (-63% for hemorrhage);
* -50% skill, magic and item FP consumption;
* +100% arrow range.
* +100 item discovery.
* Increased base amount of invincibility frames by 1;
* Passive HP/FP regeneration *(need new numbers)*;
* No rune loss on death;
* Permanent Rune Arc effect.

### **Vanilla Mode**

Vanilla mode counters some nerfs to certain player abilities, while keeping all of the buffs.

Modified enemy stats:

* +6.6% maximum HP;
* +29.4% damage dealt;
* -11.8% stamina damage dealt;
* -17.5% poise damage received;
* -16.6% status buildup received;
* +25% damage received from hemorrhage, frostbite, sleep and madness.

Increased player stats:

* +10% maximum stamina;
* +150 stamina recovery per second;
* -10% weapon stamina consumption;
* -20% skill, magic and item FP consumption;
* +10% damage dealt (+20% by spells);
* +10% poise damage dealt;
* -11.8% status buildup received (-16.7% for hemorrhage);
* -50% damage received from hemorrhage, -67% from sleep and -25% from madness;
* +10% HP recovered from flasks;
* +50% FP recovered from flasks.
* +10% stealth effectiveness;
* +100% arrow range.

### Exploration Mode

Exploration mode greatly increases the health of enemies to make exploring dangerous, while keeping boss stats lower.

Increased enemy stats (general):

* +100% maximum HP;
* +15% maximum stamina;
* +17.6% damage dealt;
* +29.4% stamina damage dealt;
* -40% poise damage received;
* -40% status buildup received;
* -11% damage received from hemorrhage, frostbite, sleep and madness.

Modified enemy stats (Major):

* +11.1% maximum HP;
* +17.6% damage dealt;
* +17.6% stamina damage dealt;
* -16.6% poise damage received;
* -16.6% status buildup received;
* +6% damage received from hemorrhage, frostbite, sleep and madness.

Modified enemy stats (Boss):

* -29% maximum HP;
* +17.6% damage dealt;
* +17.6% stamina damage dealt;
* +12.5% poise damage received;
* +12.5% status buildup received;
* +8% damage received from hemorrhage, frostbite, sleep and madness.

Modified enemy stats (Miniboss/Elite):

* -8.9% maximum HP;
* +17.6% damage dealt;
* +17.6% stamina damage dealt;
* -2.1% poise damage received;
* -2.1% status buildup received;
* +7% damage received from hemorrhage, frostbite, sleep and madness.

Decreased player stats:

* +29.4% status buildup received (+22.2% for hemorrhage);
* -20% FP recovered from flasks;
* -5% stealth effectiveness.

### **Regeneration Mode**

Regeneration mode removes the ability to restore FP through flasks but increases passive FP regeneration to compensate.

Increased enemy stats:

* +73.3% maximum HP;
* +25% maximum stamina;
* +29.4% damage dealt;
* +29.4% stamina damage dealt;
* -34.7% poise damage received;
* -34.7% status buildup received;
* -7% damage received from hemorrhage, frostbite, sleep and madness;
* Hard enemy effects.

Modified player stats:

* +29.4% status buildup received (+22.2% for hemorrhage);
* -25% HP recovered from flask and other sources;
* Passive HP regeneration *(need new numbers)*;
* Increased passive FP regeneration *(need new numbers)*.

### **Full HP Mode**

Full HP mode removes the need to heal by putting all of your health into the initial health bar. Flasks of Crimson Tears are replaced with a passive increased max HP and damage resistance.

Increased enemy stats:

* +100% maximum HP;
* +20% maximum stamina;
* -41.2% damage dealt;
* +35.3% stamina damage dealt;
* -40% poise damage received;
* -40% status buildup received;
* -11% damage received from hemorrhage, frostbite, and madness;
* Hard enemy effects.

Modified player stats:

* +50% damage received;
* -33.3% poise damage received;
* +41.2% status buildup received (+33.3% for hemorrhage);
* -5% stealth effectiveness;
* -60% damage received from hemorrhage/frostbite/madness and -20% from sleep;
* -75% HP recovered from non-flask sources;
* -50% FP recovered from flasks;
* Slight passive HP regeneration (*need new numbers*);
* Attacks dealt after taking damage recover HP (Malenia's Great Rune effect).

### **Hybrid Mode**

Hybrid mode is a singleplayer mode that gives enemies any special effects they would normally only receive in Raid mode.

Increased enemy stats:

* +133.3% maximum HP;
* +25% maximum stamina;
* +35.3% damage dealt;
* +47% stamina damage dealt;
* -45.5% poise damage received;
* -45.5% status buildup received;
* -11% damage received from hemorrhage, frostbite, and madness;
* Hard enemy effects and Raid Mode AI.

Modified player stats:

* +30% maximum HP;
* +20% maximum FP;
* +10% maximum stamina;
* +8% damage dealt;
* +10% poise damage dealt;
* +8% damage received;
* +35.3% status buildup received (+27.8% for hemorrhage);
* +25% HP recovered from flasks;

### **Shura Mode**

Shura mode is an incredibly challenging difficulty mode that focuses on using Deflects to beat enemies (your i-frames are halved).

**Note**: using Spirit Ashes in this mode will trigger the Memory of Grace upon use, causing you to lose your runes and respawn at your last grace visited.

Increased enemy stats:

* +80% maximum HP;
* +20% maximum stamina;
* +35.3% damage dealt;
* +35.3% stamina damage dealt;
* -36.2% poise damage received;
* -36.2% status buildup received;
* -8% damage received from hemorrhage, frostbite, and madness;
* Hard enemy effects.

Modified player stats:

* +41.2% status buildup received (+33.3% for hemorrhage);
* +25% skill and item FP consumption;
* +50% magic FP consumption;
* -50% FP recovered from flasks;
* +200 item discovery;
* Decreased base amount of invincibility frames by half.

## PvP Mode

Reduces the effectiveness of status effects, reduces the effectiveness of flasks, and overall decreases damage for PvP play.

## New Game Plus

NG+ enemy scaling greatly reworked - All enemies will be roughly the same power level for the entire game, rather than early enemies still being significantly weaker than endgame NG enemies.

Added the ability to advance to the next Journey (NG+) early at the Chapel of Anticipation. Interact with the statue in the starting room to begin your next Journey early. Using this feature will provide you with runes and materials to upgrade yourself to the appropriate level:

* 200 Lord's Runes (each worth 50.000 runes, for a total of 10 million) for the first NG+. Additional Journeys grant 50 Lord's Runes.
* Enough materials to fully upgrade 6 normal weapons, 6 somber weapons, 6 normal spirits, and 6 renowned spirits. Additional Journeys grant enough for 3 of each.
* Most key items not related to the story, like Memory Stones and Cracked Pots. Ones held by merchants are not granted to the player, and will still need to be purchased.
	+ Additionally, the cracked pot given during the Gilded Cave of Knowledge is not given to the player either, and will need to be picked up.
* 80 Starlight Tokens. Additional Journeys grant 40.
* *The purpose of this feature is to provide an experience that doesn't require you to worry about upgrade materials or leveling that much. When playing with NG+ scaling, any area can be done in any order.*
	+ *This mechanic is not available after killing the Grafted Scion or leaving the Chapel of Anticipation for the first time.*

#### New Game Plus Rewards

When in NG+, bosses will drop Rune Pieces on defeat and you will be able to buy additional Rune Pieces at any Site of Grace upon reaching maximum level.

## Custom Game Modes + Start Options

Game modes are custom states that can be activated at the Chapel of Anticipation at the start of a game.

***Game modes are not compatible with online play. Game modes may wildly change the game and can't be disabled after leaving the Chapel of Anticipation.***

#### Adventure Mode

The Adventure game mode is a mode that replaces fast traveling with set warp points, similar to the original Dark Souls. There are 34 warp gates that can be used to travel between different places of interest in the Lands Between.

#### Eternal Return Challenge

The Eternal Return is a game mode focused on NPC quests. Cursed by the Three Fingers, you only have three (in-game) days to become Elden Lord before the flame consumes you and Order is lost forever. Players must empower themselves with Grace found from interacting with and completing NPC quests to become Elden Lord.

* *This game mode is heavily inspired by Majora's Mask, with a 3 day cycle that resets the world and a focus on completing NPC quests to become more powerful.*

### Starting Options

Starting options are settings that change how the game begins, but do not change the actual structure of the game majorly. These options are also activated at the Chapel of Anticipation, and cannot be used after leaving.

#### Quick Start

The "Quick Start" Option allows you to skip much of the busywork at the start of a new run. This includes the following:

* Begin with Torrent.
* Begin with Melina appearing at graces with you, allowing leveling up.
* Begin with the Spirit Calling Bell and Lone Wolves ash.
* Begin in Roundtable Hold, with the First Step grace activated. You will need to use the back entrance to get into the normal starting area.
* Begin with the Flask of Wonderous Physick + Crimson Crystal Tear.
* Begin with the Codex of the All-Knowing + initial signs from the chest.

Quick Start will happen once you die either to the Scion or by falling off the ledge afterwards.

This option is **required** for adventure mode, and will automatically be enabled. *Not recommended for a first playthrough, as you miss out on most early plot and character setups.*

#### Alternate Start

The "Alternate Start" option will allow you to pick a different overworld region to begin in. This option is **only** available for NG+ (including Early NG+). The exact location you begin in will be somewhat random.

One site of grace within the selected region will be activated automatically, and multiple regions can be selected at the same time to allow players in NG+ to cut out a lot of the overworld map traversal.