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Difficulty is chosen when a new game begins and remains fixed for that playthrough. Select a preset or configure individual systems before entering the Colony.
Preset differences
Setting | Combat | Trading and progression |
|---|---|---|
Novice | Weaker enemies | More favorable prices and faster experience gain |
Gothic | Moderate challenge | Standard progression and trading balance |
Hard | Tougher enemies | Less favorable prices and slower experience gain |
Custom | Adjust individual combat options | Adjust resource and progression options |
Optional rules
Close Combat Flow Helper is available on every difficulty. It lets an attack continue the combat flow without the usual follow-up input, but does not turn that sequence into a true combo. It can help while learning attack timing.
Permadeath makes a death end the run and requires a restart. It is unavailable with the Novice preset. Choose it before starting if pursuing the No Time to Die challenge.
Choosing a setting
Novice gives more room to learn enemy attacks and the economy. Gothic is the middle option for a first run with the usual challenge. Hard increases pressure from enemies and slows character progression. Since this choice is locked, keep those tradeoffs in mind before starting a long campaign.
See Combat System for parries, dodges, and attack chains.