InThe First Descendant,there is only one default difficulty. However, a second, Hard mode, can be unlocked to test players further. The first-person shooter, which can be played by yourself or withfriends via co-op mode, is tough enough on normal difficulty, but the Hard mode cranks this up even further. While at first, there appears to be no way to change the difficulty within the game, it needsto be unlocked before you’re able to give it a go.

The new difficulty is worthwhile unlocking for experienced players of the game, offering a new challenge. While further additions have been outlined inThe First Descendant’s roadmap, hard mode can now offer more replayability for players. Hard Mode also provides much greater rewards, including new offerings that can’t be obtained through the default difficulty and more resources, which can prove vital when playingThe First Descendant.

Valby, Bunny, and Ajax from The First Descendant.

All Playable The First Descendant Characters & Exclusive Equipment & Abilities

The First Descendant introduces players to a unique roster of playable Descendants that fill the power fantasy urge many will be looking for.

How To Start Hard Mode In The First Descendant

Complete The Main Story

While you don’t need to complete any hidden objectives or find any items, unlocking Hard mode inThe First Descendantis not easy. To unlock Hard mode,you need to complete the final quest in the main story, “Heart of the Fortress.”

If you struggle to complete the final missions and bosses in co-op mode,try switching to solo. Like many games,The First Descendantincreases the difficulty and health of enemies when playing as a party, so it can often be easier to complete missions on your own.

The First Descendent a screen showing tutorial for hard mode

Alongside the main storyline, you also need to complete all the zone missions.

Once you have unlocked Hard Mode inThe First Descendant, it is easy to change it. If you open the World Map and select World Difficulty at the bottom right, You will then have the option tochange from the Normal difficulty to Hard mode.

mixcollage-04-dec-2024-08-57-am-3503.jpg

While it provides better rewards, there are also a lot of gameplay differences when playingThe First Descendanton Hard mode. The attacking power of enemies is increased, but on top of this, they can also have modifiers. These can increase enemies' stats further or give them resistance to certain attacks, making the new difficulty much harder.

While there is already much to unlock, such asnew characters and upgrades inThe First Descendant,Hard mode can provide a new challenge for experienced players and can be accessed once players have completed all the main missions.