Hard mode?

[Keyswored]

Is it better to just start this game on hard mode? I do intend to go for all the unlocks and I know some are exclusive to hard mode.

[KliPeH]

Hardmode unlocks will include both Normal mode and Hardmore unlocks, yes.

If you're playing solely for completion purposes there is no reason to play Normal. That said, Hardmode mostly just unlocks new co-op babies for local co-op, so you're not really getting anything useful out of playing it. It is also slightly harder post-Repentance.

I believe the Alt paths are not available during Normal mode though, so that's an entire completion mark locked away from you if you are playing on Normal. EDIT: This isn't true, the Alt path is also available during Normal runs. My bad.

TL;DR - If you're good at the game and you want to unlock everything there is no reason to play Normal mode, ever.

[WitchAmy]

If you're not familiar with the difficulty level or Repentance, I'd recommend starting with normal mode.

Hard mode has only a couple of unlocks, so it's better to learn the game better before hopping right into the hard stuff.

I'm not joking. Hard mode is actually hard now.

[Kelchesse]

Usually, ye, it's better to already go for hard mode. In hard mode, multiple enemies has higher projectile speed, which you will just not be ready if you play on normal. If you struggle with something however (for example, unlocking newest double character unlocks), you can always unlock their items first on normal, then do the hard mode run.

But mostly it's better to stick to hard mode.

[WitchAmy]

Originally posted by 󠀡󠀡󠀡󠀡⁣　KliPeH:

Hardmode unlocks will include both Normal mode and Hardmore unlocks, yes.

If you're playing solely for completion purposes there is no reason to play Normal. That said, Hardmode mostly just unlocks new co-op babies for local co-op, so you're not really getting anything useful out of playing it. It is also slightly harder post-Repentance.

I believe the Alt paths are not available during Normal mode though, so that's an entire completion mark locked away from you if you are playing on Normal.

TL;DR - If you're good at the game and you want to unlock everything there is no reason you to play Normal mode, ever.

I wouldn't say "slightly". It's actually hard now.

Alt path is unlockable and available in normal mode. Not sure where did you got that info from.

[KliPeH]

Originally posted by Blind, the Bound Demon:

I wouldn't say "slightly". It's actually hard now.

Alt path is unlockable and available in normal mode. Not sure where did you got that info from.

I have corrected my mistake literally 3 minutes after I posted, geez. I was assuming it wasn't possible because Daily runs are never Hardmode and the Alt path is not available in those. I have not played Normal in the last 400 hours of gameplay; pardon my mistake.

I wouldn't call Hardmode "hard". Most enemy projectiles are as fast as they should have always been now, there are a couple more levels per floor which is good (you should always explore entire pre-Chapter 4 floors, no exceptions) and the generation chooses slightly harder level variants. The only annoying thing is the worse Shops, but it's whatever.

I don't see any reason to prefer Normal mode over Hardmode. I guess if you don't want to face Champion enemies and have a higher Curse chance each floor?

[Amble]

If you want full completion go for hard mode. It'll be worth it to start tuning your muscle memory to hard mode enemy speed right away.

[Keyswored]

I bought this game when it first came out but barely touched it, I've been playing it now after having all the DLC and so far I've unlocked Sheol, Cathedral and The Void areas, but I really suck at dodging enemies and such, I take too much damage as it is already, but I do feel as I want to unlock everything as the game is really fun. Maybe I should get a bit more practice in before I go on hard mode.

[KliPeH]

Originally posted by No skill controller player:

I bought this game when it first came out but barely touched it, I've been playing it now after having all the DLC and so far I've unlocked Sheol, Cathedral and The Void areas, but I really suck at dodging enemies and such, I take too much damage as it is already, but I do feel as I want to unlock everything as the game is really fun. Maybe I should get a bit more practice in before I go on hard mode.

If you're not very good at dodging projectiles as is you'll have a hard time with Hardmode projectiles. Keep practicing, when you start feeling comfortable with the mechanics as they are you can slowly make the transition into Hardmode with your favorite character or the one you think is easiest to play.

If you want it narrowed down for you without too many spoilers, only secret characters have actual item unlocks for playing Hardmode: Apollyon, The Lost and The Forgotten. That said, you also get another item for completing everything in Hardmode with all characters (and an achievement for each of those Hardmode unlocks which totals to about 35 achievements), so this should be a longterm goal for you.

You also unlock one of the two new Repentance characters by playing Hardmode and beating It Lives with Lazarus without losing a life.

[Nitaire]

Definitely get used to Hard mode as soon as possible, you'll adjust to it and it really isn't that bad to be fair.

[Keyswored]

Originally posted by 󠀡󠀡󠀡󠀡⁣　KliPeH:

Originally posted by No skill controller player:

I bought this game when it first came out but barely touched it, I've been playing it now after having all the DLC and so far I've unlocked Sheol, Cathedral and The Void areas, but I really suck at dodging enemies and such, I take too much damage as it is already, but I do feel as I want to unlock everything as the game is really fun. Maybe I should get a bit more practice in before I go on hard mode.

If you're not very good at dodging projectiles as is you'll have a hard time with Hardmode projectiles. Keep practicing, when you start feeling comfortable with the mechanics as they are you can slowly make the transition into Hardmode with your favorite character or the one you think is easiest to play.

If you want it narrowed down for you without too many spoilers, only secret characters have actual item unlocks for playing Hardmode: Apollyon, The Lost and The Forgotten. That said, you also get another item for completing everything in Hardmode with all characters (and an achievement for each of those Hardmode unlocks which totals to about 20 or so achievements), so this should be a longterm goal for you.

You also unlock one of the two new Repentance characters by playing Hardmode with Lazarus without losing a life.

Sounds like I am probably better off until I feel more comfortable with the game, I don't even know what most of the items do so I just pick up anything and everything, besides from devil deals unless I have the HP to spare.

[KliPeH]

Originally posted by No skill controller player:

Sounds like I am probably better off until I feel more comfortable with the game, I don't even know what most of the items do so I just pick up anything and everything, besides from devil deals unless I have the HP to spare.

Fair enough. Best of luck to you!

[Keyswored]

Originally posted by 󠀡󠀡󠀡󠀡⁣　KliPeH:

Originally posted by No skill controller player:

Sounds like I am probably better off until I feel more comfortable with the game, I don't even know what most of the items do so I just pick up anything and everything, besides from devil deals unless I have the HP to spare.

Fair enough. Best of luck to you!

Thank you for the help.