Disco Elysium: Hardcore Mode - what is it, how to activate it? Disco Elysium guide, walkthrough
Last update: 18 July 2024
On this page of the Disco Elysium guide, you will learn what Hardcore Mode is and how it differs from the normal difficulty level: Detective Mode. The difficulty level impacts a number of gameplay mechanics and we listed them all below. In addition, we explain how to enable Hardcore Mode and how to unlock the True Detective achievement associated with it.
Hardcore Mode changes
Disco Elysium has two difficulty levels: Detective Mode and Hardcore Mode. Hardcore Mode is designed for more experienced players who are well-versed in all of the game mechanics.
Hardcore Mode in Disco Elysium changes the following gameplay elements:
- White skill checks have an increased level of difficulty — their requirements increase by 1. You can compensate for this by developing attributes and skills or by putting on clothing items that are able to temporarily increase them.
- The hero finds 15% less cash - in that case, for instance, it is recommended to unlock thoughts that increase the amount of cash you unlock. Hobocop, for example, will allow you to find and sell more bottles. We also recommend that you plan your expenses more wisely and buy only items that are helpful or needed in quests.
- Healing items are 2x more expensive - you should try to avoid situations where the main character can lose health points. You can also find healing items by exploring areas more carefully.
- Drugs are 2x more expensive and have a maximum of 2 charges - this means that you have to limit their use for the purposes of progress in the game.
- Each task you complete grants you an additional 5 XP, so you can accumulate experience faster and unlock development points faster.
In Hardcore Mode, you don't have to worry about permanent death. If one of the game over screens is displayed, you can simply load an earlier save. There are also no restrictions on saving the game - you can rely on manual, automatic, and quick saves. Frequent saves are useful when you fail a check or lose cash.
How to activate Hardcore Mode?
- Hardcore Mode is not selected when starting a New Game; in this case, you will immediately go to the character creator.
- You need to activate it in the game settings first. Hardcore Mode can be found on the bottom of the settings list (see the screenshot above). You need to turn it on and keep it so until the end of the game (do not toggle it on and off throughout the game).
True Detective achievement
- The True Detective golden trophy is an additional motivation to complete the game in Hardcore Mode.
- You can receive the achievement by unlocking one of the main endings. You won't get it if you finish the game early by unlocking one of the game over screens (e.g. by sleeping in a trash container).
- The trophy should unlock just before the end credits, assuming you haven't changed the Hardcore Mode settings throughout the game.