Difficulty: Difference between revisions

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Present only in the Japanese version, Maniac Mode serves as an even greater challenge than Difficult Mode. Maniac Mode is primarily defined by an exceedingly large number of enemies when compared to the other difficulties. Enemies in Maniac Mode have even higher [[level]]s than they do on Difficult Mode, making them even stronger. Due to how enemy growth rates are skewed, however, this often means they are simply much bulkier than on Difficult Mode, with not much higher offensive stats than those of Difficult Mode. Certain enemies have differing inventories, with [[Bonus damage|effective weapons]] becoming more common than on Difficult Mode. Promoted enemies also become more common earlier than on Difficult Mode. Some enemies are additionally given more [[skills]]. Bosses have the same stats as they do on Difficult Mode, with the exception of [[Oliver]]. [[Experience]] gained from defeating enemies is reduced, providing even less than Difficult Mode. As well, less [[bonus experience]] is rewarded overall, omitting the common "Clear bonus" like Difficult Mode, while providing half as much bonus experience from clearing other objectives (except for the Chapter 10 undetected bonus).

{{quote|Recommended for those seeking a challenge. Enemies are up to five degrees tougher than those in Normal mode. No prologue is included.|Help text}}

All variations of Hard Mode exclude the four chapter prologue, starting the player off on [[Marth Embarks|Chapter 1]], with [[Frey]] and [[Norne]] being unavailable. Each version gives enemies higher stats, [[weapon levels]] (and therefore their respective [[Weapon level#Weapon level bonus|bonuses]]), and enemies can have higher level weapons such as [[Silver Sword]]s and [[Bolganone]] much earlier. Enemies may also be given [[forge]]d weaponry. [[Reinforcement]]s appear at the start of enemy phase, and can act on the same turn they appear. Apart from these changes, however, the general positions, quantities, and behaviors of the enemies are largely identical to how they are on Normal Mode.

! Normal!!H1!!H2!!H3!!H4

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Normal Mode save files are colored green. On this difficulty, the [[Turn rewind|Draconic Time Crystal]] has infinite uses.

Hard Mode save files are colored red. On this difficulty, the Draconic Time Crystal has 10 uses.

Enemies have even higher stats than on Hard Mode, and there are typically even more enemies in each chapter compared to Hard Mode. Like Hard Mode, enemy stat increases are not always consistent, and may even be lowered in certain cases, though this tends to be offset by their increased stats in other areas. Certain enemies have their [[weapon]]s, positions, and even [[class]]es changed entirely to make them more threatening. Promoted enemies are occasionally given special exclusive [[skills]] depending on their class; for example, enemy [[Hero]]es are given [[Triangle Adept]], and enemy [[Warrior]]s are given [[Fierce Stance]]. Enemy AI is also noticeably smarter, as they will not attack a unit that they deal zero damage to or a unit that they have a 0% hit rate against. This does not apply if enemies are able to deal damage via an ally's chain attack or if they are able to inflict secondary effects, like with skills such as [[Hobble]].

Maddening Mode save files are colored purple. Furthermore, the player is unable to use [[Battle save]]s during a chapter and must use Bookmarks instead. Like hard mode, the Draconic Time Crystal has 10 uses.