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REC icon.png
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FM2 icon.png
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KHREC icon.png
BBS icon.png
BBSFM icon.png
KH3D icon.png
The icon for Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance HD
The icon for Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A Fragmentary Passage-
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MOM icon.png

Difficulty Level: Difference between revisions

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(→‎Kingdom Hearts III: noting Oblivion keyblade reward on Crit)
(→‎Critical Mode: I think it's related to that)
 
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{{cleanup|Add info for KH, BBSFM(if different like KHIIFM), and MOM}}
{{cleanup|Add info for KH, BBSFM(if different like KHIIFM), and MOM}}
The {{nihongo|'''Difficulty Level'''|ゲームモード|Gēmu Mōdo|lit. "Game Mode"}} of a game in the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series determines enemy strength and limitations the player will be presented with during gameplay. In most ''Kingdom Hearts'' games, players choose a difficulty level when starting a new game, and they cannot change the level once they have started.
The {{nihongo|'''Difficulty Level'''|ゲームモード|Gēmu Mōdo|lit. "Game Mode"}} of a game in the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series determines enemy strength and limitations the player will be presented with during gameplay. In most ''Kingdom Hearts'' games, players choose a difficulty level when starting a new game, and they cannot change the level once they have started.
The original Japanese version of ''{{c|Kingdom Hearts|game}}'' had only one difficulty level, while the international version added Expert Mode. Difficulty levels and their names were standardized in later titles.
The highest level of difficulty is {{nihongo|'''Critical Mode'''|クリティカルモード|Kuritikaru Mōdo}}, followed by {{nihongo|'''Proud Mode'''|プラウドモード|Puraudo Mōdo}}, {{nihongo|'''Standard Mode'''|スタンダードモード|Sutandādo Mōdo}}, and {{nihongo|'''Beginner Mode'''|ビギナーモード|Biginā Mōdo}}.


In ''[[Kingdom Hearts Re:coded]]'', the difficulty level is instead handled by the [[Difficulty Cheat]], which is set to Standard by default but can be changed to "Beginner", "Proud", and "Critical" at any time.
In ''[[Kingdom Hearts Re:coded]]'', the difficulty level is instead handled by the [[Difficulty Cheat]], which is set to Standard by default but can be changed to "Beginner", "Proud", and "Critical" at any time.


In ''[[Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance]]'' and ''[[Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A fragmentary passage-]]'', Critical Mode is only available after completing the main game first instead of right away like before. ''[[Kingdom Hearts III]]'' originally lacked Critical Mode, but it eventually became available in Version 1.04-1.05 update.
In ''[[Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance]]'' and ''[[Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A fragmentary passage-]]'', Critical Mode is only available after completing the main game first instead of right away like before. ''[[Kingdom Hearts III]]'' originally lacked Critical Mode, but it eventually became available in the Version 1.04-1.05 update.
 
The highest level of difficulty is {{nihongo|'''Critical Mode'''|クリティカルモード|Kuritikaru Mōdo}}, followed by {{nihongo|'''Proud Mode'''|プラウドモード|Puraudo Mōdo}}, {{nihongo|'''Standard Mode'''|スタンダードモード|Sutandādo Mōdo}}, and {{nihongo|'''Beginner Mode'''|ビギナーモード|Biginā Mōdo}}.


{{TOClimit|2}}
==List of difficulties in each game==
==List of difficulties in each game==
{|class="wikitable" width="100%" style="text-align:center"
{|border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" width="100%" style="text-align:center"
|-bgcolor="#87ceeb"
|-style="{{style||a}}"
|width="25%" rowspan="2"|'''Game'''
!width="25%" rowspan="2"|Game
|width="75%" colspan="9"|'''Available Difficulty Levels'''
!width="75%" colspan="4"|Available Difficulty Levels
|-
|-style="{{style||b}}"
|-bgcolor="#87ceeb"
|
|
|'''Normal Mode'''
!Normal Mode
|'''Expert Mode'''
!Expert Mode
|
|
|-
|-
|-bgcolor="#e6e6fa"
|''{{c|Kingdom Hearts|game}}''
|''{{c|Kingdom Hearts|game}}''
|
|
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}<ref>International version only.</ref>
|
|-style="{{style||b}}"
|
|
!Beginner Mode
!Standard Mode
!Proud Mode
!Critical Mode
|-
|-
|-bgcolor="#87ceeb"
|'''Game'''
|'''Beginner Mode'''
|'''Standard Mode'''
|'''Proud Mode'''
|'''Critical Mode'''
|-
|-bgcolor="#e6e6fa"
|''[[Kingdom Hearts Final Mix]]''
|''[[Kingdom Hearts Final Mix]]''
|{{Yes}}<ref>Named "Final Mix: Beginner".</ref>
|{{Yes}}<ref>Named "Final Mix: Beginner".</ref>
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|{{Yes}}<ref>Named "Final Mix: Proud".</ref>
|{{Yes}}<ref>Named "Final Mix: Proud".</ref>
|{{No}}
|{{No}}
|-bgcolor="#e6e6fa"
|-
|''[[Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories]]''
|''[[Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories]]''
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
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|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
|{{No}}
|{{No}}
|-bgcolor="#e6e6fa"
|-
|''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]''
|''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]''
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
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|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
|{{No}}
|{{No}}
|-bgcolor="#e6e6fa"
|-
|''[[Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix]]''
|''[[Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix]]''
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
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|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
|-bgcolor="#e6e6fa"
|-
|''[[Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days]]''
|''[[Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days]]''
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
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|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
|{{No}}
|{{No}}
|-bgcolor="#e6e6fa"
|-
|''[[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep]]''
|''[[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep]]''
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
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|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}<ref>International version only.</ref>
|{{Yes}}<ref>International version only.</ref>
|-bgcolor="#e6e6fa"
|-
|''[[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix]]''
|''[[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix]]''
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
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|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
|-bgcolor="#e6e6fa"
|-
|''[[Kingdom Hearts coded]]''
|''[[Kingdom Hearts coded]]''
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
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|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
|-bgcolor="#e6e6fa"
|-
|''[[Kingdom Hearts Re:coded]]''
|''[[Kingdom Hearts Re:coded]]''
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
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|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
|-bgcolor="#e6e6fa"
|-
|''[[Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance]]''
|''[[Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance]]''
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
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|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}<ref name="unlock">Unlocks after beating the game once.</ref>
|{{Yes}}<ref name="unlock">Unlocks after beating the game once.</ref>
|-bgcolor="#e6e6fa"
|-
|''[[Kingdom Hearts Union χ]]''
|{{No}}
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}<ref>Only available for the Summer Adventure quests.</ref>
|-
|''[[Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A fragmentary passage-]]''
|''[[Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A fragmentary passage-]]''
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
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|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}<ref name="unlock"/>
|{{Yes}}<ref name="unlock"/>
|-bgcolor="#e6e6fa"
|-
|''[[Kingdom Hearts III]]''
|''[[Kingdom Hearts III]]''
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
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|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}<ref>Added in the 1.04 update.</ref>
|{{Yes}}<ref>Added in the 1.04 update.</ref>
|-bgcolor="#e6e6fa"
|-
|''[[Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory]]''
|''[[Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory]]''
|{{Yes}}
|{{Yes}}
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*Compared to the original game, enemies inflict twice the damage.
*Compared to the original game, enemies inflict twice the damage.
*The Gummi Ship's attack deals half the damage.
*The Gummi Ship's attack deals half the damage.
*Attacks against the Gummi Ship deal four times the damage.
*"FMPR" is written on the top right of the save file.
*"FMPR" is written on the top right of the save file.
*A Battle Report is shown after the epilogue, showing statistics from your journey.
*A Battle Report is shown after the epilogue, showing statistics from your journey.
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*Compared to Standard, enemies deal 1.2x the damage.
*Compared to Standard, enemies deal 1.2x the damage.
*Sora and Riku have a 0.7% chance of getting a Random Joker after a fight.
*Sora and Riku have a 0.7% chance of getting a Random Joker after a fight.
*Save file will display "Proud Mode"


==''Kingdom Hearts II''==
==''Kingdom Hearts II''==
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*Compared to Standard, damage to enemies is increased to 1.5x.
*Compared to Standard, damage to enemies is increased to 1.5x.
*Compared to Standard, damage received is halved.
*Compared to Standard, damage received is halved.
*Sora starts with a [[Ribbon]] as his default armor.
*''{{c|Birth by Sleep|video}}'' cannot be unlocked.
*''{{c|Birth by Sleep|video}}'' cannot be unlocked.


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*MP from Bonus Levels raises in +5 increments instead of +10 increments. (Maximum MP: 120 MP)
*MP from Bonus Levels raises in +5 increments instead of +10 increments. (Maximum MP: 120 MP)
*Compared to Standard, EXP gained is 75% of the normal amount.
*Compared to Standard, EXP gained is 75% of the normal amount.
*Roxas learns Reaction Boost, Finishing Plus, Draw, 2x Lucky Lucky, MP Hastera and No Experience on the Third Day.  
*Roxas learns [[Reaction Boost]], [[Finishing Plus]], [[Draw]], 2x [[Lucky Lucky]], [[MP Hastera]] and [[No Experience]] on the Third Day.  
*Roxas begins the game with 50 AP.
*Roxas begins the game with 50 AP.
*AP increases by increments of 3 instead of 2.
*AP increases by increments of 3 instead of 2.
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*Roxas takes normal damage.
*Roxas takes normal damage.
*HP prize recovery is normal.
*HP prize recovery is normal.
*The {{nihongo|'''Decrease Challenge Difficulty'''|やさしくなってコンティニュー|Yasashiku Natte Kontinyū|lit. "Be Gentle and Continue"}} option becomes available after going down 5 times. It temporarily sets the difficulty to Beginner Mode until the mission is completed or a regular Continue is used.


===Proud Mode===
===Proud Mode===
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===Mission Mode===
===Mission Mode===
Though not a difficulty level in itself, [[Mission Mode]] boasts a difficulty level of its own that surpasses even Proud Mode . Regardless of what difficulty you play on in Story Mode, Mission Mode's difficulty stays consistent. Due to its intended multiplayer purpose, designed for two or more players to cooperate, players deal far less damage than usual.
Though not a difficulty level in itself, [[Mission Mode]] boasts a difficulty level of its own that surpasses even Proud Mode. Regardless of what difficulty you play on in Story Mode, Mission Mode's difficulty stays consistent. Due to its intended multiplayer purpose, designed for two or more players to cooperate, players deal far less damage than usual.
 
With the bonus defense from automatic higher levels for enemies in Mission Mode, players only deal 0.5x damage, and take normal damage.
With the bonus defense from automatic higher levels for enemies in Mission Mode, players only deal 0.5x damage, and take normal damage.
{{sec-stub}}
{{sec-stub}}
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===Critical Mode===
===Critical Mode===
*Player deals 0.5x damage compared to Standard.
*Player deals normal damage.
*Player receives 2x damage compared to Standard.
*Player receives 2x damage compared to Standard.
*Compared to Standard, EXP gained is 75% of the normal amount.
*HP quantities from Bonus Levels are halved compared to Standard.
*HP quantities from Bonus Levels are halved compared to Standard.
*Game begins with five command slots.
*Game begins with five command slots.
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*Compared to Standard, Sora and Riku take 0.5x the damage.
*Compared to Standard, Sora and Riku take 0.5x the damage.
*Compared to Standard, Spirits take 0.5x the damage.
*Compared to Standard, Spirits take 0.5x the damage.
*Risky Winds ''[[Forecast]]'' is not available.
*One or two enemies will attack at a time.
*The Risky Winds [[Forecast]] is not available.
*Thirteen or more [[Trophies]] are required to unlock [[Another Guardian of Light]].
*Thirteen or more [[Trophies]] are required to unlock [[Another Guardian of Light]].


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*Sora and Riku take normal damage.
*Sora and Riku take normal damage.
*Spirits take normal damage.
*Spirits take normal damage.
*One or two enemies will attack at a time.
*Seven or more Trophies are required to unlock [[Another Guardian of Light]].
*Seven or more Trophies are required to unlock [[Another Guardian of Light]].


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*Compared to Standard, Sora and Riku take 1.5x the damage.
*Compared to Standard, Sora and Riku take 1.5x the damage.
*Spirits take normal damage.
*Spirits take normal damage.
*Two or three enemies will attack at a time.
*Bosses are less likely to cheer or taunt after landing an attack.
*Enemies are more likely to use powerful attacks or action patterns.
*Five or more Trophies are required to unlock [[Another Guardian of Light]].
*Five or more Trophies are required to unlock [[Another Guardian of Light]].


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*EXP Zero is available as an ability.
*EXP Zero is available as an ability.
*Compared to Standard, enemies take 0.5x the damage.
*Compared to Standard, enemies take 0.5x the damage.
*Compared to Standard, Sora and Riku take 3.0x the damage.
*Compared to Standard, Sora and Riku take 3.0x the damage, x2.0 in [[Dive Mode]].
*Compared to Standard, Spirits take 1.5x the damage.
*Compared to Standard, Spirits take 1.5x the damage.
*Compared to Standard, Risky Winds has a 2.5x chance of appearing.
*Compared to Standard, Risky Winds has a 2.5x chance of appearing.
*All enemies will attack simultaneously.
*Bosses attack in quicker succession. During Risky Winds, bosses attack almost constantly.
*Bosses are less likely to cheer or taunt after landing an attack.
*Enemies are more likely to use powerful attacks or action patterns.
**{{ns|Game|Young Xehanort}}'s Wild Arcanum attack includes an air combo that is exclusive to this difficulty level.
*Certain enemies will use attacks that are normally performed at low HP when they have a lot of HP remaining.
*Enemies do not flinch as much as in other difficulties.
*Enemies do not flinch as much as in other difficulties.
*Bosses activate their desperation moves much earlier than normal.
**[[Game:Young Xehanort|Young Xehanort]] has an air combo that is exclusive to this difficulty level.
*No Trophies are required to unlock [[Another Guardian of Light]].
*No Trophies are required to unlock [[Another Guardian of Light]].


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===Critical Mode===
===Critical Mode===
*Compared to Standard, Aqua deals 1.5× damage.
*Starting MP and HP are halved, rounded down, compared to all other difficulties.
*HP and MP from Bonus Levels are halved, rounded down, compared to all other difficulties.
*Compared to Standard, Aqua deals 50% more damage.
*Compared to Standard, enemies deal double damage.
*Compared to Standard, enemies deal double damage.
*The effects of Combo Master and Leaf Bracer are removed.
*Aqua's Attack combo chains are now reset by missed hits, and she can now get interrupted during the use of Curaga.
*Second Chance does not take effect if Aqua is not at critical health when a fatal attack lands.
*Aqua won't survive a fatal attack if not at critical health when it lands.
*Enemies and destructible items no longer drop HP, MP, and Focus prizes.
*Enemies and destructible items no longer drop HP, MP, and Focus prizes.
==''Kingdom Hearts Union χ''==
{{main|khux:Proud Mode|l1=Proud Mode}}
Each [[Story Quest]] in ''[[Kingdom Hearts Union χ]]'' has a default difficulty and an optional Proud Mode. The Summer Adventure line of quests also has an additional Critical mode.
===Standard Mode===
*Enemy levels are normal.
*All Keyblades, {{c|Medal|ucx}}s, and [[Special Attack]]s are available.
===Proud Mode===
*Enemy levels are higher.
*Must use a certain Keyblade.
*Conditions are set on which Medals and Special Attacks are available.
*Continues and Friend Medals are inaccessible.
*New Keyblades and rare Synthesis materials are available as rewards.
*For Quest 800 onward, and certain event quests, all objectives must be completed simultaneously.
===Critical Mode===
*Enemy levels are even higher.
*Must use a certain Keyblade.
*Continues and Friend Medals are inaccessible.
*All objectives must be completed simultaneously.
*Rarer rewards are available.


==''Kingdom Hearts III''==
==''Kingdom Hearts III''==
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===Beginner Mode===
===Beginner Mode===
*Compared to Standard, EXP gain is increased by 1.25x.
*Compared to Standard, EXP gain is increased by 1.25x.
*Sora deals 1.25x more damage to enemies and takes 0.5x damage from enemies, compared to Standard.
*Sora deals 1.25x as much damage to enemies and takes 0.5x damage from enemies, compared to Standard.
*Must collect all 90 [[Lucky Emblem]]s to view "{{c|Yozora|video}}".
*Must collect all 90 [[Lucky Emblem]]s to view "{{c|Yozora|video}}".


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===Proud Mode===
===Proud Mode===
*Damage dealt to enemies is normal.  
*Damage dealt to enemies is normal.  
*Sora takes 1.5x times more damage from enemies, compared to Standard.
*Sora takes 1.5x times as much damage from enemies, compared to Standard.
*Must collect 30 Lucky Emblems to view "Yozora".
*Must collect 30 Lucky Emblems to view "Yozora".


===Critical Mode===
===Critical Mode===
*MP and HP are halved compared to all other difficulties.
*Starting MP and HP are halved, rounded down, compared to all other difficulties.
*HP from [[Bonus Level]]s is gained in +5 increments, instead of +10 increments in all other difficulties. (Maximum HP: 135 if Sora chooses Vitality in [[Dive to the Heart]].)
*HP and MP from [[Bonus Level]]s are halved, rounded down (10 to 5, 5 to 2, 3 to 1), compared to all other difficulties.
*MP from Bonus Levels is gained in +2 increments, instead of +5 increments in all other difficulties.
*Sora begins the game with 58 AP (64 with pre-equipped Soldier's Earring).
*Sora begins the game with 58 AP (64 with pre-equipped Soldier's Earring).
*[[Situation Command]]s take twice as long to build up.
*[[Situation Command]]s take twice as long to build up.
*Sora receives 2.33x the damage from enemies and deals the same damage to enemies compared to Standard.
*Sora receives 2.0x + 10 damage (calculated before attack multiplier) as compared to Standard.
*Compared to Standard or Proud, EXP gained is three-quarters of the normal amount.
*MP Charge times have been increased to 70 seconds.
*Sora learns 3 default abilities exclusive to Critical Mode: [[Critical Counter]], [[Critical Recharge]], and [[Critical Converter]].
*Compared to Standard, EXP gained is 75% of the normal amount.
*Sora learns [[Aerial Recovery]], [[Counter Slash]], [[Counter Impact]], [[Counter Kick]], [[Final Blow]], [[Risk Dodge]], [[Rising Spiral]], [[Groundbreaker]], 3 instances of both [[Air Slide]] and [[Superslide]], and [[Combo Master]] by default.
*Sora has three default abilities exclusive to Critical Mode: [[Critical Counter]], [[Critical Recharge]], and [[Critical Converter]]. As playable characters, [[Riku]], [[Aqua]], [[Roxas]]{{RM}}, and [[Kairi]]{{RM}} also have Critical Counter by default.
*Sora learns [[Aerial Recovery]], [[Counter Slash]], [[Counter Impact]], [[Counter Kick]], [[Final Blow]], [[Risk Dodge]], [[Rising Spiral]], [[Groundbreaker]], two additional instances of both [[Air Slide]] and [[Superslide]], and [[Combo Master]] by default.
*The [[Soldier's Earring]] accessory is pre-equipped to Sora before fighting [[Darkside]] and the [[Shadow]]s.
*The [[Soldier's Earring]] accessory is pre-equipped to Sora before fighting [[Darkside]] and the [[Shadow]]s.
*[[Link]]s restore half of Sora's maximum HP, as opposed to all of his HP in other difficulties.
*[[Link]]s restore half of Sora's maximum HP, as opposed to all of his HP in other difficulties.
*Clearing the story on Critical Mode rewards the player with the [[Proof of Times Past]], which can be exchanged for the [[Oblivion]] Keyblade.
*[[Cuisine]] Full Course Bonus is two thirds as long.
*No Lucky Emblems are needed to view "Yozora".
*No Lucky Emblems are needed to view "Yozora".
*Clearing the story on Critical Mode rewards the player with the [[Proof of Times Past]], which can be exchanged for the [[Oblivion]] Keyblade.
 
==''Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory''==
In ''[[Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory]]'', the difficulty is handled on a level-by-level basis, as opposed to choosing one setting for the whole game. The difficulty level affects the general charting of the tracks, such as the number of notes and the pattern in which they need to be hit.
 
However, certain songs are locked to Beginner Mode, and thus only have one charting:
* "{{ns|game|Simple and Clean}}" (intro version)
* "{{ns|game|Dive into the Heart -Destati-}}" (tutorial)
* "{{ns|game|Stranded Beyond}}" (in the last area)
* "{{ns|game|Kairi III}}" (in the last area)
* "{{ns|game|March Caprice for 'Melody of Memory'}}" (credits)


==Related trophies==
==Related trophies==
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====''Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A fragmentary passage-''====
====''Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A fragmentary passage-''====
{{Trophy|img=[[File:Proud Player Critical Competitor Trophy KH0.2.png|63px]]|title=Proud Player/Critical Competitor|desc=Complete the game in Proud or Critical Mode.}}
{{Trophy|img=[[File:Proud Player Critical Competitor Trophy KH0.2.png|63px]]|title=Proud Player/Critical Competitor|desc=Complete the game in Proud or Critical Mode.}}
====''Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory''====
{|border="0" align="left" style="border-collapse:collapse;"
|width="300px"|{{Trophy|img=[[File:Beginner Player Trophy KHMOM.png|63px]]|title=Beginner Player|desc=Clear 50 songs on Beginner.}}
|width="300px"|{{Trophy|img=[[File:Standard Player Trophy KHMOM.png|63px]]|title=Standard Player|desc=Clear 50 songs on Standard.}}
|width="300px"|{{Trophy|img=[[File:Proud Player Trophy KHMOM.png|63px]]|title=Proud Player|desc=Clear 50 songs on Proud.}}
|-
|{{Trophy|img=[[File:Beginner Chain Master Trophy KHMOM.png|63px]]|title=Beginner Chain Master|desc=Clear 50 songs with a Full Chain on Beginner.}}
|{{Trophy|img=[[File:Standard Chain Master Trophy KHMOM.png|63px]]|title=Standard Chain Master|desc=Clear 50 songs with a Full Chain on Standard.}}
|{{Trophy|img=[[File:Proud Chain Master Trophy KHMOM.png|63px]]|title=Proud Chain Master|desc=Clear 50 songs with a Full Chain on Proud.}}
|-
|{{Trophy|img=[[File:Beginner Maestro Trophy KHMOM.png|63px]]|title=Beginner Maestro|desc=Clear all songs on Beginner.}}
|{{Trophy|img=[[File:Standard Maestro Trophy KHMOM.png|63px]]|title=Standard Maestro|desc=Clear all songs on Standard.}}
|{{Trophy|img=[[File:Proud Maestro Trophy KHMOM.png|63px]]|title=Proud Maestro|desc=Clear all songs on Proud.}}
|}
{{-}}
==Notes and references==
==Notes and references==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
{{Mechanics}}
[[Category:Game elements]]
[[Category:Game elements]]

Latest revision as of 12:49, 24 April 2024

Oh no! The water! I'm in big trouble if I don't fetch it!
Fantasia Mickey B 6★ KHUX.png
 This article requires cleanup or improvement.

Please help out by editing this page. Please see the Manual of Style and editing help before getting started.

Issues: Add info for KH, BBSFM(if different like KHIIFM), and MOM

The Difficulty Level (ゲームモード Gēmu Mōdo?, lit. "Game Mode") of a game in the Kingdom Hearts series determines enemy strength and limitations the player will be presented with during gameplay. In most Kingdom Hearts games, players choose a difficulty level when starting a new game, and they cannot change the level once they have started.

The original Japanese version of Kingdom Hearts had only one difficulty level, while the international version added Expert Mode. Difficulty levels and their names were standardized in later titles.

The highest level of difficulty is Critical Mode (クリティカルモード Kuritikaru Mōdo?), followed by Proud Mode (プラウドモード Puraudo Mōdo?), Standard Mode (スタンダードモード Sutandādo Mōdo?), and Beginner Mode (ビギナーモード Biginā Mōdo?).

In Kingdom Hearts Re:coded, the difficulty level is instead handled by the Difficulty Cheat, which is set to Standard by default but can be changed to "Beginner", "Proud", and "Critical" at any time.

In Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance and Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A fragmentary passage-, Critical Mode is only available after completing the main game first instead of right away like before. Kingdom Hearts III originally lacked Critical Mode, but it eventually became available in the Version 1.04-1.05 update.

List of difficulties in each game[edit]

Game Available Difficulty Levels
Normal Mode Expert Mode
Kingdom Hearts Yes Yes[1]
Beginner Mode Standard Mode Proud Mode Critical Mode
Kingdom Hearts Final Mix Yes[2] Yes[3] Yes[4] No
Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories Yes Yes Yes No
Kingdom Hearts II Yes Yes Yes No
Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix Yes Yes Yes Yes
Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days Yes Yes Yes No
Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Yes Yes Yes Yes[5]
Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix Yes Yes Yes Yes
Kingdom Hearts coded Yes Yes Yes Yes
Kingdom Hearts Re:coded Yes Yes Yes Yes
Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance Yes Yes Yes Yes[6]
Kingdom Hearts Union χ No Yes Yes Yes[7]
Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A fragmentary passage- Yes Yes Yes Yes[6]
Kingdom Hearts III Yes Yes Yes Yes[8]
Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory Yes Yes Yes No

Kingdom Hearts[edit]

Yellow Opera KHCOM.pngThis section of the article is a stub. You can help by expanding it.

Normal Mode[edit]

Expert Mode[edit]

  • Enemies deal double damage.
  • A Battle Report is shown after the epilogue, showing statistics from your journey.
  • Unlocking Another Side, Another Story... simply requires completing the game.

Kingdom Hearts Final Mix[edit]

Final Mix: Beginner Mode[edit]

  • Sora begins the game with a Ribbon, an EXP Necklace, 8 Power Ups, 8 Defense Ups and 4 AP Ups.
  • The Drill Gummi's Attack Power is 9,999 instead of 35.
  • "FMBG" is written on the top right of the save file.
  • No Battle Report is shown.
  • Another side, Another story... and Another Side, Another Story [Deep Dive] cannot be unlocked.

Final Mix Mode[edit]

  • Gummi Ship takes double the damage.
  • Damage inflicted by the Gummi Ship is cut by a third.
  • "KHFM" is written on the top right of the save file.
  • No Battle Report is shown
  • Must complete the Hades Cup; find all 99 Puppies; and seal every Keyhole to unlock Another Side, Another Story...; and complete Jiminy's Journal to unlock Another Side, Another Story [Deep Dive].

Final Mix: Proud Mode[edit]

  • Compared to the original game, enemies inflict twice the damage.
  • The Gummi Ship's attack deals half the damage.
  • Attacks against the Gummi Ship deal four times the damage.
  • "FMPR" is written on the top right of the save file.
  • A Battle Report is shown after the epilogue, showing statistics from your journey.
  • Unlocking Another Side, Another Story simply requires completing the game.
  • Must seal every Keyhole and complete the Hades Cup to unlock Another Side, Another Story [deep dive].
  • Sora has EXP Zero as an ability.[KH I HD]

Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories[edit]

Beginner Mode[edit]

  • Compared to Standard, enemies' HP is cut by 0.75x.
  • Compared to Standard, enemies deal 0.8x the damage.
  • Sora and Riku have a 4% chance of getting a Random Joker after a fight.

Standard Mode[edit]

  • Enemies' HP is normal.
  • Enemies deal normal damage.
  • Sora and Riku have a 1.3% chance of getting a Random Joker after a fight.

Proud Mode[edit]

  • Enemies' HP is normal.
  • Compared to Standard, enemies deal 1.2x the damage.
  • Sora and Riku have a 0.7% chance of getting a Random Joker after a fight.
  • Save file will display "Proud Mode"

Kingdom Hearts II[edit]

Beginner Mode[edit]

  • Compared to Standard, damage to enemies is increased by 1.5x.
  • Compared to Standard, damage received is halved.
  • The Gathering cannot be unlocked.

Standard Mode[edit]

  • Player deals normal damage.
  • Damage dealt to player is normal.
  • Must complete Jiminy's Journal to unlock The Gathering.
  • On the PS2 browser screen, the save file data's name is marked with a ☆ symbol.

Proud Mode[edit]

  • Compared to Standard, damage received is doubled.
  • "Proud Mode" is written on the top right side of the save file.
  • Must unlock every Gate and finish the game to unlock The Gathering.
  • On the PS2 browser screen, the save file data's name is marked with a ★ symbol.

Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix[edit]

Beginner Mode[edit]

  • Compared to Standard, damage to enemies is increased to 1.5x.
  • Compared to Standard, damage received is halved.
  • Birth by Sleep cannot be unlocked.

Standard Mode[edit]

  • Player deals normal damage.
  • Damage dealt to player is normal.
  • Must complete Jiminy's Journal, all Gummi Missions, and win the Gold Crown to unlock Birth by sleep.

Proud Mode[edit]

  • Compared to Standard, damage received is doubled.
  • "Proud Mode" is written on the top right side of the save file.
  • Must complete Jiminy's Journal and win the Gold Crown to unlock Birth by sleep.

Critical Mode[edit]

  • Compared to Standard, damage received is doubled.
  • Compared to Standard, damage to enemies is 1.25x, except for the Mushroom XIII.
  • HP from Bonus Levels raises in +2 increments instead of +5 increments. (Maximum HP: 60 HP)
  • MP from Bonus Levels raises in +5 increments instead of +10 increments. (Maximum MP: 120 MP)
  • Compared to Standard, EXP gained is 75% of the normal amount.
  • Roxas learns Reaction Boost, Finishing Plus, Draw, 2x Lucky Lucky, MP Hastera and No Experience on the Third Day.
  • Roxas begins the game with 50 AP.
  • AP increases by increments of 3 instead of 2.
  • Save file displays "Critical Mode".
  • Unlocking the "Birth by sleep" video requires you to win the Gold Crown.
  • In the PlayStation 2 Browser screen, there is a symbol attached to the save data file on the memory card.

Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days[edit]

Beginner Mode[edit]

  • Roxas takes 0.7× damage.
  • HP prize recovery is doubled.

Standard Mode[edit]

  • Roxas takes normal damage.
  • HP prize recovery is normal.
  • The Decrease Challenge Difficulty (やさしくなってコンティニュー Yasashiku Natte Kontinyū?, lit. "Be Gentle and Continue") option becomes available after going down 5 times. It temporarily sets the difficulty to Beginner Mode until the mission is completed or a regular Continue is used.

Proud Mode[edit]

  • Roxas takes 1.75× damage.
  • HP prize recovery is 0.7×

Mission Mode[edit]

Though not a difficulty level in itself, Mission Mode boasts a difficulty level of its own that surpasses even Proud Mode. Regardless of what difficulty you play on in Story Mode, Mission Mode's difficulty stays consistent. Due to its intended multiplayer purpose, designed for two or more players to cooperate, players deal far less damage than usual.

With the bonus defense from automatic higher levels for enemies in Mission Mode, players only deal 0.5x damage, and take normal damage.

Yellow Opera KHCOM.pngThis section of the article is a stub. You can help by expanding it.

Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep[edit]

Beginner Mode[edit]

  • Player deals 1.5x damage compared to Standard.
  • Player receives 0.5x damage compared to Standard.
  • Blank Points cannot be unlocked.
  • On the PSP XMB, there is an omega (Ω) symbol attached to the save data file on the memory stick.

Standard Mode[edit]

  • Player deals normal damage.
  • Player receives normal damage.
  • Must complete the Report Section and Final Episode to unlock Blank Points.
  • On the PSP XMB, there is an outline of a star attached to the save data file on the memory stick.

Proud Mode[edit]

  • Player deals normal damage.
  • Player receives 2x damage compared to Standard.
  • Must complete the Final Episode to unlock Blank Points.
  • In the PSP XMB, there is a star symbol attached to the save data file on the memory stick.

Critical Mode[edit]

  • Player deals normal damage.
  • Player receives 2x damage compared to Standard.
  • Compared to Standard, EXP gained is 75% of the normal amount.
  • HP quantities from Bonus Levels are halved compared to Standard.
  • Game begins with five command slots.
  • EXP Zero is available as an ability.
  • Must complete the Final Episode to unlock Blank Points.
  • In the PSP XMB, there is a cross symbol attached to the save data file on the memory stick.

Kingdom Hearts Re:coded[edit]

Unlike other games in the series, Kingdom Hearts Re:coded allows you to change the difficulty level during the game with the Difficulty Cheat. Each difficulty level changes the enemy drops and world clear bonuses.

Beginner Mode[edit]

  • Compared to Standard, enemies deal 0.7x damage with non-elemental attacks, and 0.66x damage with elemental attacks.
  • Compared to Standard, enemies have a lower chance of inflicting status effects. (Low: 0%, Medium: 30%, Certain: 100%)
  • Compared to Standard, enemy waiting time between attacks is 1.2x.

Standard Mode[edit]

  • Enemies deal normal damage.
  • Enemies have a normal chance of inflicting status effects. (Low: 0%, Medium: 50%, Certain: 100%)
  • Enemies have a normal waiting time.

Proud Mode[edit]

  • Compared to Standard, enemies deal 1.5x damage with non-elemental attacks, and 1.59x damage with elemental attacks.
  • Compared to Standard, enemies have a higher chance of inflicting status effects. (Low: 50%, Medium: 70%, Certain: 100%)
  • Compared to Standard, enemy waiting time between attacks is 0.8x.
  • Clearing all worlds on Proud Mode rewards the player with the Proud Achievement Trophy.

Critical Mode[edit]

  • Compared to Standard, enemies deal 2.1x damage with non-elemental attacks, and 2.37x damage with elemental attacks.
  • Enemies always inflict status effects.
  • Compared to Standard, enemy waiting time between attacks is 0.6x.
  • Clearing all worlds on Critical Mode rewards the player with the Critical Acclaim Trophy.

Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance[edit]

Beginner Mode[edit]

  • Compared to Standard, enemies take 1.5x the damage.
  • Compared to Standard, Sora and Riku take 0.5x the damage.
  • Compared to Standard, Spirits take 0.5x the damage.
  • One or two enemies will attack at a time.
  • The Risky Winds Forecast is not available.
  • Thirteen or more Trophies are required to unlock Another Guardian of Light.

Standard Mode[edit]

  • Enemies take normal damage.
  • Sora and Riku take normal damage.
  • Spirits take normal damage.
  • One or two enemies will attack at a time.
  • Seven or more Trophies are required to unlock Another Guardian of Light.

Proud Mode[edit]

  • EXP Zero is available as an ability.
  • Compared to Standard, enemies take 0.75x the damage.
  • Compared to Standard, Sora and Riku take 1.5x the damage.
  • Spirits take normal damage.
  • Two or three enemies will attack at a time.
  • Bosses are less likely to cheer or taunt after landing an attack.
  • Enemies are more likely to use powerful attacks or action patterns.
  • Five or more Trophies are required to unlock Another Guardian of Light.

Critical Mode[edit]

  • EXP Zero is available as an ability.
  • Compared to Standard, enemies take 0.5x the damage.
  • Compared to Standard, Sora and Riku take 3.0x the damage, x2.0 in Dive Mode.
  • Compared to Standard, Spirits take 1.5x the damage.
  • Compared to Standard, Risky Winds has a 2.5x chance of appearing.
  • All enemies will attack simultaneously.
  • Bosses attack in quicker succession. During Risky Winds, bosses attack almost constantly.
  • Bosses are less likely to cheer or taunt after landing an attack.
  • Enemies are more likely to use powerful attacks or action patterns.
    • Young Xehanort's Wild Arcanum attack includes an air combo that is exclusive to this difficulty level.
  • Certain enemies will use attacks that are normally performed at low HP when they have a lot of HP remaining.
  • Enemies do not flinch as much as in other difficulties.
  • No Trophies are required to unlock Another Guardian of Light.

Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A fragmentary passage-[edit]

Beginner Mode[edit]

  • Compared to Standard, Aqua deals 50% more damage.
  • All damage dealt to Aqua is halved.

Standard Mode[edit]

  • Aqua deals normal damage.
  • Damage dealt to Aqua is normal.

Proud Mode[edit]

  • Compared to Standard, Aqua deals 50% less damage.
  • Damage dealt to Aqua is normal.

Critical Mode[edit]

  • Starting MP and HP are halved, rounded down, compared to all other difficulties.
  • HP and MP from Bonus Levels are halved, rounded down, compared to all other difficulties.
  • Compared to Standard, Aqua deals 50% more damage.
  • Compared to Standard, enemies deal double damage.
  • Aqua's Attack combo chains are now reset by missed hits, and she can now get interrupted during the use of Curaga.
  • Aqua won't survive a fatal attack if not at critical health when it lands.
  • Enemies and destructible items no longer drop HP, MP, and Focus prizes.

Kingdom Hearts Union χ[edit]

Main article: Proud Mode

Each Story Quest in Kingdom Hearts Union χ has a default difficulty and an optional Proud Mode. The Summer Adventure line of quests also has an additional Critical mode.

Standard Mode[edit]

Proud Mode[edit]

  • Enemy levels are higher.
  • Must use a certain Keyblade.
  • Conditions are set on which Medals and Special Attacks are available.
  • Continues and Friend Medals are inaccessible.
  • New Keyblades and rare Synthesis materials are available as rewards.
  • For Quest 800 onward, and certain event quests, all objectives must be completed simultaneously.

Critical Mode[edit]

  • Enemy levels are even higher.
  • Must use a certain Keyblade.
  • Continues and Friend Medals are inaccessible.
  • All objectives must be completed simultaneously.
  • Rarer rewards are available.

Kingdom Hearts III[edit]

Beginner Mode[edit]

  • Compared to Standard, EXP gain is increased by 1.25x.
  • Sora deals 1.25x as much damage to enemies and takes 0.5x damage from enemies, compared to Standard.
  • Must collect all 90 Lucky Emblems to view "Yozora".

Standard Mode[edit]

  • Damage dealt to enemies is normal. Likewise, damage taken from enemies is also normal.
  • Must collect 60 Lucky Emblems to view "Yozora".

Proud Mode[edit]

  • Damage dealt to enemies is normal.
  • Sora takes 1.5x times as much damage from enemies, compared to Standard.
  • Must collect 30 Lucky Emblems to view "Yozora".

Critical Mode[edit]

Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory[edit]

In Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory, the difficulty is handled on a level-by-level basis, as opposed to choosing one setting for the whole game. The difficulty level affects the general charting of the tracks, such as the number of notes and the pattern in which they need to be hit.

However, certain songs are locked to Beginner Mode, and thus only have one charting:

Related trophies[edit]

Report trophies[edit]

Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep[edit]

Trinity Trophy KHBBS.png Trinity Trophy
Finish all the stories in Proud Mode or above.

Kingdom Hearts Re:coded[edit]

Critical Acclaim Trophy KHREC.png Critical Acclaim
Clear every world on Critical difficulty.
Proud Achievement Trophy KHREC.png Proud Achievement
Clear every world on Proud difficulty.

Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance[edit]

Critical Praise Trophy KH3D.png Critical Praise
Proof you have finished the story in Critical Mode.
Badge of Pride Trophy KH3D.png Badge of Pride
Proof you have finished the story in Proud Mode.

PSN trophies[edit]

Kingdom Hearts Final Mix[edit]

Proud Player Trophy KHHD.png Proud Player
Clear Final Mix on Proud.
Final Mix Master Trophy KHHD.png Final Mix Master
Clear Final Mix.
Novice Player Trophy KHHD.png Novice Player
Clear Final Mix on Beginner.

Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories[edit]

Proud Player Sora Trophy KHHD.png Proud Player Sora
Clear Sora's story on Proud.
Natural Player Sora Trophy KHHD.png Natural Player Sora
Clear Sora's story on Standard.
Novice Player Sora Trophy KHHD.png Novice Player Sora
Clear Sora's story on Beginner.
Proud Player Riku Trophy KHHD.png Proud Player Riku
Clear Riku's story on Proud.
Natural Player Riku Trophy KHHD.png Natural Player Riku
Clear Riku's story on Standard.
Novice Player Riku Trophy KHHD.png Novice Player Riku
Clear Riku's story on Beginner.

Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix[edit]

Critical Competitor Trophy KHIIFM.png Critical Competitor
Clear game on Critical.
Proud Player Trophy KHIIFM.png Proud Player
Clear game on Proud.

Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix[edit]

Critical Competitor Trophy KHBBSFM.png Critical Competitor
Clear game on Critical.

Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A fragmentary passage-[edit]

Proud Player Critical Competitor Trophy KH0.2.png Proud Player/Critical Competitor
Complete the game in Proud or Critical Mode.

Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory[edit]

Image of the trophy with the same name Beginner Player
Clear 50 songs on Beginner.
Image of the trophy with the same name Standard Player
Clear 50 songs on Standard.
Image of the trophy with the same name Proud Player
Clear 50 songs on Proud.
Image of the trophy with the same name Beginner Chain Master
Clear 50 songs with a Full Chain on Beginner.
Image of the trophy with the same name Standard Chain Master
Clear 50 songs with a Full Chain on Standard.
Image of the trophy with the same name Proud Chain Master
Clear 50 songs with a Full Chain on Proud.
Image of the trophy with the same name Beginner Maestro
Clear all songs on Beginner.
Image of the trophy with the same name Standard Maestro
Clear all songs on Standard.
Image of the trophy with the same name Proud Maestro
Clear all songs on Proud.

Notes and references[edit]

  1. ^ International version only.
  2. ^ Named "Final Mix: Beginner".
  3. ^ Named "Final Mix".
  4. ^ Named "Final Mix: Proud".
  5. ^ International version only.
  6. ^ a b Unlocks after beating the game once.
  7. ^ Only available for the Summer Adventure quests.
  8. ^ Added in the 1.04 update.
Game mechanics
Commands
Attack | Magic | Items | Summon | Drive | Limit | Reaction Command | Command Matrix | Overlay command | Deck Command (KHBBS, KH3D) | Finish command | Situation Command
Mechanics
Stats | Bonus Level | Party member | Gauges | Synthesis | Moogle Shop | Report | Glossary | Abilities (KH, KHCOM, KHII, KHD, KHREC, KHBBS, KH3D, KHUχ, KHIII, KHDR)
Rewards
Prizes | Treasure Chest | Experience | Tech Points | Munny | Moogle Point | Heart Point | VP | Medals | Rhythm Point
Special
Lock-On | Swimming | Cards (Battle, Map, World) | Sleight | Dark Mode | Panel System | Limit Break | Rank | Version Up | Debug Ability | Stat Matrix | Gear Matrix
Command Meld | Dimension Link | Command Style | Shotlock | Flowmotion | Reality Shift | Link System | Ability Link | Drop System | Cards (KHχ) | Medal (KHUχ) | Special Attack | Cards (KHDR)
Game elements
Opening Menu | The End | Difficulty Level | Tutorial | Game Over | Save Point | Game Clear Data | Trophies
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