Unicorn Overlord features five difficulty settings: Story, Normal, Tactical, Expert, and True Zenoiran, catering to a broad spectrum of players. The first four levels are immediately available, allowing you to select the most suitable challenge for your skills right from the start.
The True Zenoiran mode, however, unlocks only after completing the game, providing an additional challenge for those looking to test their limits further. This guide aims to detail each difficulty setting, helping you choose the right one for your playthrough based on the challenge you're seeking in Unicorn Overlord.
All Unicorn Overlord Difficulty Settings Detailed
Unicorn Overlord allows you to change the difficulty at any point during your playthrough, offering you the opportunity to experiment to find what best fits your playstyle. This section outlines the differences among the difficulty modes in Unicorn Overlord, assisting you in choosing the level of challenge you want to tackle as you navigate the five nations of Fevrith.
If you do not see four difficulty modes to choose from when prompted, you need to update your game. Make sure your console is connected to the internet and download Unicorn Overlord’s day one patch, which features a variety of balance changes along with adjustments to its difficulty modes.
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The first three difficulty modes in Unicorn Overlord are similar, with only minor adjustments to details such as character stats and damage taken. As you opt for higher difficulty levels, the game introduces more significant changes that affect gameplay. Players can expect the following changes when increasing the difficulty in Unicorn Overlord:
- Each unit's Stamina is decreased.
- Enemies hit harder and are more resilient.
- Valor earnings are reduced.
Additionally, playing on Unicorn Overlord's Expert and True Zenoiran settings introduces two significant adjustments:
- Item usage is restricted to 10 items per stage (Expert and True Zenoiran difficulty).
- Permadeath applies when your entire squad is wiped out (True Zenoiran difficulty only).
Players familiar with Unicorn Overlord's demo version may notice the absence of the Casual difficulty option, which was available in the demo. With the v1.01 day-one patch, this option was renamed to Normal, and a new Story difficulty mode was introduced.
Story Difficulty in Unicorn Overlord Explained
The Story difficulty setting in Unicorn Overlord is designed for ease, prioritizing narrative over challenge. Introduced in the day-one patch alongside various game enhancements, this mode caters to players seeking to immerse themselves in Unicorn Overlord's story without as much focus on combat mechanics and strategy. It suits both newcomers to tactical RPGs and those desiring a relaxed gaming experience.
Normal Difficulty in Unicorn Overlord Explained
The Normal difficulty mode in Unicorn Overlord offers a balanced experience, blending story and challenge. It serves as the game’s “standard” setting, replacing the Casual mode from the demo. Adjustments and balance changes from the day-one patch further refine this mode, ensuring gameplay that is engaging yet accessible.
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Tactical Difficulty in Unicorn Overlord Explained
Tactical difficulty, Unicorn Overlord's third option, provides a heightened challenge suitable for veterans of tactical role-playing games. This is a balanced yet appropriately challenging experience for those familiar with series like Ogre Battle who will find similar mechanics reflected in Unicorn Overlord’s gameplay. It is ideal for players seeking a robust yet manageable level of difficulty.
Expert Difficulty in Unicorn Overlord Explained
Expert difficulty is the most challenging option available for your initial playthrough in Unicorn Overlord. It's tailored for players seeking the highest difficulty from the start. True Zenoiran mode, offering even greater challenges, unlocks only after completing the game, so if you’re looking for the toughest battles on your very first playthrough, Expert difficulty is for you.
True Zenoiran Difficulty in Unicorn Overlord Explained
The True Zenoiran difficulty stands as Unicorn Overlord's toughest and most relentless level, suited for players supremely confident in their genre expertise. It becomes accessible only after completing the game, at which point it can be chosen for new playthroughs.
Notably, True Zenoiran is the only difficulty level in Unicorn Overlord to incorporate permadeath, which is activated only if your entire squad is eliminated. Under these circumstances, characters cannot be revived or deployed again for the rest of your playthrough. However, individual units that fall in battle can be resurrected through normal methods, provided the whole team hasn't been defeated.
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Is There a New Game Plus in Unicorn Overlord?
Unfortunately, Unicorn Overlord lacks a New Game Plus (or New Game+) option, and postgame content is somewhat limited. Players can extend their game experience on the same save file by engaging in coliseum battles in Baumratte, but starting a new game with the accomplishments from a previous clear is not possible.
Which Difficulty Should You Choose?
The ability to change your game's difficulty at any point provides a unique opportunity to explore each setting and find what suits you best. With the option to switch between modes, you can tailor your experience to match your skill level and preferences.
For those new to the tactical RPG genre, starting on Unicorn Overlord's Normal difficulty is advisable. It offers a chance to get acquainted with the game's mechanics and combat system. As you become more comfortable, you might consider moving up to Tactical for an increased challenge.
Veteran players of the genre might prefer beginning at the Expert level, with the option to dial back to Tactical if seeking slightly easier gameplay. After completing the game, you have the freedom to begin anew at any difficulty, including the challenging True Zenoiran mode. With Unicorn Overlord's completion time of around 40 hours, reaching True Zenoiran and facing the game’s hardest challenges is an achievable goal for dedicated players.
Unicorn Overlord
- Released
- March 8, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Blood, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes
- Developer(s)
- Vanillaware
- Platform(s)
- PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Switch
- Genre(s)
- Tactical, RPG
