Difficulty

Difficulty is a recurring mechanic in the Megami Tensei franchise.
Overview
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Mechanics by Game
Shin Megami Tensei series
Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne
Nocturne has two difficulties: "Normal" and "Hard".
Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster
The HD Remaster of Nocturne introduces the "Merciful" difficulty as free downloadable content. The difficulty can be adjusted at any time.
Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux
Redux has three main difficulty options. The "Impossible" difficulty is unlocked after beating the game once.
Shin Megami Tensei IV
Shin Megami Tensei IV has two main difficulties: "Prentice" and "Fellow", the latter of which is unlocked if Flynn dies in battle twice. Master difficulty can be unlocked after beating the game once.
Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse
Apocalypse has three main difficulty levels: "Skirmish", "Conflict", and "War". Two additional difficulties were added as downloadable content, being "Paradise" and "Apocalypse". As of the Nintendo 3DS eShop's closure on March 27, 2023, it is no longer possible to purchase or download any of the game's downloadable content.[1]
Shin Megami Tensei V
The "Safety" difficulty was only available as free downloadable content in the original version of Shin Megami Tensei V. As of the delisting of Shin Megami Tensei V on June 14, 2024 following the release of Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, it is no longer possible to purchase or download the game's downloadable content.[2] It is instead included in the base game of this version.
| Modifier | Safety | Casual | Normal | Hard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ally damage dealt | x10 | x1.2 | x1.0 | x0.7 |
| Ally accuracy | x1.5 | x1.1 | x1.0 | x0.95 |
| Ally damage taken | x0.1 | x0.8 | x1.0 | x1.3 |
| Enemy accuracy | x0.8 | x0.9 | x1.0 | x1.1 |
| Escape rate | x5 | x1.5 | x1.0 | x0.5 |
| Ally critical rate | x1.5 | x1.2 | x1.0 | x1.0 |
| Enemy to Ally status rate | x0.05 | x0.7 | x1.0 | x1.3 |
| Ally to Enemy status rate | x2 | x1.3 | x1.0 | x0.7 |
| Chance of allies being killed by Hama/Mudo | x0.01 | x0.7 | x1.0 | x1.3 |
| Chance of enemies being killed by Hama/Mudo | x2 | x1.2 | x1.0 | x0.7 |
| Chance of pre-emptive strike | x2 | x1.2 | x1.0 | x0.7 |
| Macca/HP/MP needed to satisfy demons | x0.3 | x0.8 | x1.0 | x1.2 |
| Rank of items asked for by demons | Rank -1 | Rank -1 | Rank +0 | Rank +1 |
| How much Macca can be demanded from a cornered demon | x3.3 | x1.3 | x1.0 | x0.8 |
| In-Game Description |
Devil Summoner series
Soul Hackers 2
Soul Hackers 2 has three difficulties: "Easy", "Normal", and "Hard". The achievement "Hardcore Hacker" can only be obtained by beating the game on hard mode.[3]
Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army
Unlike previous games in the Raidou series, Raidou Remastered introduces difficulty options. The four options available for a new game are "Sleuth", "Gumshoe", "Private Eye", and "Truth Seeker". A fifth difficulty level called "Detective Legend" is available when beginning Cycle 2 onward. The difficulty is initially selected at the beginning of the game, but can be changed at any time from the Settings menu. Additionally, the player is given the option to change their difficulty after getting a Game Over when playing on any of the four initial options.
| Modifier | Sleuth | Gumshoe | Private Eye | Truth Seeker | Detective Legend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HP damage amount (Ally → Enemy) |
x2.25 | x1.5 | x1 | x1 | x0.8 |
| HP damage amount (Enemy → Raidou) |
x0.25 | x0.5 | x1 | x1.5 | x2 |
| HP damage amount (Enemy → Allied Demon) |
x0.25 | x0.5 | x1 | x1 | x2 |
| HP damage amount (Ally → Ally) |
x0.25 | x0.5 | x1 | x1 | x1.5 |
| Allied Demon weak point stun duration | x0.5 | x0.5 | x1 | x1 | x1 |
| MAG recovery amount upon "Drain" affinity occurrence | x1.5 | x1.5 | x1 | x0.8 | x0.8 |
| Weak point shield durability | x1 | x1 | x1 | x1 | x2 |
| Ailment occurrence rate (Ally → Enemy) |
x1.5 | x1.5 | x1 | x1 | x1 |
| Ailment occurrence rate (Enemy → Ally) |
x0.5 | x0.5 | x1 | x1 | x1 |
| Time elapsed to successfully escape from battle | x0.25 | x0.25 | x1 | x1 | x1 |
| Game Over | Cannot Game Over; HP of Raidou and Ally Demons will be fully restored if it reaches 0 | Can retry battle | Can retry battle | Can retry battle | Cannot retry battle |
| In-Game Description | An unorthodox difficulty in which you and your allies cannot die. Conquer all challenges with indomitable Spirit. (Difficulty does not affect the game's story.) | A comfortable difficulty. Chase ambition, led by your Spirit. (Difficulty does not affect the game's story.) | A standard difficulty. Let your strong Spirit guide your investigation. (Difficulty does not affect the game's story.) | A difficulty teeming with hardship. Unwaveringly pursue the truth and survive on the power of your Spirit. (Difficulty does not affect the game's story.) | The greatest difficulty, reserved for legends in the making. Your Spirit must burn at its brightest. (Difficulty does not affect the game's story.) |
Persona series
Persona 3
Persona 3 FES
Persona 3 Portable
Persona 3 Reload
| Modifier | Peaceful | Easy | Normal | Hard | Merciless |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXP | x1.5 | x1.2 | x1.0 | x1.0 | x1.0 |
| Yen | x1.5 | x1.2 | x1.0 | x1.0 | x1.0 |
| Damage dealt | x1.6 | x1.25 | x1.0 | x0.8 | x0.6 |
| Damage taken | x0.5 | x0.5 | x1.0 | x1.3 | x1.5 |
| Ally to Enemy status rate | x1.5 | x1.2 | x1.0 | x1.0 | x0.8 |
| Enemy to Ally status rate | x0.1 | x0.5 | x1.0 | x1.0 | x1.2 |
| Weakness damage | x1.0 | x1.0 | x1.0 | x1.0 | x1.36 |
| Critical damage | x1.0 | x1.0 | x1.0 | x1.0 | x1.34 |
| Death | Can revive | Game over | Game over | Game over | Game over |
| In-Game Description |
Persona 4
Persona 4 Golden
| Modifier | Very Easy | Easy | Normal | Hard | Very Hard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Damage done by Shadows | x0.50 | x0.50 | x1.0 | x1.6 | x1.6 |
| Damage done to Shadows | x2.0 | x2.0 | x1.0 | x0.8 | x0.8 |
| EXP gained | x3.0 | x1.0 | x1.0 | x1.0 | x0.4 |
| Money gained | x5.0 | x1.0 | x1.0 | x1.0 | x0.4 |
| Dungeon Retries | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed | Not allowed |
| In-Game Description |
Persona 4 Revival
Persona 5
Persona 5 Royal
Persona 4 Arena Ultimax
| This article is in need of research. | |
| Reason: Get gameplay information and check if the info is the same in the original Arena game |
When starting a round in Arcade Mode, the player can choose from five difficulty levels.
| Modifier | Safety | Easy | Normal | Hard | Risky |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-Game Description | A difficulty level that anyone can play. | A difficulty level perfect for those who are getting used to the game | A standard difficulty level | A difficulty level perfect for fighting game experienced players | A perfect difficulty level for those who fight all day |
Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth
| Modifier | Safety | Easy | Normal | Hard | Risky |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Change Difficulty? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Damage Done | Increase | Increase | Standard | Decrease | Decrease |
| Damage Taken | Decrease | Decrease | Standard | Increase | Increase |
| EXP | Increase | Increase | Standard | Decrease | Decrease |
| Collections | No change | No change | Standard | Decrease | Decrease |
| Game Over | Continue allowed | KO/petrify ends game | KO/petrify ends game | KO/petrify ends game | KO/petrify of leader ends game |
| In-Game Description | Recommended for those wishing to easily enjoy the story. Even easier than EASY, you can immediately continue if your party falls in battle. | Recommended for those who don't want to fight strategically. The difficulty is low, for players to enjoy the game with ease. | This is the recommended difficulty to allow the player to enjoy the distinct tension that comes from exploring the labyrinths. | The difficulty is harsher, and is recommended for players who are experienced strategists. | You're crazy for choosing this. If the protagonist dies in battle, the game will instantly end. It's super-hard, too. |
Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth
| Modifier | Safety | Easy | Normal | Hard | Risky |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Change Difficulty? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Damage Done | Increase (L) | Increase (S) | Standard | Decrease (S) | Decrease (L) |
| Damage Taken | Decrease (L) | Decrease (S) | Standard | Increase (S) | Increase (L) |
| EXP | Increase (L) | Increase (S) | Standard | Decrease (S) | Decrease (L) |
| Game Over | Continue allowed | KO ends game | KO ends game | KO ends game | KO of P5 protagonist ends game |
| In-Game Description | "SAFETY" is for players who just want to enjoy the story. Battle difficulty is lower, and even if your party falls, you can immediately continue. This difficulty can be changed later. | "EASY" has a low difficulty, and is suited for people interested in a casual playthrough. This difficulty can be changed later. | "NORMAL" is recommended for people who want to enjoy tense battles and strategize through each encounter. This difficulty can be changed later. | "HARD" is for experienced strategists who enjoy grueling battles and the thrill of a tactical challenge. This difficulty can be changed later. | "RISKY" is for the battle-hardened few who laugh in the face of certain death. The protagonist is required in your party, and his death will end the game. This difficulty cannot be changed later. |
Persona 4: Dancing All Night
Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight
Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight
Persona 5 Strikers
Persona 5 Tactica
| Modifier | Safety | Easy | Normal | Hard | Merciless |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enemy HP | x0.5 | x0.75 | x1.0 | x1.0 | x1.5 |
| Enemy Atk | x0.25 | x0.5 | x1.0 | x1.25 | x1.5 |
| Yen | x2 | x1.5 | x1.0 | x1.25 | x1.5 |
| Baton Touches | Unlimited | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Friendly Fire | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Additional Effects | +2 turns for stages with turn limits (excludes quests/challenges) All allies can be healed and revived after being knocked out |
+2 turns for stages with turn limits (excludes quests/challenges) | |||
| In-Game Description | Safe mode allows you to enjoy the story without worry, as you can revive during battle an unlimited number of times. You can change the difficulty later. |
Easy mode has less challenging battles for players unsure of their skill. You can change the difficulty later. |
Normal mode is for those who want a balance between a riveting story and exciting gameplay. You can change the difficulty later. |
Hard mode is for the advanced player looking for advanced tactics action. You can change the difficulty later. |
Merciless mode is for those looking for the most punishing experience, where a single lapse in judgement can spell the end. You can change the difficulty later. |
Persona 5: The Phantom X
Nomenclature
| Language | Name | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 難易度 Nan'ido | Level/degree of difficulty |
Gallery
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Difficulty screen in Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne
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Difficulty screen in Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster
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Difficulty screen in Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux
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Difficulty screen in Shin Megami Tensei IV
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Difficulty screen in Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse
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Difficulty screen in Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance
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Difficulty screen in Soul Hackers 2
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Difficulty screen in Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army
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Difficulty screen in Persona 3 FES
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Difficulty screen in Persona 3 Portable (Male Protagonist)
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Difficulty screen in Persona 3 Portable (Female Protagonist)
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Difficulty screen in Persona 3 Reload
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Difficulty screen in Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis
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Difficulty screen in Persona 4
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Difficulty screen in Persona 4 Golden
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Difficulty screen in Persona 5
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Difficulty screen in Persona 5 Royal
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Difficulty screen in Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth (P3 Hero)
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Difficulty screen in Persona Q (P4 Hero)
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Difficulty screen in Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth (Safety)
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Difficulty screen in Persona Q2 (Easy)
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Difficulty screen in Persona Q2 (Normal)
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Difficulty screen in Persona Q2 (Hard)
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Difficulty screen in Persona Q2 (Risky)
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Track and Difficulty selection screen in Persona 4: Dancing All Night
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Track and Difficulty selection screen in Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight
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Track and Difficulty selection screen in Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight
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Difficulty screen in Persona 5 Strikers
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Difficulty screen in Persona 5 Tactica
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Difficulty screen in Persona 5 Tactica: Repaint Your Heart
References
- General
- "Knowledge: Chapter 1: System Guide", Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance Official Perfect Guide. p. 18.
- "System Explanation", Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army: Chō Kōshiki Kanzen Kōryakubon. p. 7.
- "Chapter 1: System", Persona 3 Reload Official Complete Guide. p. 32.
- "Chapter 4: Dungeons", Persona 4 Golden: The Complete Guide. p. 229.
- "Program 2: System", Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth: Official Perfect Guide. p. 27.
- "System", Persona Q2 New Cinema Labyrinth Official Complete Guide. p. 36.
- "System", Persona 5 Tactica Official Perfect Guide. p. 25.
- Specific
- ↑ "As announced previously, sales of software and DLC for the Nintendo 3DS family and Wii U via Nintendo eShop will end at 5:00 PM Pacific Time on Monday, March 27, 2023." Nintendo Support: Wii U & Nintendo 3DS eShop Discontinuation. Retrieved July 14, 2023. Support.Nintendo.com.
- ↑ Nintendo Switch™『真・女神転生Ⅴ』(2021年11月11日発売)ダウンロード版及び配信コンテンツ販売終了のお知らせ. Published May 13, 2024. Retrieved August 27, 2024. atlus.co.jp.
- ↑ "Won the final battle on HARD difficulty." Hardcore Hacker Achievement. Retrieved June 22, 2025. TrueAchievements.com.
- Pages with section stubs
- Pages needing research
- Mechanics in Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne
- Mechanics in Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne Maniax
- Mechanics in Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux
- Mechanics in Shin Megami Tensei IV
- Mechanics in Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse
- Mechanics in Shin Megami Tensei V
- Mechanics in Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance
- Mechanics in Soul Hackers 2
- Mechanics in Persona 3
- Mechanics in Persona 3 FES
- Mechanics in Persona 3 Portable
- Mechanics in Persona 3 Reload
- Mechanics in Persona 4
- Mechanics in Persona 4 Golden
- Mechanics in Persona 5
- Mechanics in Persona 5 Royal
- Mechanics in Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth
- Mechanics in Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth
- Mechanics in Persona 5 Tactica
- Mechanics in Persona 4: Dancing All Night
- Mechanics in Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight
- Mechanics in Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight