Game Difficulty
Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster (SMT 3: Nocturne) features a three difficulty modes to suit players of all skill levels. Two modes, Normal and Hard, are available at the start of the game. A third mode, Merciful, can only be accessed through a paid DLC.
Trophies
Below are trophies and achievements associated with the game’s difficulty.
| Trophy | Trophy Name | How to Obtain |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze |
Full-fledged Demon | Clear the game on Normal mode. |
| Silver |
Experienced Demon | Clear the game on Hard mode. |
Trophies and Achievements List
Difficulty Modes
Below are all available game modes in SMT 3: Nocturne, including each mode’s features and player recommendation.
| Difficulty | Features | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Merciful Mode* |
|
For players who wish to enjoy the game’s main story without having to worry about challenging encounters. |
| Normal Mode |
|
For players who want a fair bit of challenge and want to experience the game on its default difficulty. |
| Hard Mode |
|
For veteran players looking for a serious challenge by having a number of combat and non-combat features adjusted to their disadvantage. |
*Only available through purchase of the “Merciful Difficulty” Free DLC.
Which difficulty mode should I choose?
When playing SMT 3: Nocturne for the first time, it is recommended to play on Normal mode to get the hang of the game’s basic mechanics. Random enemy encounters and boss fights will still be challenging enough for you to learn and devise keen strategies and party formations. After beating the game on Normal, you can then try out Hard mode on either a new save file or on New Game Plus.
You can change the game difficulty at any time during play.
If you are stuck on a certain encounter or section in the game, you can simply lower the difficulty in the Config menu. This is especially useful when you have purchased the Merciful Difficulty DLC, allowing you to easily farm enemies for EXP and Macca to progress faster. Bosses will also be significantly weaker in this setting so will have an easier time defeating them if you cannot do so on higher difficulties.
Are there rewards for clearing the game on Hard mode?
There are no rewards for clearing the main story on Hard mode other than unlocking the Experience Demon trophy (silver). Choose Hard difficulty if you are looking for a challenge and the satisfaction of having beaten the game with a number of restrictions and disadvantages active in and out of combat.
Other Strategy Guides
All Strategy Guides
Getting Started
| Game Editions | Game Difficulty |
| Game Controls | Permanent Events |
| Differences in the Remaster | Differences with Persona |
| Beginner's Guide | Battle System |
| Demonic Compendium | Magatama Guide |
| Stats Guide | Attributes Guide |
| Skill Types | Status Effects |
| Post-Game Unlockables | New Game Plus (NG+) |
Location Guides
| Gem Locations | Reusable Item Locations |
| Shady Brokers Locations | Item Locations |
| Item Location Maps | - |
Useful Guides
Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne HD Remaster Recommended Article List
Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne HD Remaster Walkthrough and Guides
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