Shin Megami Tensei V - Game Difficulty

January 17, 2022 Wolf Knight Shin Megami Tensei V 0

A guide on all available game difficulty modes in Shin Megami Tensei V (SMT 5). Included are features of each difficulty setting (Safety, Casual, Normal, and Hard), player recommendation, and other useful information.

Table of Contents

All Game Difficulty Modes in Shin Megami Tensei V
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All Game Difficulty Modes in Shin Megami Tensei V

Shin Megami Tensei V (SMT 5) has four difficulty modes that you can choose based on your preference and skill level. Three of these game modes which are Casual, Normal, and Hard, can be accessed at the start of the game. Safety, meanwhile, will be offered as free DLC on the game’s launch.

Difficulty Modes

Below are all available game difficulty modes in Shin Megami Tensei V, including each mode’s features and recommendations.

Difficulty	Features	Recommendation
Safety Mode*	Enemies take x??? damage. Enemies deal x??? damage.	For players who wish to enjoy the game’s main story without having to worry about challenging encounters.
Casual Mode	Enemies take x??? damage. Enemies deal x??? damage.	For players who wish to enjoy the game’s main story while experiencing slightly more challenging battles compared to Safety Mode.
Normal Mode	Enemies take standard (x1) damage. Enemies deal standard (x1) damage. You receive the standard amount of EXP (x1) in battle. You receive the standard amount of Macca (x1) in battle.	For players who want a fair bit of challenge and want to experience the game on its default difficulty.
Hard Mode	Enemies take x??? damage. Enemies deal x??? damage.	For veteran players looking for a serious challenge by having the combat and non-combat features adjusted to their disadvantage. Note that Hard Mode can only be selected at the start of the game.

*Only available after downloading the free DLC upon the game’s launch.

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Which difficulty mode should you start with?

For beginners and those new to turn-based RPGs, it is recommended to choose Normal Mode to get a feel for the game’s default setting. This will allow you to learn SMT 5’s gameplay mechanics while letting you get used to the challenge it offers on its most balanced configuration. If you find yourself struggling on Normal, feel free to change the difficulty to Casual or Safety and see if you are most comfortable playing on them.

You can change the game difficulty at any time during play.

It is not uncommon to get stuck at certain parts of the main story, especially against tough enemies like bosses. Luckily, you can lower the game’s difficulty at any point in the game to help you get over these hurdles.

Lowering the difficulty from Hard locks you out of that mode for the rest of the playthrough.

Starting a new game on Hard Mode and lowering it at any point during the main story prevents you from playing on that setting for the duration of your playthrough. You will only be able to switch between Casual and Normal for the rest of the playthrough.

Permanent Events

Are there rewards for clearing the game on Hard Mode?

It is currently unknown if players will be able to unlock any new features after clearing the game on Hard Mode. New information on this will be added when it is confirmed in official sources.

Post-Game Unlockables

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