Hard Mode

Article

Structure

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Hard Mode
Level Requirement	None
Waves	30
Rewards
Token Reward	348 (Easy) N/A (Normal) N/A (Hard)
Experience Reward	85 (Easy) N/A (Normal) N/A (Hard)

Description

Hard Mode, previously called Normal Mode, is the second of the three main gamemodes. It themes around the ISC Faction, a space megacorporation run by Ignitus and his right man Saber Champion, being the bosses of this mode. It has a total of 30 waves.

As a middle gamemode, Hard Mode steps up the difficulty from Normal Mode by introducing flying enemies such as Winged and Glider, and more enemies that have Defense and Shield Health. Most late-game enemies have burn immunity or resistance, signifying the lava or molten theme of the ISC Faction.

When the Ranked-Up modifier is applied, the Vengeful Champion and True Ignitus are the main bosses. Early-game resembles Expert Mode and the overall difficulty is raised.

Beating Hard Mode counts towards progression to unlocking Surveyor.

Enemies

• Standard
• Ranked-Up

Invader Wave 1	Sprinter Wave 3	Armored Wave 5	Cuffed Wave 6
Chained Wave 8	Winged Wave 9	Builder Wave 11	Creation Summoned
Major Sprinter Wave 13	Gargantuan X Wave 15	Mage Wave 17	Frost Wave 18
Glider Wave 19	Cursed Fire Wave 21	Static Wave 23	Unstable Wave 24
Summoner Wave 25	Gem Summoned	Reactor Wave 27	Lightspeed Wave 28
Apparition Wave 28	Saber Champion Wave 28	Prompter Wave 29	Hellflame Reactor Wave 29
Hellspeed Wave 30	Ignitus Wave 30

Swordsman Wave 1	Ninja Wave 3	Soldier Wave 5	Worker Wave 7
Metallic Wave 8	Jetpacker Wave 9	Builder Wave 11	Creation Summoned
Sprinter M5 Wave 13	Shielder Wave 15	Summoner Wave 17	Gem Summoned
Frost Wave 18	Glider Wave 19	Cursed Fire Wave 21	Pure Energy Wave 23
Unstable Wave 24	Faded Summoner Wave 25	Faded Summoned	Hellflame Reactor Wave 27
Hellspeed Wave 28	Mothership Wave 28	Vengeful Champion Wave 28	Prompter X Wave 29
Vengeful Speed Wave 30	True Ignitus Wave 30

Strategy

In Standard

• Due to the increase in difficulty, stronger towers such as Vulcan, Electricizer and Elite is recommended.
  • Market is also recommended, though it is not necessary.
  • Support towers such as Bugler can boost your towers' DPS.
• It is recommended to complete Slinger Tier 5 Upgrades as it can prove useful throughout the whole game.
• Early game is simple, with a couple of 3-2 Slingers or a 2-4 Sharpshooter
  • Since flying detection is present in Hard Mode, towers with flying detection such as Slinger, Sharpshooter or Sniper are necessary to bring.
  • Some towers on certain paths cannot detect flying, such as Slinger, Gunslinger and Electricizer, and some towers cannot detect flying at all, such as Vulcan.
• Since enemies like Frost have high Defense, towers with defense piercing such as Sharpshooter, Sniper, or Elite are necessary to bring.
  • It is not intended for Freezer to attack this enemy as it has Freeze Immunity.
  • Freezer can still prove useful stalling crowds and can synergize with crowd control towers like Demolitionist.
• Enemies like Cursed Fire or Reactor have Burn Immunity which reduces 2-4 Sharpshooter's potential
• High DPS towers such as X-4 Vulcan, Electricizer and Lightbeamer should be present to deal with higher health enemies and the bosses.
  • As Saber Champion can target towers, spamming cheap bait such as Slinger or Market can help avert attention away from your main defenses, preventing loss of DPS.

In Ranked-Up

• Generally, the strategy for Ranked-Up is similar to the standard variant, but stronger.
• Early-game is fairly easy, with a couple of Sharpshooters or Snipers being enough.
• Stronger flying detection is present in Ranked-Up, towers with flying detection such as Sharpshooter, Elite or Surveyor are necessary to bring.
• Crowd control towers such as Demolitionists can clear up hordes of enemies that are common in Hard Mode, such as Gems and Prompters.
• Due to the increased presence of Shield Health, Elite is recommended as it can deal 3x damage to shields.
• Towers that can stun, such as X-3+ Mechanic and X-3+ Electricizer can slow down Vengeful Champion.

Dialogues

• Current
• Version 3
• Version 2

Character	Wave	Dialogue
Captain	Wave 1, about Invader	"Looks like the ISC has begun their attack. Start preparing your towers."
Captain	Wave 2	"FYI, this is a good time to build your income. I'll inform you on when this ramps up."
Captain	Wave 4, before Armored	"Stronger enemies coming next wave, so increase your firepower if you haven't already."
Captain	Wave 6, before Winged comes	"In 3 waves, flying enemies will arrive. Find or upgrade a tower that can detect them."
Captain	Wave 7, before Chained comes	"A strong 'Chained' enemy will appear next wave. If you haven't already, upgrade your towers."
Captain	Wave 8, about Chained	"It's here! Don't let it reach the exit!" "Also, flying enemies are coming next wave. None of your towers have flying detection." (without flying detection tower)
Captain	Wave 9, about Winged	"'Winged' enemies are here! Since you have a flying detecting tower, you should be fine." (with flying detection tower) "No flying detection... rookie mistake." "Fix this ASAP! Otherwise, I'll be filling out a transfer form." (without flying detection tower)
Captain	Wave 11, about Builder	"This unit can build other units. Kill it first, don't let it construct an army."
Captain	Wave 12, before Major Sprinter comes	"Next wave, a very fast boss is arriving. Spread out your towers if you have low DPS."
Captain	Wave 13, about Major Sprinter	"Combining both the strength of a Chained and the agility of a Sprinter. A Major Sprinter."
Captain	Wave 15, about Gargantuan X	"A very strong Gargantuan unit is arriving. Beware of its shield."
Captain	Wave 16	"Through your brilliance we survived. The battle is changing rapidly, so prepare for these next waves."
Captain	Wave 17, about Mage	"Those Mages from previous battle have returned. It seems like they joined forces."
Captain	Wave 18, about Frost	"Normally, these Frost Invaders would be a problem, but... we don't have any freezers." "Good riddance, honestly... hate those guys." (without Freezer) "N/A" (with Freezer)
Captain	Wave 19, about Glider	"Gliders are appropriately named for their flying ability - more flying detection may be required."
Captain	Wave 20, about Unstable	"Unstable units can explode upon death and stun nearby towers. Watch out."
Captain	Wave 21, about Cursed Fire	"Fire enemies are approaching, with special healing properties." "I notice you have a Sharpshooter tower - molotovs won't be affecting these guys." (with Sharpshooter)
Captain	Wave 23, about Static	"A white blur just passed by. Must be another threat."
Captain	Wave 25, about Summoner	"Summoners are especially good at.. summoning. Do I even have to explain?"
Captain	Wave 26	"Hold on. Someone is trying to contact us, give me a second to fix the radio..."
Saber Champion	Waves 27	"Ah, good, another task.. You better make this easy for me."
Captain	Wave 26	"Regardless, be ready - I think this 'Saber Champion' figure is preparing for an attack."
Saber Champion	Waves 27	"Your attack must end. Your planet holds a lot of your economic value, so don't make me end your little tantrum here." "I know you can hear me. I learned your language just to say these words, you know?"
Captain	Wave 26	"How off-putting... What kind of accent even was that?" "Regardless, be ready - I think this 'Saber Champion' figure is preparing for an attack."
Saber Champion	Waves 28	"Really? Nothing to comment on the matter?" "Fine! If I have to best you in battle myself, I will!"
Ignitus	Waves 29	"Impressive work defeating my.. overconfident leader." "His judgement was correct. End the assault, or I will end you." "Otherwise... I look forward to our battle. May the strongest win."
Captain	Wave 26	"Looks like the ISC leader wants to see us in person! Get ready!"
Ignitus	Wave 30	"A pity we couldn't use your assistance. Your technology is fascinating." "In violation of the Legion Act 31-C of the ISC, I, Ignitus, shall strike your rebellion down!"

Character	Wave	Dialogue
Captain	Wave 1, about Invader	"The time has come - they have began their attack! Quickly finish them off! As for you, I think you got the drill. Prepare for the Invaders."
Captain	Wave 3, about Sprinter	"Some of the fast ones are attacking us. You'd better kill them quickly!"
Captain	Wave 5, about Armored	"Nevermind then, some of them are heavily armored. Don't let them get close."
Captain	Wave 6, about Cuffed	"These ones are marked by their cuffs. They're the only ones coming, take them down."
Captain	Wave 8, before Winged comes	"I'm warning you now, but some of them can fly. Get some flying detection before they come!"
Captain	Wave 8, about Chained	"Large ‘Chained’ enemy inbound. This threat is even stronger than the Armored units we had already been dealing with."
Captain	Wave 9, about Winged	"This wave will determine if you listened to me or not."
Captain	Wave 11, about Builder	"This unit can build other units! Kill it first, don’t let it build it’s army."
Captain	Wave 13, about Major Sprinter	"Combining both the strength of a Chained and the agility of a Sprinter. A Major Sprinter."
Captain	Wave 15, about Gargantuan X	"A tougher Gargantuan unit? We must strengthen our defenses."
Captain	Wave 16	"Through your brilliance we survived. The battle is changing rapidly, so prepare for these next waves."
Captain	Wave 17, about Mage	"Those Mages from previous battle have returned. It seems like they joined forces."
Captain	Wave 18, about Frost	"Hey Freezers, You’re useless. Give. Up."
Captain	Wave 19, about Glider	"Gliders are appropriately named for their flying ability. Hopefully we have enough towers to combat this threat."
Captain	Wave 21, about Cursed Fire	"Fire enemies are approaching, with special healing properties."
Captain	Wave 23, about Static	"A white blur just passed by. Must be another threat."
Captain	Wave 24, about Unstable	"Unstable units can explode upon death and stun nearby towers. Watch out."
Captain	Wave 25, about Summoner	"Summoners are especially good at.. summoning. Let’s summon some lead in their faces."
Captain	Wave 26	"Unfortunately I have to leave. I’m sure you can do well on your own. Farewell."
Saber Champion	Waves 27	"Ah, good, another task.. You better make this easy for me." "Your attack must end. Your planet holds a lot of your economic value, so don't make me end your little tantrum here." "I know you can hear me. I learned your language just to say these words, you know?"
Saber Champion	Waves 27	Fine! If I have to best you in battle myself, I will!
Ignitus	Waves 29	"Impressive work defeating my.. overconfident leader." "His judgement was correct. End the assault, or I will end you." "Otherwise... I look forward to our battle. May the strongest win."
Ignitus	Wave 30	"A pity we couldn't use your assistance. Your technology is fascinating." "In violation of the Legion Act 31-C of the ISC, I, Ignitus, shall strike your rebellion down!"

Character	Wave	Dialogue
Captain	Wave 1, about Invader	"The time has come - they have began their attack! Quickly finish them off! As for you, I think you got the drill. Prepare for the Invaders."
Captain	Wave 3, about Sprinter	"Some of the fast ones are attacking us. You'd better kill them quickly!"
Captain	Wave 5, about Armored	"Nevermind then, some of them are heavily armored. Don't let them get close."
Captain	Wave 7, about Cuffed	"These ones are marked by their cuffs. They're the only ones coming, take them down."
Captain	Wave 8, about Chained	"These cuffed enemies weren't the end of it. There's an even bigger one coming!"
Captain	Wave 10, before Winged comes	"I'm warning you now, but some of them can fly. Get some flying detection before they come!"
Captain	Wave 13, about Builder	"This unit can build other units! Kill it first, and don't let it though!"
Captain	Wave 11, about Builder	"This unit can build other units! Kill it first, don’t let it build it’s army."
Captain	Wave 15, about Major Sprinter	"Remember those Sprinters? This one is just like it - but get this. It's strong. I'm requesting you to get extra units. Please defend accordingly."
Captain	Wave 18, about Gargantuan X	"Hey, you know those Gargantuan enemies from the first battle? There's an even stronger one, and it's headed straight for us! Kill it first!"
Captain	Wave 19	"Glad you lived that one. The battle is changing rapidly, so prepare for these next waves."
Captain	Wave 17, about Mage	"Those Mages from previous battle have returned. It seems like they joined forces."
Captain	Wave 12, about Frost	"Really hope your ice towers don't try to kill these ones. They're immune. Completely."
Captain	Wave 22, about Glider	"I get that those flying units aren't as powerful, but this is the reason why you should prepare anyways."
Captain	Wave 24, about Cursed Fire	"Some more fire enemies approaching. Immune to flames, as expected."
Captain	Wave 26, about Static	"These are already whizzing by my broadcasting center! They're too fast! Come on! Kill them!"
Captain	Wave 27, about Flamer	"Incoming Flamers! These entities can explode upon death and stun nearby towers. Be careful!"
Captain	Wave 28, about Summoner	"As if that wasn't enough, they can summon even more units! Quickly kill the alive ones to dispatch these magicians!"
Captain	Wave 30	"Uh- our base is being attacked! I'm sorry, but I have to cut this short! Keep defending the area! We can't afford another loss!
Saber Champion	Waves 32	"I wish I could have told you that was difficult."
Saber Champion	Waves 33	"I've learned from your resistance that you prove to be an excellent force." "I'll give you this option once; you can join us and help us. The war will end. Please consider." "I guess not."
Saber Champion	Waves 35	"You ignored our chance of peace. For what? To satisfy your egos?" "Fine then. Subdue to our force!"
Saber Champion	Waves 36	"Agh! You just.. Won't.. Die.." "This is tiring! Nothing is happening!"
Saber Champion	Waves 37	"THESE UNITS ARE SO SLOW! COME ON, ATTACK ALREADY!" "YOU WILL REGRET THAT DECISION!"
Saber Champion	Waves 38	"ARGH- FINE!" "I'LL JUST TAKE YOU DOWN MYSELF!"
Ignitus	Wave 40	"You made yourself to be a fine warrior." "I hold my respect to you." "Let us fight, and let us commence the final battle."

Trivia

• Originally, Hard Mode had 40 waves, later reduced to 30 waves to make matches faster.
• The ISC Maps imply that the ISC is related to those maps, however, to obtain Mechanic, they have to be beaten in Expert Mode, which is centered around the XCF.
• ISC currently stands for Imperial Space Commerce.
  • ISC formerly stood for Intergalatic Solar Command.
• Unlike other gamemodes, the dialogue for bosses in Hard Mode is not represented by an Unknown speaker.
• Ranked-Up Hard Mode actually has less bosses than standard Hard Mode, as Saber Champion is replaced by Vengeful Champion, which is considered an enemy rather than a boss.

Gallery

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