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[]
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Invader Wave 1 |
Sprinter Wave 3 |
Armored Wave 5 |
Cuffed Wave 6 |
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Chained Wave 8 |
Winged Wave 9 |
Builder Wave 11 |
Creation Summoned |
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Major Sprinter Wave 13 |
Gargantuan X Wave 15 |
Mage Wave 17 |
Frost Wave 18 |
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Glider Wave 19 |
Cursed Fire Wave 21 |
Static Wave 23 |
Unstable Wave 24 |
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Summoner Wave 25 |
Gem Summoned |
Reactor Wave 27 |
Lightspeed Wave 28 |
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Apparition Wave 28 |
Saber Champion Wave 28 |
Prompter Wave 29 |
Hellflame Reactor Wave 29 |
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Hellspeed Wave 30 |
Ignitus Wave 30 |
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Swordsman Wave 1 |
Ninja Wave 3 |
Soldier Wave 5 |
Worker Wave 7 |
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Metallic Wave 8 |
Jetpacker Wave 9 |
Builder Wave 11 |
Creation Summoned |
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Sprinter M5 Wave 13 |
Shielder Wave 15 |
Summoner Wave 17 |
Gem Summoned |
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Frost Wave 18 |
Glider Wave 19 |
Cursed Fire Wave 21 |
Pure Energy Wave 23 |
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Unstable Wave 24 |
Faded Summoner Wave 25 |
Faded Summoned |
Hellflame Reactor Wave 27 |
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Hellspeed Wave 28 |
Mothership Wave 28 |
Vengeful Champion Wave 28 |
Prompter X Wave 29 |
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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.
- 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[]
Character | Dialogue | |
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![]() Captain |
"Looks like the ISC has begun their attack. Start preparing your towers." | |
![]() Captain |
"FYI, this is a good time to build your income. I'll inform you on when this ramps up." | |
![]() Captain |
"Stronger enemies coming next wave, so increase your firepower if you haven't already." | |
![]() Captain |
"In 3 waves, flying enemies will arrive. Find or upgrade a tower that can detect them." | |
![]() Captain |
"A strong 'Chained' enemy will appear next wave. If you haven't already, upgrade your towers." | |
![]() Captain |
about Chained |
"It's here! Don't let it reach the exit!"
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![]() Captain |
"'Winged' enemies are here! Since you have a flying detecting tower, you should be fine." (with flying detection tower)
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![]() Captain |
"This unit can build other units. Kill it first, don't let it construct an army." | |
![]() Captain |
"Next wave, a very fast boss is arriving. Spread out your towers if you have low DPS." | |
![]() Captain |
"Combining both the strength of a Chained and the agility of a Sprinter. A Major Sprinter." | |
![]() Captain |
"A very strong Gargantuan unit is arriving. Beware of its shield." | |
![]() Captain |
"Through your brilliance we survived. The battle is changing rapidly, so prepare for these next waves." | |
![]() Captain |
"Those Mages from previous battle have returned. It seems like they joined forces." | |
![]() Captain |
"Normally, these Frost Invaders would be a problem, but... we don't have any freezers." "Good riddance, honestly... hate those guys." (without Freezer) | |
![]() Captain |
"Gliders are appropriately named for their flying ability - more flying detection may be required." | |
![]() Captain |
"Unstable units can explode upon death and stun nearby towers. Watch out." | |
![]() Captain |
"Fire enemies are approaching, with special healing properties."
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![]() Captain |
"A white blur just passed by. Must be another threat." | |
![]() Captain |
"Summoners are especially good at.. summoning. Do I even have to explain?" | |
![]() Captain |
"Hold on. Someone is trying to contact us, give me a second to fix the radio..." | |
![]() Saber Champion |
"Ah, good, another task.. You better make this easy for me." | |
![]() Captain |
"Regardless, be ready - I think this 'Saber Champion' figure is preparing for an attack."[1] | |
![]() Saber Champion |
"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 |
"How off-putting... What kind of accent even was that?"
"Regardless, be ready - I think this 'Saber Champion' figure is preparing for an attack."[2] | |
![]() Saber Champion |
"Really? Nothing to comment on the matter?"
"Fine! If I have to best you in battle myself, I will!" | |
![]() Ignitus |
"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 |
"Looks like the ISC leader wants to see us in person! Get ready!" | |
![]() Ignitus |
"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 | Dialogue | |
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![]() Captain |
"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 |
"Some of the fast ones are attacking us. You'd better kill them quickly!" | |
![]() Captain |
"Nevermind then, some of them are heavily armored. Don't let them get close." | |
![]() Captain |
"These ones are marked by their cuffs. They're the only ones coming, take them down." | |
![]() Captain |
"I'm warning you now, but some of them can fly. Get some flying detection before they come!" | |
![]() Captain |
about Chained |
"Large ‘Chained’ enemy inbound. This threat is even stronger than the Armored units we had already been dealing with." |
![]() Captain |
"This wave will determine if you listened to me or not." | |
![]() Captain |
"This unit can build other units! Kill it first, don’t let it build it’s army." | |
![]() Captain |
"Combining both the strength of a Chained and the agility of a Sprinter. A Major Sprinter." | |
![]() Captain |
"A tougher Gargantuan unit? We must strengthen our defenses." | |
![]() Captain |
"Through your brilliance we survived. The battle is changing rapidly, so prepare for these next waves." | |
![]() Captain |
"Those Mages from previous battle have returned. It seems like they joined forces." | |
![]() Captain |
"Hey Freezers, You’re useless. Give. Up." | |
![]() Captain |
"Gliders are appropriately named for their flying ability. Hopefully we have enough towers to combat this threat." | |
![]() Captain |
"Fire enemies are approaching, with special healing properties." | |
![]() Captain |
"A white blur just passed by. Must be another threat." | |
![]() Captain |
"Unstable units can explode upon death and stun nearby towers. Watch out." | |
![]() Captain |
"Summoners are especially good at.. summoning. Let’s summon some lead in their faces." | |
![]() Captain |
"Unfortunately I have to leave. I’m sure you can do well on your own. Farewell." | |
![]() Saber Champion |
"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 |
Fine! If I have to best you in battle myself, I will! | |
![]() Ignitus |
"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 |
"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 | Dialogue | |
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![]() Captain |
"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 |
"Some of the fast ones are attacking us. You'd better kill them quickly!" | |
![]() Captain |
"Nevermind then, some of them are heavily armored. Don't let them get close." | |
![]() Captain |
"These ones are marked by their cuffs. They're the only ones coming, take them down." | |
![]() Captain |
"These cuffed enemies weren't the end of it. There's an even bigger one coming!" | |
![]() Captain |
before Winged comes |
"I'm warning you now, but some of them can fly. Get some flying detection before they come!" |
![]() Captain |
"This unit can build other units! Kill it first, and don't let it though!" | |
![]() Captain |
"This unit can build other units! Kill it first, don’t let it build it’s army." | |
![]() Captain |
"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 |
"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 |
"Glad you lived that one. The battle is changing rapidly, so prepare for these next waves." | |
![]() Captain |
"Those Mages from previous battle have returned. It seems like they joined forces." | |
![]() Captain |
"Really hope your ice towers don't try to kill these ones. They're immune. Completely." | |
![]() Captain |
"I get that those flying units aren't as powerful, but this is the reason why you should prepare anyways." | |
![]() Captain |
"Some more fire enemies approaching. Immune to flames, as expected." | |
![]() Captain |
"These are already whizzing by my broadcasting center! They're too fast! Come on! Kill them!" | |
![]() Captain |
"Incoming Flamers! These entities can explode upon death and stun nearby towers. Be careful!" | |
![]() Captain |
"As if that wasn't enough, they can summon even more units! Quickly kill the alive ones to dispatch these magicians!" | |
![]() Captain |
"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 |
"I wish I could have told you that was difficult." | |
![]() Saber Champion |
"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." | |
![]() Saber Champion |
"You ignored our chance of peace. For what? To satisfy your egos?" "Fine then. Subdue to our force!" | |
![]() Saber Champion |
"Agh! You just.. Won't.. Die.." "This is tiring! Nothing is happening!" | |
![]() Saber Champion |
"THESE UNITS ARE SO SLOW! COME ON, ATTACK ALREADY!" "YOU WILL REGRET THAT DECISION!" | |
![]() Saber Champion |
"ARGH- FINE!" "I'LL JUST TAKE YOU DOWN MYSELF!" | |
![]() Ignitus |
"You made yourself to be a fine warrior." "I hold my respect to you." |
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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![]() Features |
Current |
Codes • Challenges • Contracts • ISC Maps • Tokens • Experience • Points • Tickets • John Pork • Cash • Tutorial • Modifiers • Special Properties • Events • Splash Damage • Skip • Settings • Rejoin |
Removed | ||
![]() Cosmetics |
Current | |
Removed | ||
![]() Gamemodes |
Normal Mode • Hard Mode • Expert Mode | |
![]() Miscellaneous |
Badges • Soundtrack • Captain • Bugs and Glitches • Game Thumbnails • Changelog • Rules • Lobby • Manual Of Style • Tower Blitz Defense Simulator+ • Unreleased/Scrapped Content | |
![]() Events |
Terror Blitz 2021 • Cold Construct 2021 • April Fools 2022 • Cold Construct 2022 • April Fools 2023 • Cold Construct Season 2023 • Halloween 2024 • April Fools 2025 |