Debates over difficulty modes for Divinity Original Sin II have been around since the game was released. It is very important to understand which mode you are going to spend hours on before you start the game. Some players might want to play for the story, some might want harsh battles and some want a little bit of both or more of one then the other. Here, I will be explaining all of the difficulty modes so you can make the best choice for yourself when embarking on this journey!
1. Story Mode:
Hopefully, you will have chosen the best difficulty mode for crazy boss battles!
What is Story Mode?
Story Mode is available in the Definitive Edition of Divinity and is one of the easiest modes you can play when it comes to the game. It basically contains the story and only the story. This mode has little to no challenges which allow you to experience the fantasy and fun of the game instead of a rigorous challenge. Nothing too hard about it!
How it Works:
- This mode was made specifically for players who want to experience a story-driven playthrough
- You are given infinite Resurrection Scrolls and will be able to flee battles a lot easier
- Newcomers who want story might avoid the game since the gruesome battles can sometimes prevent the storyline
Story Mode Details:
- As the game is very fun, the story is also just as fun
- With Story Mode chosen, an expansive and detailed playthrough is what you will get
- Do not expect rough battles in this mode because it will not be challenging at all
- It is more of an Escapist Route then a Strategy and Battle Route
Choose this Mode If:
- Story Mode is recommended for players who want more of a story out of Divinity than the fierce battling and strategy
- Most newcomers might want the story before they switch to another mode after their first playthrough
- If you have finished the game on a harder mode and did not get an understanding of the story and want to, then this is also the mode for you!
2. Explorer Mode
Certain difficulty modes will determine the challenge of any battle
What is Explorer Mode?
Explorer Mode is seen as the ‘normal’ mode of Divinity. It was the first ‘Easy Mode’ before Story Mode. In this mode, you will still have more emphasis on the story rather than challenging battles. The difference between this mode and Story Mode is that you still have to pay attention to strategy, armor builds and character builds in order to gain victories in your fights.
How it Works:
- Explorer Mode does a very great job with letting you have the experience of an RPG but also lightening the load a bit so that you can still enjoy the story
- It is basically a mix between strategizing and experiencing with character builds, but also gives you the opportunity to delve deep into the story of the game
Explorer Mode Details:
- Many experienced players will speed through this mode without a problem due to their knowledge of certain builds that will give them an advantage over their enemies
- Do not take this mode lightly if you are new to RPG games
- A lot of people say this mode is very easy, but if you have never touched an RPG, you might find this mode a bit challenging
Choose this Mode If:
- Explorer Mode is recommended for players who want to experience a balanced RPG for the very first time without too much battling and too much story
- Newcomers will find this mode to be the best one if they have never played an RPG
- If you want something more than Story Mode but still want to have fun and enjoy the story, this is a great mode to go with!
3. Classic Mode
Difficulty modes can aid you, or lead you to a terrible fate
What is Classic Mode?
Classic Mode is the ‘normal’ mode for players who are experienced in RPGs. If you have played and loved RPG games, this is the best route for you. This mode has challenging battles and it is expected of experienced players of RPGs to know how to handle them. It is the ‘normal’ or even ‘easy’ mode for very experienced RPG gamers.
How it Works:
- Classic Mode runs a very fair RPG playthrough that allows you to experience a challenging game with challenging NPCs and bosses
- It is essentially a very normal RPG playthrough
Classic Mode Details:
- Experienced players will probably speed through this mode also with the exception of having a little trouble with boss fights
- With Classic Mode, NPCs are pretty tough at the very beginning of the game which can wipe your team
- AI will have more buffs and better stats and harder to beat as they will get more abilities to use in this mode
- You will be able to switch down to Explorer mode if you find the need
Choose this Mode If:
- Classic Mode is recommended for players who have experience in RPGs and want to enjoy a challenge with it
- Newcomers to RPGs will not find this mode playable unless they are extremely lucky or have someone else to guide them through
- If you want a challenge and have many RPGs under your belt, this would be the normal mode for you!
4. Tactician Mode
Modes like Tactician Mode, do not allow you to change to easier modes, so choose wisely
What is Tactician Mode?
Tactician Mode is the hardest difficulty in the game. This mode contains multiple challenging fights, hardcore boss battles, and enemies that require more attention than the others. Tactician Mode is a strategy-heavy mode and is very demanding on how you build and execute your characters.
How it Works:
- Tactician Mode is for more experienced RPG gamers who want a challenge
- This mode is recommended to a lot to newcomers when they ask what difficulty should they start with, but it should not be played if they have little to no RPG experience
- Battles prove very tough if you are not prepared with a decent build, potions, food, and weapons
Tactician Mode Details:
- Enemies start out with 50% more health, shields, and damage
- Strategic play is highly recommended in this mode
- Early in the game, you might find it a bit difficult to get past a couple of fights
- You cannot change out of this mode once you have chosen it
Choose this Mode If:
- Tactician Mode is recommended for players who want to have the most challenge during Divinity Original Sin 2
- It is a very difficult mode and was my first playthrough, but thankfully, I had an experienced friend to walk me through the game
- If you have experience in RPGs and want a really challenging playthrough without turning back, this is the mode for you!
5. Honor Mode
u/Mordrak_666 from Reddit met the worst fate with Honor Mode
What is Honor Mode?
Honor Mode is the ultimate hardcore mode. This mode is unforgiving and only recommended for players who are on their second or third playthrough. There are many guides online and on Youtube that will help you make honor builds for your character. But if you’re only relying on them to help you, you might not need to play this mode.
How it Works:
- Honor Mode runs a highly difficult playthrough similar to Tactician mode
- This mode only gives you one save file and if you die, that save file is deleted with no way to recover it
- It is recommended to play this mode with some friends so that at least one of you survive a fight which will save the game
- This mode is very challenging and will allow you to test yourself on how you want to approach the game. You only get one chance!
Honor Mode Details:
- Experienced players will definitely have a challenge with this mode as you only get one chance with it.
- The playthrough has to be almost perfect, including builds, where to go, how to talk to NPCs; it is a heavy-strategy playthrough with no turning back
- There is a way to cheat around this mode, but if you want to do that, you might as well just play Tactician Mode where you can load back and keep your save files
Choose this Mode If:
- Choose Honor Mode if you want to challenge yourself in beating the game in one attempt
- It is truly an achievement to have when you can come out on top with this mode
- It might take a couple of times, but if you’re up to the task and want to be able to say that you beat the game in Honor Mode, this is the mode for you!
Difficulty modes are a topic to think about when you are about to start your first, second, or third playthrough of Divinity. I started in Tactician Mode and it really was challenging, but it forced me to get used to the game as fast as I could. Make sure to choose your mode wisely, because, in some modes, you cannot turn back!
Also be sure to read:
- Divinity Original Sin 2 Best Fane Builds [Top 3]
- Divinity Original Sin 2 Difficulty Explained - Which To Choose
- Divinity Original Sin 2 Best Civil Abilities
- Divinity Original Sin 2 Best Archer Builds [Top 3]
- DoS2 Best Companions - Who Should You Choose?
- [Top 10] Divinity Original Sin 2 Best Talents
- [Top 15] Divinity Original Sin 2 Best Skills
