Hardmode

Hardmode
Effect	Varies
Character	None
Rarity	Starter

Hardmode is an artifact. You start with it on Hard difficulty and up. When hovering over it, it shows you the effects of the difficulty you currently have selected.

Effects

Hard

• Events are harder (less forgiving outcomes)
• Start combat with a Weak cockpit
• +1 Basic Shot in your starting deck
• Less pre-upgraded card offerings (chances are halved)
• -1 max hull

Harder

Same as Hard, but with the following changes:

• +1 Corrupted Core in your starting deck, a trash card which cannot be permanently removed
• -3 max hull (instead of -1)
• 1 less Max Hull gained from boss kills
• Elites nodes only offer 2 artifacts after battle

Hardest

Same as Harder, but with the following changes:

• Take a downside on boot sequence
• Start combat with a Brittle cockpit (instead of Weak)
• Start with 50% of your hull missing (after Max Hull reduction)
• Most enemies are harder! (different behaviors, altered vulnerabilities, etc)

Strategy

You asked for it!