Challenge Modes
Challenge Modes in Hyperborea are optional difficulty modes that also change some events of the game. In addition to making the game more difficult, they may also add new items, areas, bosses, and dialogue.
Base Game Challenge Modes
Eclipsed
Summary
While on the Eclipsed challenge mode, the player will take increased damage when hit by enemies. In addition, the Poltergeist enemy will now be visible and affect the player, making some encounters trickier.
Secret Content
- Head west at the "The Monument" Respawn Anchor in The Monument to find a now-visible NPC, The Hollow. This NPC will give the player the Tea, which can be given to various NPCs for additional dialogue.
- Once in The Archives, there will be an Illusory Wall on the west balcony where an Umbral Oni is. Past that is the entrance to a now-accessible secret area, the Eclipsed Altar. After defeating the boss for this area, the player may choose to absolve or elevate their Eclipsed status. Absolving it will take the player off the Eclipsed challenge mode entirely and return them to the previous area. Elevating it will increase the damage taken from being hit even further, and unlock two new cutscenes.
Agony
Summary
While on the Agony challenge mode, killing enemies will not return health. The Prismarine Sword at the start of the game will be replaced with Separation, and the player will occasionally fight House of Agony hordes to upgrade Separation. This questline will have the player interact with Psychopomp Grugwin and Mercenary, eventually taking the player to The Moon.
There are still some methods of regaining health while on Agony: using the Rubedo Vial; using Naamat's Flask; defeating bosses or hordes; banishing spirits with Oofasu or the Bone Whip; killing enemies with the Shovel of Hatred; killing burning enemies while holding the Crimson Candle; killing enemies with the fully-upgraded Separation's Empowered Strike; usurping Powers; attacking enemies with Wither Knives while having Carcosan Leech(Primal Azoth exclusive). Additionally, dispelling illusions with Neefar's Bell or killing burning enemies while holding Blackpowder will give the player temporary absorption hearts.
Secret Content
- In The Soul Well, near the Site A Respawn Anchor, there is a door to a hidden room that will automatically open if the player is on Agony.
Primal Azoth
Summary
While on the Primal Azoth challenge mode, any death during the player's playthrough will reset them to the start of the map. In addition, the boss Withering Samurai Daichi will be replaced with Carcosan Azoth-eater, and Brandon Wu Dog will have an additional phase.
Secret Content
- In the Carcass Shrine, after the pyramid room, there is a room with a Hyperborean Eye shooting from a wall. Walk through the portal texture behind it to find the entrance to Locta's Grace, a now-accessible secret area. Defeating the boss for this area will be helpful for any Primal Azoth playthrough.
Dark Omens Challenge Modes
Walking Corpse
Summary
While on the Walking Corpse challenge mode, the player will begin the game without the Wings of Smoke, unable to dash. This will make platforming and sniper sections more difficult. The Grave of Graves area will also now be available.
Agony
Summary
While on the Agony challenge mode, the player will be unable to heal from killing enemies. The Embering Brax and Electric Claymore will be replaced with Fili Anto at the start of the game, and the player will begin having visions from a "familiar voice" throughout their playthrough. After The Tram, the player will be transported to a new area, the House of Agony. After defeating the area's boss, the player may either burn the book to continue their playthrough as normal, or stick their hand in to complete the Exhibit Ending.
Primal Azoth
Summary
While on the Primal Azoth challenge mode, any death during the player's playthrough will reset them to the start of the map. In addition, Iason, the Second Coming will appear after defeating Arcane Mechanism.
Funky Mode
Summary
Funky Mode is a hidden game mode for both the base game and Dark Omens. While on Funky Mode, the player will passively regenerate health, will not heal from killing enemies, and will take extra damage. There will be an additional cutscene at the start of the game, and some lines of dialogue will be slightly altered to reflect increased funkiness. Funky Mode can be accessed from a hidden part of the Challenge Modes room on the right side.
Trivia
- At one point there was a fourth challenge mode, "Ascetic", which made the player start the game with no armor.
- Funky Mode is designed to resemble the balancing of the original release of Hyperborea.