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Hardmode, for Dummies

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Prioritize Defensive modules for Descendants you take into hard mode content

Focus on defensive modules early. Maximize Increased HP, DEF, and Elemental Resistance (Antibody) mods. These will make progressing to Hard Mode easier.

ATK for Weapons​

Boost your ATK over Crit or Weak Point Mods for better scaling. Upgrade Elemental Enhancement Mods until Hard Mode.

Preferred Reactor Types​

Find missions that drop your preferred Reactor types and farm them. Skill damage comes from Reactors. Prioritize Reactors that boost your damaging skills. Here's a list of useful Reactors for various Descendants:

  • Lepic: Burning Mechanics (Fire/Tech)
  • Ajax: Materialized Mechanics (Non-Attribute/Tech)
  • Viessa: Frozen Mechanics (Chill/Tech)
  • Sharen: Tingling Mixture (Elec/Fusion)
  • Bunny: Tingling Singularity (Elec/Singular)
  • Freyna: Toxic Mechanics (Tox/Tech)
  • Blair: Burning Phase (Fire/Dimension)

Combat Tips​

Sub-Attacks​

Use sub-attacks to knockdown everything but Bosses and Colossi, allowing free shots.

Grappling Hook​

Use the Grappling Hook against enemies with buffs like Unbreakable Defense to close the distance and take them out faster.

AoE Skills​

Use AoE skills to break Boss Orbs quickly, even Ultimates. They help get bosses out of immunity phases faster.

Defensive Components​

For actual Hard Mode challenges like harder missions and later bosses, get purely defensive parts with HP, DEF, and Resistance stats.

Resources​

Access Info Page​

Double-check the Access Info page for alternative drop sources.

External Components for Farming​

Get components that increase Module Drop Rate, Kuiper Drop Rate, Equipment Drop Rate, and Consumable Drop Rate.

Resource Containers

Break every resource container you see. Each zone has unique resources essential for crafting.

Solo Hard Mode Infiltrations​

Early on in Hard Mode, regarding infiltrations; Do more outposts to build up rare materials, but find groups or stick to regular missions.

Encrypted Vaults​

Use your Ecieve scan around holographic markers to locate Encrypted Vaults. If you hear a unique ping, follow it to the vault. Enzo makes opening Ultra Precise Vaults easier. Hard Mode vaults require Code Breakers, not Code Analyzers.