Dragon's Dogma 2: Hard Mode: Enable It and Understand the Reset

Enable Hard Mode

Hard Mode is part of a free base-game update. You do not need Dark Arisen to use it. You can start a new character in Hard Mode or change an existing Normal playthrough.

1. Save your progress and return to the title screen.
2. Open Options → Game Settings → Game Mode.
3. Select Hard.
4. Read the warning and confirm.
5. Load the intended character and check that the mode is Hard.

If you cannot find the option in the in-game pause menu, return to the title screen and check that the relevant update is installed.

Returning to Normal has a cost

You cannot freely toggle back to Normal while continuing the same story progress. The available routes are to finish the playthrough, or use the story restart feature and begin again in Normal.

The inherited restart retains character growth and equipment but resets story progress. Check the save warning before using it, especially if you are midway through quests.

Before committing

Decide whether you want to keep the current story state. Use the route above for a Normal save or a new character, and follow the eligibility shown for your actual save. Do not delete a save to experiment with a difficulty change.