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(Removed 'Particle' from Prismatic Aether salvage references to match updated name, and updated many references to "Advanced Mode". Checked and updated Prismatic Aether reward counts for Page 7. Added LGTF Badges.)
 
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{{wip|date=2022-08-24|comment=test|note=In the process of adjusting with release of Page 4. Would also recommend merging [[Hard Mode]] into this page, as this is the formal title of the system, and that page is very unfinished and outdated.}}  
{{wip|date=2022-08-24|comment=test|note=In the process of adjusting with release of Page 4.}}  
{{TOCright}}
{{TOCright}}
=Summary=
=Summary=


'''Advanced Difficulty''' (or ''''Hard Mode'''') is a system that was introduced in [[Issue 27 Page 3]] alongside the [[Dr. Aeon Strike Force]], as a means to introduce optional increased challenges into Task Forces. While originally limited to the Dr. Aeon Strike Force, the system was rolled out to the [[Imperious Task Force]] in [[Issue 27 Page 4]]. While individual Task Forces and Strike Forces with the system have a general set of modifiers, they also have unique individual changes that are affected by the Difficulty Options. Advanced Difficulty is currently the best source of [[Prismatic Aether Particle Salvage]].
'''Advanced Mode''' (or ''''Hard Mode'''' , formerly ''''Advanced Difficulty'''') is a system that was introduced in [[Issue 27 Page 3]] alongside the [[Dr. Aeon Strike Force]], as a means to introduce optional increased challenges into Task Forces. While originally limited to the Dr. Aeon Strike Force, the system was rolled out to the [[Imperious Task Force]] in [[Issue 27 Page 4]] and [[The Lady Grey Task Force]] in [[Issue 27 Page 7]]. While individual Task Forces and Strike Forces with the system have a general set of modifiers, they also have unique individual changes that are affected by the Difficulty Options. Advanced Mode can provide a major source of [[Prismatic Aether Particle Salvage|Prismatic Aether]].




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=Difficulty Options=
=Difficulty Options=


As of [[Issue 27 Page 4]], these are the effects of selecting each difficulty in the Advanced Difficulty Options menu:
As of [[Issue 27 Page 4]], these are the effects of selecting each difficulty in the Advanced Mode Options menu:


==Heroic/Villainous (Default)==
==Heroic/Villainous (Default)==
The default, Normal difficulty of a Task Force with Advanced Difficulty settings. There are no additional rewards or challenges.
The default, Normal difficulty of a Task Force with Advanced Mode settings. There are no additional rewards or challenges.


==Tenacious/Malicious (☆)==
==Tenacious/Malicious (☆)==
This content is balanced around everyone on the team having Tier 1 incarnate powers, and is the lowest level of Advanced Difficulty.  
This content is balanced around everyone on the team having Tier 1 incarnate powers, and is the lowest difficulty of Advanced Mode.  
 
===General Effects===
===General Effects===
* Enemies have access to additional/improved powers.
* Enemies have access to additional/improved powers.
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===Additional Rewards===
===Additional Rewards===
* In addition to all standard rewards, completion of this difficulty will reward 15 [[Merit Rewards|Reward Merits]].  
* In addition to all standard rewards, completion of this difficulty will reward 15 [[Merit Rewards|Reward Merits]].  
* An amount of Prismatic Aether Particle Salvage on an 18 hour cooldown, with the specific amount depending on the specific content completed.
* An amount of Prismatic Aether on an 18 hour cooldown, with the specific amount depending on the specific content completed.


==Rugged/Vicious (☆☆)==
==Rugged/Vicious (☆☆)==
This content is balanced around everyone on the team having Tier 2 incarnate powers.  
This content is balanced around everyone on the team having Tier 2 incarnate powers. All differing effects will be marked with '''bold text'''.
 
===General Effects===
===General Effects===
* The minimum mission difficulty is locked at +2 and the team size at x8.
* '''The minimum mission difficulty is locked at +2 and the team size at x8.'''
* Enemies have access to additional/improved powers.
* Enemies have access to additional/improved powers.
* Certain enemy groups can sometimes have Elite Bosses/Bosses spawn in place of Bosses/Lieutenants in regular enemy spawns.
* Certain enemy groups can sometimes have Elite Bosses/Bosses spawn in place of Bosses/Lieutenants in regular enemy spawns.
* Boss class enemies and above have inherent magnitude 10 Confuse protection.
* Access to exclusive challenge encounters and mechanics not found in the default difficulty.
* Access to exclusive challenge encounters and mechanics not found in the default difficulty.
* All enemies receive the following baseline buffs: +10% Resistance[All], +15% Defense[All], +20% Damage[All], +10% ToHit, 66ft Perception radius.
* Arch-villain/Giant Monster ranked enemies have Incarnate base hit chance (63.75%).
* Arch-villain/Giant Monster ranked enemies have Incarnate base hit chance (63.75%).
* Certain powerful Arch-villains/Giant Monsters have double base health (with normalized regeneration numbers).  
* Certain powerful Arch-villains/Giant Monsters have double base health (with normalized regeneration numbers).  
* Players are unable to use non-revive Large/Super Inspirations.
* '''Boss class enemies and above have inherent magnitude 10 Confuse protection.'''
* '''All enemies receive the following baseline buffs: +10% Resistance[All], +15% Defense[All], +20% Damage[All], +10% ToHit, 66ft Perception radius.'''
* '''Players are unable to use non-revive Large/Super Inspirations.'''


===Additional Rewards===
===Additional Rewards===
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* In addition to all standard rewards, completion of this difficulty will reward 30 [[Merit Rewards|Reward Merits]] and an Incarnate reward table containing your choice of a random [[Incarnate Component]], an [[Empyrean Merit Salvage|Empyrean Merit]], or two [[Super Inspirations]].
* In addition to all standard rewards, completion of this difficulty will reward 30 [[Merit Rewards|Reward Merits]] and an Incarnate reward table containing your choice of a random [[Incarnate Component]], an [[Empyrean Merit Salvage|Empyrean Merit]], or two [[Super Inspirations]].
* All enemies reward 20% more experience/influence.  
* All enemies reward 20% more experience/influence.  
* An amount of Prismatic Aether Particle Salvage on an 18 hour cooldown, with the specific amount depending on the specific content completed. This amount will be the combined total reward of this difficulty, plus any lower difficulties not yet completed within the 18 hour cooldown. Those difficulties will also go on cooldown.
* An amount of Prismatic Aether Salvage on an 18 hour cooldown, with the specific amount depending on the specific content completed. This amount will be the combined total reward of this difficulty, plus any lower difficulties not yet completed within the 18 hour cooldown. Those difficulties will also go on cooldown.


==Unyielding/Ruthless (☆☆☆) ==
==Unyielding/Ruthless (☆☆☆) ==
This content is balanced around everyone on the team having Tier 3 incarnate powers.  
This content is balanced around everyone on the team having Tier 3 incarnate powers. All differing effects will be marked with '''bold text'''.
 
===General Effects===
===General Effects===
* The minimum mission difficulty is locked at +3 and the team size at x8.
* '''The minimum mission difficulty is locked at +3 and the team size at x8.'''
* Enemies have access to additional/improved powers.
* Enemies have access to additional/improved powers.
* Certain enemy groups can sometimes have Elite Bosses/Bosses spawn in place of Bosses/Lieutenants in regular enemy spawns.
* Certain enemy groups can sometimes have Elite Bosses/Bosses spawn in place of Bosses/Lieutenants in regular enemy spawns.
* Lieutenant class enemies and above have inherent magnitude 10 Confuse protection.
* Elite Bosses have magnitude 10 Knockdown protection.
* Access to exclusive challenge encounters and mechanics not found in the default difficulty.
* Access to exclusive challenge encounters and mechanics not found in the default difficulty.
* All enemies receive the following baseline buffs: +15% Resistance[Lethal/Smashing], +20% Resistance[All but S/L], +20% Defense[All], +30% Damage[All], +20% ToHit, 66ft Perception radius
* Arch-villain/Giant Monster ranked enemies have Incarnate base hit chance (63.75%).
* Arch-villain/Giant Monster ranked enemies have Incarnate base hit chance (63.75%).
* Certain powerful Arch-villains/Giant Monsters have double base health (with normalized regeneration numbers).  
* Certain powerful Arch-villains/Giant Monsters have double base health (with normalized regeneration numbers).  
* Players are unable to use Temporary Powers or non-revive Medium/Large/Super Inspirations.
* '''Lieutenant class enemies and above have inherent magnitude 10 Confuse protection.'''
* '''Elite Bosses have magnitude 10 Knockdown protection.'''
* '''All enemies receive the following baseline buffs: +15% Resistance[Lethal/Smashing], +20% Resistance[All but S/L], +20% Defense[All], +30% Damage[All], +20% ToHit, 66ft Perception radius'''
* '''Players are unable to use Temporary Powers or non-revive Medium/Large/Super Inspirations.'''


===Additional Rewards===
===Additional Rewards===
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* All enemies reward 30% more experience/influence.
* All enemies reward 30% more experience/influence.
* In addition to all standard rewards, completion of this difficulty will reward 45 [[Merit Rewards|Reward Merits]] and an Incarnate reward table containing your choice of a random [[Incarnate Component]], an [[Empyrean Merit Salvage|Empyrean Merit]], or two [[Super Inspirations]].  
* In addition to all standard rewards, completion of this difficulty will reward 45 [[Merit Rewards|Reward Merits]] and an Incarnate reward table containing your choice of a random [[Incarnate Component]], an [[Empyrean Merit Salvage|Empyrean Merit]], or two [[Super Inspirations]].  
* An amount of Prismatic Aether Particle Salvage on an 18 hour cooldown, with the specific amount depending on the specific content completed. This amount will be the combined total reward of this difficulty, plus any lower difficulties not yet completed within the 18 hour cooldown. Those difficulties will also go on cooldown.
* An amount of Prismatic Aether Salvage on an 18 hour cooldown, with the specific amount depending on the specific content completed. This amount will be the combined total reward of this difficulty, plus any lower difficulties not yet completed within the 18 hour cooldown. Those difficulties will also go on cooldown.


==Invincible/Relentless (☆☆☆☆)==
==Invincible/Relentless (☆☆☆☆)==
This content is balanced around everyone on the team having Tier 4 incarnate powers. This is currently the highest level of Advanced Difficulty, and some of the hardest content in the game.
This content is balanced around everyone on the team having Tier 4 incarnate powers. All differing effects will be marked with '''bold text'''. This is currently the highest difficulty of Advanced Mode, and some of the hardest content in the game.  
 
===General Effects===
===General Effects===
* The mission difficulty is locked at +4 and the team size at x8.
* '''The mission difficulty is locked at +4 and the team size at x8.'''
* Enemies have access to additional/improved powers.
* Enemies have access to additional/improved powers.
* Certain enemy groups can sometimes have Elite Bosses/Bosses spawn in place of Bosses/Lieutenants in regular enemy spawns.
* Certain enemy groups can sometimes have Elite Bosses/Bosses spawn in place of Bosses/Lieutenants in regular enemy spawns.
* All enemy classes have inherent magnitude 10 Confuse protection.
* Bosses and Elite Bosses have magnitude 10 Knockdown protection.
* Access to exclusive challenge encounters and mechanics not found in the default difficulty.
* Access to exclusive challenge encounters and mechanics not found in the default difficulty.
* All enemies receive the following baseline buffs: +20% Resistance[Lethal/Smashing], +30% Resistance[All but S/L], +30% Defense[All], +40% Damage[All], +30% ToHit, 66ft Perception radius
* Arch-villain/Giant Monster ranked enemies have Incarnate base hit chance (63.75%) '''as well as a +1 Level Shift'''.
* Arch-villain/Giant Monster ranked enemies have Incarnate base hit chance (63.75%) as well as a +1 Level Shift.
* Certain powerful Arch-villains/Giant Monsters have double base health (with normalized regeneration numbers).  
* Certain powerful Arch-villains/Giant Monsters have double base health (with normalized regeneration numbers).  
* Players will be unable to use Temporary Powers or any non-revive Inspirations.
* '''All enemy classes have inherent magnitude 10 Confuse protection.'''
* '''Bosses and Elite Bosses have magnitude 10 Knockdown protection.'''
* '''All enemies receive the following baseline buffs: +20% Resistance[Lethal/Smashing], +30% Resistance[All but S/L], +30% Defense[All], +40% Damage[All], +30% ToHit, 66ft Perception radius'''
* '''Players will be unable to use Temporary Powers or any non-revive Inspirations.'''
   
   
===Additional Rewards===
===Additional Rewards===
* Arch-villain/Giant Monster ranked enemies will reward 9 [[Merit Rewards|Reward Merits] per defeat.
* Arch-villain/Giant Monster ranked enemies will reward 9 [[Merit Rewards|Reward Merits]] per defeat.
* Certain powerful Arch-villains/Giant Monsters will reward 15 [[Merit Rewards|Reward Merits] per defeat.
* Certain powerful Arch-villains/Giant Monsters will reward 15 [[Merit Rewards|Reward Merits]] per defeat.
* All enemies reward 40% more experience/influence.
* All enemies reward 40% more experience/influence.
* In addition to all standard rewards, completion of this difficulty will reward 60 [[Merit Rewards|Reward Merits]] and an Incarnate reward table containing your choice of a random [[Incarnate Component]], an [[Empyrean Merit Salvage|Empyrean Merit]], or two [[Super Inspirations]].  
* In addition to all standard rewards, completion of this difficulty will reward 60 [[Merit Rewards|Reward Merits]] and an Incarnate reward table containing your choice of a random [[Incarnate Component]], an [[Empyrean Merit Salvage|Empyrean Merit]], or two [[Super Inspirations]].  
* An amount of Prismatic Aether Particle Salvage on an 18 hour cooldown, with the specific amount depending on the specific content completed. This amount will be the combined total reward of this difficulty, plus any lower difficulties not yet completed within the 18 hour cooldown. Those difficulties will also go on cooldown.
* An amount of Prismatic Aether Salvage on an 18 hour cooldown, with the specific amount depending on the specific content completed. This amount will be the combined total reward of this difficulty, plus any lower difficulties not yet completed within the 18 hour cooldown. Those difficulties will also go on cooldown.
 
=Task Forces=
The following Task Forces currently have access to Advanced Mode:
 
* [[File:Badge i27 ASF complete.png|64px]] '''[[Dr. Aeon Strike Force]]'''
 
* [[File:Badge temporal strife.png|34px]] '''[[Imperious Task Force]]'''
 
* [[File:Badge task force apocalyptic.png|34px]] '''[[The Lady Grey Task Force]]'''


=Prismatic Aether =
Prismatic Aether is a form of [[Special Salvage]] primarily obtained through Advanced Difficulty settings - though also available via [[Incarnate Trials]] and the [[Weekly Strike Target]] in much smaller amounts, or in exchange for [[Monstrous Aether Salvage|Monstrous Aether]]. This salvage can be traded or used to purchase permanent costume powers to make a character look like NPC enemies from various factions.


=Task Forces=
Prismatic Aether payouts in Advanced Difficulty Task Forces work on a four-tiered drop system, where there are four difficulty level rewards each with their own 18-hour drop lockouts. Completing content on Advanced Difficulty rewards the maximum value of the difficulty minus any completions of lower values from the character on the same day.
The following Task Forces currently have access to Advanced Difficulty settings:
===Drop Totals===
 
'''Advanced Mode - [[Dr. Aeon Strike Force|Dr. Aeon's Strike Force]]:'''
 
* ☆ 1-Star = 2 Prismatic Aether salvage.
* ☆☆ 2-Star = (2+5) 7 Prismatic Aether salvage.
* ☆☆☆ 3-Star = (2+5+6) 13 Prismatic Aether salvage.
* ☆☆☆☆ 4-Star = (2+5+6+7) 20 Prismatic Aether salvage.
 
'''Advanced Mode - [[Imperious Task Force]]:'''


* [[File:Badge i27 ASF complete.png|54px]]  '''[[Dr. Aeon Strike Force]]'''
* ☆ 1-Star = 4 Prismatic Aether salvage.
* ☆☆ 2-Star = (4+7) 11 Prismatic Aether salvage.
* ☆☆☆ 3-Star = (4+7+6) 17 Prismatic Aether salvage.
* ☆☆☆☆ 4-Star = (4+7+6+7) 24 Prismatic Aether salvage.


* [[File:Badge temporal strife.png|24px]]  '''[[Imperious Task Force]]'''
'''Advanced Mode - [[The Lady Grey Task Force]]:'''


* ☆ 1-Star = 2 Prismatic Aether salvage.
* ☆☆ 2-Star = (2+5) 7 Prismatic Aether salvage.
* ☆☆☆ 3-Star = (2+5+6) 13 Prismatic Aether salvage.
* ☆☆☆☆ 4-Star = (2+5+6+9) 22 Prismatic Aether salvage.


=Badges=
=Badges=
===Dr. Aeon Strike Force===
===Dr. Aeon Strike Force===
The following badges are exclusively obtainable through Advanced Difficulty mode in [[Dr. Aeon's Strike Force]], and are required for the [[Master of Dr. Aeon's Strike Force Badge]]:
The following badges are exclusively obtainable through Advanced Mode in [[Dr. Aeon's Strike Force]], and are required for the [[Master of Dr. Aeon's Strike Force Badge]]:
{|
{|
|-
|-
| [[File:Badge i27 ASF achievement.png|40px]]
| {{center|[[File:Badge i27 ASF achievement.png|40px]]}}
| [[Unfriendly Fire Badge|Unfriendly Fire]]
| {{BadgeLink|Unfriendly Fire}}
| Hit a [[Gold_Brickers#Golden_Brickernaut|Golden Brickernaut]] with the [[Dimensional Grounding Ray]] or [[Golden Throwing Wrench]] to disable the limiter on their self-destruct, then use it to hit [[Gold_Brickers#Princess_Zoe|Princess Zoe]] in Mission 4 while she is under 10% health on Malicious difficulty or higher.
|  Hit a [[Gold_Brickers#Golden_Brickernaut|Golden Brickernaut]] with the [[Dimensional Grounding Ray]] or [[Golden Throwing Wrench]] to disable the limiter on their self-destruct, then use it to hit [[Gold_Brickers#Princess_Zoe|Princess Zoe]] in Mission 4 while she is under 10% health on Malicious difficulty or higher.
|-
|-
| [[File:Badge i27 ASF achievement.png|40px]]
| {{center|[[File:Badge i27 ASF achievement.png|40px]]}}
| [[Power Overwhelming Badge|Power Overwhelming]]
| {{BadgeLink|Power Overwhelming}}
| Defeat [[Cap_au_Diable_Demons#Ripplesurge|Ripplesurge]] in Mission 6 while it is empowered from standing in the residual energy left behind from consuming the energy it summons while on Malicious difficulty or higher.
|  Defeat [[Cap_au_Diable_Demons#Ripplesurge|Ripplesurge]] in Mission 6 while it is empowered from standing in the residual energy left behind from consuming the energy it summons while on Malicious difficulty or higher.
|-
|-
| [[File:Badge i27 ASF achievement.png|40px]]
| {{center|[[File:Badge i27 ASF achievement.png|40px]]}}
| [[Can't Touch This Badge|Can't Touch This]]
| {{BadgeLink|Can't Touch This}}
| Defeat [[Gold_Brickers#King_Midas|King Midas]] in Mission 7 without any members of the team being hit by his blue beam targeted attack during the length of the fight on Malicious difficulty or higher.
|  Defeat [[Gold_Brickers#King_Midas|King Midas]] in Mission 7 without any members of the team being hit by his blue beam targeted attack during the length of the fight on Malicious difficulty or higher.
|}
|}


===Imperious Task Force===
===Imperious Task Force===
The following badges are exclusively obtainable through Advanced Difficulty mode in [[Imperious Task Force]]:
The following badges are exclusively obtainable through Advanced Mode in [[Imperious Task Force]]:
{|
{|
|-
|-
| [[File:Badge Freezer Burn.png|40px]]
| {{center|[[File:Badge i27 twins.png|30px]]}}
| [[Freezer Burn Badge|Freezer Burn]]
| {{BadgeLink|Freezer Burn}}
| Defeat the additional boss encounter in Mission 3 on Advanced Difficulty.
|   Defeat the additional boss encounter in Mission 3 on Advanced Mode.
|}
|}


 
===The Lady Grey Task Force===
=Prismatic Aether Particles=
The following badges are exclusively obtainable through Advanced Mode in [[The Lady Grey Task Force]]:
Prismatic Aether Particles are a form of [[Special Salvage]] primarily obtained through Advanced Difficulty settings - though also available via [[Incarnate Trials]] and the [[Weekly Strike Target]] in much smaller amounts. This salvage can be traded or used to purchase permanent costume powers to make a character look like NPC enemies from various factions.
{|
 
|-
Prismatic Aether payouts in Advanced Difficulty Task Forces work on a four-tiered drop system, where there are four difficulty level rewards each with their own 18-hour drop lockouts. Completing content on Advanced Difficulty rewards the maximum value of the difficulty minus any completions of lower values from the character on the same day.
| {{center|[[File:Badge i27 defeat rikti deltamonkeys.png|30px]]}}
===Drop Totals===
| {{BadgeLink|Zookeeper Omega}}
'''Advanced Difficulty - [[Dr. Aeon Strike Force|Dr. Aeon's Strike Force]]:'''
|   Defeat the additional boss encounter in Mission 3 on Advanced Mode.
 
|-
* ☆ 1-Star = 2 Prismatic Aether Particle salvage.
| {{center|[[File:Badge i27 accomplishment stationescape.png|30px]]}}
* ☆☆ 2-Star = (2+5) 7 Prismatic Aether Particle salvage.
| {{BadgeLink|Doesn't Look At Explosions}}
* ☆☆☆ 3-Star = (2+5+6) 13 Prismatic Aether Particle salvage.
|   Escape the new area after finishing the final fight of Mission 5 on Advanced Mode.
* ☆☆☆☆ 4-Star = (2+5+6+7) 20 Prismatic Aether Particle salvage.
|}
 
'''Advanced Difficulty - [[Imperious Task Force]]:'''
 
* ☆ 1-Star = 2 Prismatic Aether Particle salvage.
* ☆☆ 2-Star = (2+5) 7 Prismatic Aether Particle salvage.
* ☆☆☆ 3-Star = (2+5+6) 13 Prismatic Aether Particle salvage.
* ☆☆☆☆ 4-Star = (2+5+6+7) 20 Prismatic Aether Particle salvage.
 


=See Also=
=See Also=
* [[Issue 27 Page 3]]
* [[Issue 27 Page 3]]
* [[Issue 27 Page 4]]
* [[Issue 27 Page 4]]
* [[Issue 27 Page 7]]
* [[Prismatic Aether Particle Salvage]]
* [[Prismatic Aether Particle Salvage]]
* [[Task Force]]
* [[Task Force]]
* [[Strike Force]]
* [[Strike Force]]

Latest revision as of 20:55, 23 February 2024

Summary

Advanced Mode (or 'Hard Mode' , formerly 'Advanced Difficulty') is a system that was introduced in Issue 27 Page 3 alongside the Dr. Aeon Strike Force, as a means to introduce optional increased challenges into Task Forces. While originally limited to the Dr. Aeon Strike Force, the system was rolled out to the Imperious Task Force in Issue 27 Page 4 and The Lady Grey Task Force in Issue 27 Page 7. While individual Task Forces and Strike Forces with the system have a general set of modifiers, they also have unique individual changes that are affected by the Difficulty Options. Advanced Mode can provide a major source of Prismatic Aether.


Difficulty Options

As of Issue 27 Page 4, these are the effects of selecting each difficulty in the Advanced Mode Options menu:

Heroic/Villainous (Default)

The default, Normal difficulty of a Task Force with Advanced Mode settings. There are no additional rewards or challenges.

Tenacious/Malicious (☆)

This content is balanced around everyone on the team having Tier 1 incarnate powers, and is the lowest difficulty of Advanced Mode.

General Effects

  • Enemies have access to additional/improved powers.
  • Certain enemy groups can sometimes have Elite Bosses/Bosses spawn in place of Bosses/Lieutenants in regular enemy spawns.
  • Access to exclusive challenge encounters and mechanics not found in the default difficulty.
  • Arch-villain/Giant Monster have Incarnate base hit chance (63.75%).
  • Certain powerful Arch-villains/Giant Monsters have double base health (with normalized regeneration numbers).
  • No additional enemy stats or defeat rewards.
  • Players are unable to use non-revive Super Inspirations.

Additional Rewards

  • In addition to all standard rewards, completion of this difficulty will reward 15 Reward Merits.
  • An amount of Prismatic Aether on an 18 hour cooldown, with the specific amount depending on the specific content completed.

Rugged/Vicious (☆☆)

This content is balanced around everyone on the team having Tier 2 incarnate powers. All differing effects will be marked with bold text.

General Effects

  • The minimum mission difficulty is locked at +2 and the team size at x8.
  • Enemies have access to additional/improved powers.
  • Certain enemy groups can sometimes have Elite Bosses/Bosses spawn in place of Bosses/Lieutenants in regular enemy spawns.
  • Access to exclusive challenge encounters and mechanics not found in the default difficulty.
  • Arch-villain/Giant Monster ranked enemies have Incarnate base hit chance (63.75%).
  • Certain powerful Arch-villains/Giant Monsters have double base health (with normalized regeneration numbers).
  • Boss class enemies and above have inherent magnitude 10 Confuse protection.
  • All enemies receive the following baseline buffs: +10% Resistance[All], +15% Defense[All], +20% Damage[All], +10% ToHit, 66ft Perception radius.
  • Players are unable to use non-revive Large/Super Inspirations.

Additional Rewards

  • Arch-villain/Giant Monster ranked enemies will reward 3 Reward Merits per defeat.
  • Certain powerful Arch-villains/Giant Monsters will reward 6 Reward Merits per defeat.
  • In addition to all standard rewards, completion of this difficulty will reward 30 Reward Merits and an Incarnate reward table containing your choice of a random Incarnate Component, an Empyrean Merit, or two Super Inspirations.
  • All enemies reward 20% more experience/influence.
  • An amount of Prismatic Aether Salvage on an 18 hour cooldown, with the specific amount depending on the specific content completed. This amount will be the combined total reward of this difficulty, plus any lower difficulties not yet completed within the 18 hour cooldown. Those difficulties will also go on cooldown.

Unyielding/Ruthless (☆☆☆)

This content is balanced around everyone on the team having Tier 3 incarnate powers. All differing effects will be marked with bold text.

General Effects

  • The minimum mission difficulty is locked at +3 and the team size at x8.
  • Enemies have access to additional/improved powers.
  • Certain enemy groups can sometimes have Elite Bosses/Bosses spawn in place of Bosses/Lieutenants in regular enemy spawns.
  • Access to exclusive challenge encounters and mechanics not found in the default difficulty.
  • Arch-villain/Giant Monster ranked enemies have Incarnate base hit chance (63.75%).
  • Certain powerful Arch-villains/Giant Monsters have double base health (with normalized regeneration numbers).
  • Lieutenant class enemies and above have inherent magnitude 10 Confuse protection.
  • Elite Bosses have magnitude 10 Knockdown protection.
  • All enemies receive the following baseline buffs: +15% Resistance[Lethal/Smashing], +20% Resistance[All but S/L], +20% Defense[All], +30% Damage[All], +20% ToHit, 66ft Perception radius
  • Players are unable to use Temporary Powers or non-revive Medium/Large/Super Inspirations.

Additional Rewards

  • Arch-villain/Giant Monster ranked enemies will reward 6 Reward Merits per defeat.
  • Certain powerful Arch-villains/Giant Monsters will reward 9 Reward Merits per defeat.
  • All enemies reward 30% more experience/influence.
  • In addition to all standard rewards, completion of this difficulty will reward 45 Reward Merits and an Incarnate reward table containing your choice of a random Incarnate Component, an Empyrean Merit, or two Super Inspirations.
  • An amount of Prismatic Aether Salvage on an 18 hour cooldown, with the specific amount depending on the specific content completed. This amount will be the combined total reward of this difficulty, plus any lower difficulties not yet completed within the 18 hour cooldown. Those difficulties will also go on cooldown.

Invincible/Relentless (☆☆☆☆)

This content is balanced around everyone on the team having Tier 4 incarnate powers. All differing effects will be marked with bold text. This is currently the highest difficulty of Advanced Mode, and some of the hardest content in the game.

General Effects

  • The mission difficulty is locked at +4 and the team size at x8.
  • Enemies have access to additional/improved powers.
  • Certain enemy groups can sometimes have Elite Bosses/Bosses spawn in place of Bosses/Lieutenants in regular enemy spawns.
  • Access to exclusive challenge encounters and mechanics not found in the default difficulty.
  • Arch-villain/Giant Monster ranked enemies have Incarnate base hit chance (63.75%) as well as a +1 Level Shift.
  • Certain powerful Arch-villains/Giant Monsters have double base health (with normalized regeneration numbers).
  • All enemy classes have inherent magnitude 10 Confuse protection.
  • Bosses and Elite Bosses have magnitude 10 Knockdown protection.
  • All enemies receive the following baseline buffs: +20% Resistance[Lethal/Smashing], +30% Resistance[All but S/L], +30% Defense[All], +40% Damage[All], +30% ToHit, 66ft Perception radius
  • Players will be unable to use Temporary Powers or any non-revive Inspirations.

Additional Rewards

  • Arch-villain/Giant Monster ranked enemies will reward 9 Reward Merits per defeat.
  • Certain powerful Arch-villains/Giant Monsters will reward 15 Reward Merits per defeat.
  • All enemies reward 40% more experience/influence.
  • In addition to all standard rewards, completion of this difficulty will reward 60 Reward Merits and an Incarnate reward table containing your choice of a random Incarnate Component, an Empyrean Merit, or two Super Inspirations.
  • An amount of Prismatic Aether Salvage on an 18 hour cooldown, with the specific amount depending on the specific content completed. This amount will be the combined total reward of this difficulty, plus any lower difficulties not yet completed within the 18 hour cooldown. Those difficulties will also go on cooldown.

Task Forces

The following Task Forces currently have access to Advanced Mode:

Prismatic Aether

Prismatic Aether is a form of Special Salvage primarily obtained through Advanced Difficulty settings - though also available via Incarnate Trials and the Weekly Strike Target in much smaller amounts, or in exchange for Monstrous Aether. This salvage can be traded or used to purchase permanent costume powers to make a character look like NPC enemies from various factions.

Prismatic Aether payouts in Advanced Difficulty Task Forces work on a four-tiered drop system, where there are four difficulty level rewards each with their own 18-hour drop lockouts. Completing content on Advanced Difficulty rewards the maximum value of the difficulty minus any completions of lower values from the character on the same day.

Drop Totals

Advanced Mode - Dr. Aeon's Strike Force:

  • ☆ 1-Star = 2 Prismatic Aether salvage.
  • ☆☆ 2-Star = (2+5) 7 Prismatic Aether salvage.
  • ☆☆☆ 3-Star = (2+5+6) 13 Prismatic Aether salvage.
  • ☆☆☆☆ 4-Star = (2+5+6+7) 20 Prismatic Aether salvage.

Advanced Mode - Imperious Task Force:

  • ☆ 1-Star = 4 Prismatic Aether salvage.
  • ☆☆ 2-Star = (4+7) 11 Prismatic Aether salvage.
  • ☆☆☆ 3-Star = (4+7+6) 17 Prismatic Aether salvage.
  • ☆☆☆☆ 4-Star = (4+7+6+7) 24 Prismatic Aether salvage.

Advanced Mode - The Lady Grey Task Force:

  • ☆ 1-Star = 2 Prismatic Aether salvage.
  • ☆☆ 2-Star = (2+5) 7 Prismatic Aether salvage.
  • ☆☆☆ 3-Star = (2+5+6) 13 Prismatic Aether salvage.
  • ☆☆☆☆ 4-Star = (2+5+6+9) 22 Prismatic Aether salvage.

Badges

Dr. Aeon Strike Force

The following badges are exclusively obtainable through Advanced Mode in Dr. Aeon's Strike Force, and are required for the Master of Dr. Aeon's Strike Force Badge:

Badge i27 ASF achievement.png
Unfriendly Fire  Hit a Golden Brickernaut with the Dimensional Grounding Ray or Golden Throwing Wrench to disable the limiter on their self-destruct, then use it to hit Princess Zoe in Mission 4 while she is under 10% health on Malicious difficulty or higher.
Badge i27 ASF achievement.png
Power Overwhelming  Defeat Ripplesurge in Mission 6 while it is empowered from standing in the residual energy left behind from consuming the energy it summons while on Malicious difficulty or higher.
Badge i27 ASF achievement.png
Can't Touch This  Defeat King Midas in Mission 7 without any members of the team being hit by his blue beam targeted attack during the length of the fight on Malicious difficulty or higher.

Imperious Task Force

The following badges are exclusively obtainable through Advanced Mode in Imperious Task Force:

Badge i27 twins.png
Freezer Burn   Defeat the additional boss encounter in Mission 3 on Advanced Mode.

The Lady Grey Task Force

The following badges are exclusively obtainable through Advanced Mode in The Lady Grey Task Force:

Badge i27 defeat rikti deltamonkeys.png
Zookeeper Omega   Defeat the additional boss encounter in Mission 3 on Advanced Mode.
Badge i27 accomplishment stationescape.png
Doesn't Look At Explosions   Escape the new area after finishing the final fight of Mission 5 on Advanced Mode.

See Also