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Is hardmode freelancing really that challenging?

Hard Mode Freelance Gameplay | Is It As Tough As It Sounds?

By

Carlos Mendoza

Jan 29, 2026, 05:00 AM

Edited By

Sofia Wang

2 minutes of duration

A focused freelancer sitting at a desk with a laptop, looking determined while tackling a challenging task
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A heated discussion is brewing among the gaming community about the difficulty of hard mode in recent campaigns. Users have shared mixed experiences on forums, drawing attention to the punishing nature of the game.

A Tough Challenge

From the comments, it's clear: hard mode is no walk in the park. Many players warn that unless you're equipped with a strong weapon wall, you might be in for a rough ride. One user boldly stated, "I donโ€™t recommend it unless you have a robust weapon wall." This suggests that preparation is key when jumping into a more intense gameplay experience.

Gameplay Mechanics Under Scrutiny

Players are particularly agitated about how mission layouts can complicate gameplay. Notably, one said, "All of your wall weapons stay put, it is only the three briefcases that get cleared." This indicates that while resources remain, certain critical items can disappear, turning strategies on their head.

However, itโ€™s not just the environments that pose a challenge. The number of alerts increases dramatically toward the end of a campaign, with players needing to outsmart an overwhelming amount of lookouts. One frustrated gamer exclaimed, "Itโ€™s extremely punishing if you mess around!" The mention of guards and disguises further emphasizes a need for strategic planning, especially in certain locations like New York, where players feel they can manipulate the game mechanics to their advantage.

The Allure of Hardcore Mode

Some gamers are curious to tackle hardcore mode, but fears persist about the potential setbacks. One comment highlights this concern: "I havenโ€™t yet because I thought it reset your entire wall." The anxiety around losing progress is a valid concern, impacting enthusiasm for higher difficulty settings.

Key Takeaways

  • โš”๏ธ Weapon Choice Matters: Gamers stress the importance of having a strong weapon wall before attempting hard mode.

  • ๐Ÿšฆ Environmental Hazards: Increasing difficulty with countless enemies demands constant vigilance and tactical gameplay.

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Concerns About Resetting: Players are wary that hardcore mode might reset significant progress, impacting their decision to try it.

The ongoing discussions underline a growing interest in the challenges presented by hard mode, drawing both caution and intrigue from the community. Only time will tell how many will brave the relentless difficulty and rise to the occasion.

Future Game Dynamics

Looking ahead, the gaming landscape is likely to see players becoming more strategic in their approach to hard mode. With a strong chanceโ€”estimated at around 70%โ€”that developers will introduce new patches to balance difficulty and reward, players may find gameplay becoming less punishing and more manageable with careful planning. Additionally, as more people discuss their successes and failures in forums, a communal knowledge base will likely grow, driving a shift in strategies. This collaborative spirit could lead to an uptick in gamers tackling hard and hardcore modes, as they've seen others prevail before them.

An Unexpected Echo from History

Consider the world of high-stakes poker in the 2000s, where players faced significant anxiety about their money and reputation at the tables. Just as todayโ€™s gamers weigh the pros and cons of hardship in gameplay, poker enthusiasts had to decide on risk versus rewardโ€”especially in tournaments that offered a reset for cash but not for pride. The parallels are uncanny: both experiences draw on the thrill of facing formidable challenges and overcoming them, ultimately fueling a cycle of investment and emotional commitment. Just like players today, poker experts learned that sometimes itโ€™s the fear of loss that drives the greatest victories.