Hardcore Mode

A BepInEx plugin for PEAK. It adds a Hardcore/Extreme mode — layered on top of the game's original difficulties — that drains your stamina much faster. Under the hood, it works by turning on the game's own "Grapple Mode" Custom Run setting (the one that drains stamina fast) along with the rest of your chosen ascent's effects.

Only the host needs to install this mod — but even if you're not the host, installing it yourself will also improve your Hardcore Mode experience, such as the UI and achievements.

Overview

• This mod adds a 3-way toggle button ("Normal / Hardcore / Extreme") to the ascent select screen.
  • Normal is just the original version.
  • Hardcore applies both the Ascent you chose (including Ascents 7 and 8) and Grapple Mode, without the golden Rescue Claw.
  • Extreme does everything Hardcore does, and also sets the Custom Run "other damage" (including injury, heat, cold, and drowsiness) multiplier to the max, making the run even harder.
• This mod works in multiplayer: whether Hardcore/Extreme mode is on is shared with the host and other players.
• Clients without this mod cannot get achievements and Steam stats, since this mod works by using the game's own "Custom Run" feature, which blocks achievements and Steam stats. Also, this mod lets you turn that block on or off if you want (see Config below).

Requirements

• PEAK (Steam)
• BepInEx (BepInExPack_PEAK 5.4.75301 or later)
• (Optional) A ModConfig-style mod
  • If installed, you can adjust the config options from an in-game GUI menu.
  • If not installed, you can edit the same options directly in the config file under BepInEx/config/.

Installation

1. Have PEAK set up with BepInEx installed (installing via r2modman / Thunderstore Mod Manager is recommended).
2. Extract this mod's package and copy HardcoreMode.dll into your BepInEx/plugins/ folder.
   • If you're using a mod manager, simply installing the package is enough.
3. Launch the game and check that it loads correctly (BepInEx/LogOutput.log should show Plugin HardcoreMode is loaded!).

Usage

1. Open the Boarding Pass screen in the airport lobby.
2. Click the toggle button added to the footer to switch between "Normal → Hardcore → Extreme → Normal …".
3. Choose your mode and pick your ascent, then press "Start". The matching settings will be applied to that run.

Configuration

All settings live under the Hardcore Mode section of the config file.

Optional Add-ons

• MoreRunDetailsExpand (bundled in this package): if you also have BetterScoutReport installed, this shows "Hardcore/Extreme Ascent N" instead of "CUSTOM RUN" on the post-run details screen for Hardcore/Extreme runs. It only activates when BetterScoutReport is present; otherwise it simply does nothing.