Hellmode
What is Hellmode?
Hellmode, or Custom Platinum mode, is the nickname affectionately given to a new survival difficulty that allows players to select which modifiers will be active. It is considered significantly more difficult than Nightmare difficulty.
How to find Hellmode?
To find this game mode, simply navigate to Legends, then:
With a party:
Play now → Survival → Choose a Map → Scroll down to “Platinum” → select “Custom Mode, Matchmaking disabled”
To Matchmake:
Play now → Survival → Choose a Map → Scroll down to “Platinum” → “Fill Party with a goal of “Custom Mode – Perfect Completion” OR “Custom Mode – Enable Difficulty Modifiers” if not going for perfect game
Modifiers
The Modifier selection will occur AFTER the game started! (i.e. everyone readies-up). You will see shrines similar to those in Rivals near the spawn point. You can select 1-7 of them. (4 player/enemy modifiers & 3 world/environment modifiers).
The world modifiers are set (Fire Spirits, Eyes of Iyo and Disciples of Iyo)
There are THREE set player/enemy modifiers (Aggressive Foes, Shared Wounds, Empowered Foes) with one modifier that varies per map.
1. Tool Shortage (+50% GW cooldown)= Shores of Vengeance, Shadows of War, Blood & Steel
2. Incapacitated (+50% Ability cooldown) = Village of Aoi, Blood in the Snow, Twilight & Ashes
To see what each modifier does, click here.
Difficulty / Ki Level
The difficulty level of enemies (and enemy composition per wave) is identical to Nightmare Difficulty.
The Spawn placements are random.
It is HIGHLY recommended to not only be well-versed in completing Nightmare Survival, but be capable of completing NMS without any downs, be well-practiced on the Objectives, and able to duo/trio NMS. Also to be able to coordinate effectively with a team without getting hit.
For a list of recommend Hellmode Builds, check out this page.
How to get Started
If you are looking to test your ability to survive, it is a good idea to practice Wave 0 with Aggressive Foes, Empowered Foes, and Incapacitated/Tool Shortage active.
Try to clear wave 0 in less than 5 minutes AND not drop below 50% health.
Hidden Heart
Nicknamed the “Toothpick” run, The Hidden Heart achievement is a ‘hidden’ achievement that is unlocked upon completing a ‘perfect’ game of Custom Platinum (Hellmode).
You must:
– Activate ALL Modifiers
– Complete ALL 5 Objectives
– Lose 0 Zones
– Have 0 Downs across the Team
In doing so, anyone in the party will unlock the ‘Hidden Heart’ sword skin.
Map Difficulty
Each map has its own difficulty, they are ranked as follows from easiest to hardest:
– Blood in the Snow
– Village of Aoi
– Shores of Vengeance
– Twilight & Ashes
– Shadows of War
– Blood & Steel
It is RECOMMENDED to start on Blood in the Snow if you are after a perfect game.
Time to be Safe
Because of the modifiers that are active during the Hellmode, there isn’t a lot of room to relax, constant movement is needed. But don’t worry! Safe-spots have been found! With this you can rest your hands a bit, but be weary, an enemy is always closer than you think!
Note that there are a few other safe spots besides these listed, but these will be some of the most common and most used as you first get started. This is not a guide on how to spawn-camp for experienced hellmode players; it is meant to help newer players or those not familiar with a particular map.
Blood in the Snow
Village of Aoi
Shores of Vengeance
Twilight & Ashes
Shadows of War
Blood & Steel
What Build do I use?
Hellmode isn’t called hellmode for nothing, it’s hard. If you’re not used to it, it’ll be even harder. But the right build can help you along. Don’t worry though, even with the build it’ll still be very difficult for first timers. As a general rule it’s recommend to play Ronin or Assassin, and if you’re confident Hunter. Click below for the builds and pick which one you think suits you!
Ghost of Tsushima: Legends 