Difficulty Differences | Recommended Difficulty Setting

This is a list of difficulty modes in Shin Megami Tensei V (SMT 5). Read on to learn how to change difficulty settings, when you can change difficulty modes, and the differences between each difficulty.

Which Difficulty Setting Should You Choose?

Choose Normal for Balanced Experience

Normal difficulty offers the most balanced playthrough experience in the game, pitting you against enemies with moderate strength levels while still making the gameplay and story interesting.

Choose Safety for the Plot

Casual difficulty is actually tougher than it sounds. We recommend Safety difficulty if you want to focus on the game's story and breeze through the battles.

Downloaded as a free DLC

Safety difficulty only becomes available after downloading it from the Nintendo eShop. You can also download the Japanese language audio as a free DLC!

How to Change Language

Difficulty Differences

Safety - Ensures a Trouble-Free Playthrough

This is a difficulty mode that anyone can enjoy and has been added as free DLC. Recommended for players who are new too RPGs. Enemies will likely die in a single hit unless they're way above your level but should still pose no challenge.

Casual - Perfect for Newcomers

This difficulty mode offers a mild level of difficulty while allowing the player to experience the story. Recommended for players who are unfamiliar with the Shin Megami Tensei series.

Normal - The Ideal Difficulty Setting

This difficulty mode offers a moderate level of difficulty as the player progresses through the story. Recommended for players who are familiar with the Shin Megami Tensei series.

Hard - For Diehard Fans of the Series

This difficulty mode provides a high level of difficulty. Recommended for players who are on a second playthrough or have a high level of experience with the Shin Megami Tensei series.

Note: If you select Hard Mode and later switch to an easier difficulty, you will no longer be able to return to Hard Mode for the remainder of your playthrough.

Godborn - Hardest Difficulty in the Game

This difficulty mode increases the level cap to 150, and it will also bump up every single enemy's level to 150. Recommended for players who are looking for a true hardcore challenge.

Note: This difficulty is only available if you've beaten the secret superboss in a Canon of Vengeance playthrough.

How to Change Difficulty Settings

Select at the Start of the Game

When starting a new game, the player will be automatically prompted to select a difficulty setting.

Switch Difficulty Modes at Any Time

Players can adjust the difficulty how they see fit at any point during their playthrough for a tailored experience. Whether the currently selected difficulty mode is too challenging or not enough, players are free to change things up at any time.

To change difficulty modes, simply open the menu then systems then options. Once there, choose the difficulty settings then choose the difficulty settings you wish.

Note: If you select Hard Mode and later switch to an easier difficulty, you will no longer be able to return to Hard Mode for the remainder of your playthrough.

Shin Megami Tensei V (SMT 5) Related Guides

Tips and Tricks | Beginner's Guide

Vengeance Guides

How to Use Magatsu Rails	Carry-Over and Save Transfer Bonuses
Virtual Trainer: How to Unlock and Location	How to Start Canon of Vengeance
List of New Demons	Take Her Hand Guide
Demon Haunt	Magatsuhi Demon
Shakan Dungeon	Consecutive Encounters Explained
All Da'at: Shinjuku Features	Innate Skills
Demon Group Skill Explained	Guest Characters
Sky View Guide	List of Cadaver's Hollow Items
All Story Choices and Alignments	Beginner's Guide
How To Unlock Godborn Mode	Post Game Guide: What to Do After the Story
100% Guide	All Demon Navigators (1.0.3 Update)

Game Mechanics

Press Turn System Guide	Battle System Explained
List of Difficulty Modes	How to Fuse Demons
List of Affinities	Effects of Skill Potential
List of Status Ailments	How to Use Magatsuhi Skills
Moon Phases Effects	How to Fast Travel
Interactable Objects	How to Get Essences
All Miman Locations	Demon Statues

Stat and Build Guides

All Stats Explained	Best Nahobino Builds
Strength	Vitality
Magic	Agility
Luck	-

Farming Guides

How to Level Up Fast	How to Farm Macca
How to Farm Glory	How to Farm Mitamas

Tips and Tricks

Best Names for the Nahobino	Best Demons to Use
Best Miracles Tier List	All Abscesses Locations
All Cironnup Locations	All Aogami Essence Locations
List of Special Fusions	All Trophies List
All Missables

FAQ

Apsaras or Leanan Sidhe	What Carries Over in NG+
Principality or Lilim	Should You Eat the Golden Apple?
Black Frost or Dionysus	Where to get the Horn of Plenty
How to Get Dragon Scales	Should You Spare Khonsu?
Futsunushi or Adramelech	-