Unicorn Overlord has four difficulty settings players can choose from: Story, Normal, Tactical, and Expert. See all difficulty settings and their differences, the best difficulty, how to unlock True Zenoiran difficulty, which difficulty you should choose, and how to change difficulty in this guide!

Difference Between Difficulty Settings

Difficulty Mode	Difficulty Setting Description
Story	・ A difficulty focused around the enjoyment of the story. ・ Play the game with the least worry about combat and stay for the plot.
Normal	・A standard difficulty focused around fair, tactical battles. ・Play the game as intended for regular players and newcomers to Strategy games.
Tactical	・A difficulty focused around tactical gameplay. ・ Play the game in this mode if you are well versed in strategy games.
Expert	・ A difficulty focused around pushing your tactical mind to its limits. ・ Play the game and test your strategy planning with limited Item Use, Stamina, and Valor.
True Zenoiran	・ The highest difficulty that comes with the permadeath feature. ・ A difficulty for players who wish to know the despair of unceasing torture. ・ Members of defeated units cannot be redeployed, and difficulty cannot be changed once selected.

The three difficulty settings which are Story, Tactical, and Expert modes were made easier after the day one patch notes were implemented in Unicorn Overlord last March 8, 2024.

The patch notes also added a normal difficulty which is slightly harder than Story Mode due to the adjustments and tweaks made on each difficulty setting.

True Zenoiran Has Permadeath Feature

True Zenoiran difficulty is the hardest difficulty setting that comes with the permadeath feature.

On this game mode, retreated units cannot be redeployed. A single character can be revived with a Revival Orb, while a retreated unit can be brought back with Luminous Ashe Corn during a Battle Stage.

Is There Permadeath?

Less Stamina at Higher Difficulties

Stamina in the beginning of each battle varies depending on the difficulty chosen. In Story Mode, units will have 8 or 9 Stamina during the start of the battle, while in Expert Mode, this will only be at 4 to 6.

Changes to Enemy Damage and Valor Gain

Enemies take less damage and will deal more damage to your units depending on which difficulty the game is set.

This also applies to Valor Gain, as the game difficulty will dictate how much Valor you will gain per battle.

How to Replenish Valor Points

Item Use Limit in Expert Mode

This only applies to Expert Mode. In Expert Mode, you will only have a limit of 10 Item Uses and that will be it for the duration of the stage.

Time Limit Is the Same

There are no differences with the time limit on any game setting. However, due to the enemies being tanky and hard to defeat in latter difficulty settings, Clear Time and the rewards that come with it will be greatly affected.

How to Unlock True Zenoiran Difficulty

Finish the Game on Any Difficulty

Finish the game once on any difficulty to unlock True Zenoiran for the permadeath experience!

Take note that choosing this difficulty means you can't change the difficulty anymore afterwards.

Which Difficulty Setting Should You Choose?

Choose Story Mode for the Plot

Story Mode is designed for players who enjoy the main story of the game. There is also the enjoyment of involving yourself in the romance storylines, which can easily be accessed when playing Story Mode.

Romance Guide and All Marriage Options

Choose Normal for A Balanced Playthrough

For a balanced playthrough, choosing Normal Mode is the best way to go. This is the mode intended for regular players and newcomers to this genre.

Complete Story Walkthrough

Pick Tactical or Expert If You Are An Enjoyer of Strategy Games

If you are a long-time fan and an enjoyer of strategy games and would like to put your wits to the test, pick Tactical Mode. If you want to go even further and test your limits, you can explore the Expert Mode.

How to Change Difficulty Setting

Pick A Difficulty at the Start

After the The Unicorn Ring main quest, you will be opted to choose a difficulty of your own. You can choose whichever you want as this option can be altered during the game as well.

The Unicorn Ring Walkthrough

Change Difficulty from the Options Menu

You can always toggle between difficulties by going to the options menu. To access this, first you need to click the menu button and the Overworld Menu will come up. The options menu is accessed by clicking on the Systems button below.

Once done, you will be able to change game difficulty on the next screen.

Unicorn Overlord Related Guides

Beginner's Guide to Unicorn Overlord

All Tips and Tricks

Tier Lists and Best Guides
Best Unit Formation	Best Characters Tier List
Best Weapons Tier List	Best Classes Tier List
Farming Guides
Money Farming Guide	Honor Farming Guide
How to Get Divine Shards	EXP Farming Guide: How to Level Up Fast
Renown Farming Guide	-
General Tips
How to Promote Classes	How to Change Class
How to Replenish Valor Points	Romance Guide and All Marriage Options
Difficulty Differences and Best Difficulty Settings	How to Unlock the Secret Shop
How to Recruit Mercenaries	Trophy List and Platinum Guide
How to Create Tactics Templates	All Treasure Map Locations
How to Expand Units	Is There Permadeath?
How to Get the True Ending	Is There New Game Plus?
How to Get the Ring of the Maiden	How to Beat the Coliseum