reference / PC Demo
When do Modifiers unlock, and what do they change?
Complete the first region to unlock the Modifier system. Buffs lower difficulty and Challenges raise it. The developer’s stated target is for play without Modifiers to feel closer to Easy than Hard; that is a design target, not a guarantee that every player or route will find it easy.
Updated 2026-11-02 · PC Demo
Use the rule for your next decision
Still in the first region? Finish its population objective
The August Terraform update says the Modifier system unlocks after the tutorial region. The developer confirmed this in October: beat the first region, then use Buffs to reduce difficulty. If you are still stuck there, use the progress guide for the population and home-relay checks.
Choose the direction that fits your goal
For an easier survival run after unlocking Modifiers, use Buffs. For a harder run, equip Challenges. This distinction is confirmed in developer replies; these sources do not provide the complete Modifier list, exact effects or current menu inputs.
Published difficulty directions Choice Purpose Buffs Lower difficulty after the first-region unlock. Challenges Increase difficulty. No Modifiers Developer intends a baseline closer to Easy than Hard; individual results can differ.
What success looks like
You know the first-region unlock condition and can distinguish the purpose of Buffs from Challenges without confusing a design target with measured difficulty.
If you are still stuck
The cited replies do not give a complete Modifier list, current menu path, or score multiplier table. For a flyer-specific failure, also review air coverage.