Hard Stratagem Hidden Penalty
Overview
When playing Hard Stratagems, a hidden modifier is applied that makes enemies take less damage and players take more damage. This penalty is never shown to the player in the UI. Players refer to the penalty-active state as "Absolute Plus", as it's Absolute (Hard) difficulty with the hidden EXTREME penalty layered on top.
The Hidden Modifier
Defined in gamemoderulechallengesdifficulty_mutator.sso:
Target | Modifier | Bonus | Apply Type |
|---|---|---|---|
NPCs (Tyranids + Chaos) |
| -15% |
|
Players |
| +30% |
|
Effect: Enemies effectively take 15% less damage from all sources. Players take 30% more damage from all sources.
When Does It Trigger?
Stratagem Types
Stratagem Type | Penalty Applied? | Why |
|---|---|---|
Custom Hard (no modifiers) | No | No modifiers = no trigger |
Custom Hard (any modifier) | Yes | Any modifier triggers it |
Daily Hard | Yes | Always has modifiers baked in |
Weekly Hard | Yes | Always has modifiers baked in |
Daily Normal | No | Insufficient Difficulty |
Weekly Normal | No | Insufficient Difficulty |
Source Files
Penalty definition:
ssl/gamemode/rules/server/gamemoderulechallengesdifficultymutator.ssoGame mode rule instantiation:
ssl/gamemode/modes/pve/gamemodepveserver.sso(line 72)