History Main / IdiosyncraticDifficultyLevels

*** I Get Mistaken for [[VideoGame/SuperMarioBros A Certain Plumber]]

*** "Will of Iron, Knees of Jell-O (TM)."

* ''VideoGame/ResonanceOfFate'' has 10 difficulty levels with each more idiosyncratic than the one before.
** Normal
** Advance
** Hard
** Professional
** [[ShoutOut Hurt Me Plenty]]
** Ultimate
** Supremacy
** Legendary
** Mythology
** Zenith

*** Very Spicy

* ''Soldier Boyz''
** Chump
** Punk
** Badass

* ''Corridor 7: Alien Invasion'':

* ''VideoGame/{{SiN}}'':

** "Hardcorps" (described in the manual as "not for the slow of mouse, weak of heart, or anyone else afraid of dying")

** Casual Mode[[note]]Only in ''Metroid Prime Remastered'', equivalent to Normal Mode on all Wii versions.[[/note]]

** Hard Mode[[note]][=GameCube=] and [[NoExportForYou Japan-exclusive standalone Wii]] releases of first two games, as well as ''Prime Remastered''[[/note]]/Hypermode[[note]]''Corruption'' and the ''Trilogy'' release of first two games.[[/note]]

** Casual Mode[[note]]Only in ''Metroid Prime Remastered''[[/note]]
** Normal Mode[[note]]In ''VideoGame/MetroidPrime3Corruption'' and the ''Trilogy'' re-releases, this actually serves as an [[NonIndicativeName Easy Mode]].[[/note]]
** Veteran Mode[[note]]Only found in ''Corruption'' and the ''Trilogy'' re-releases, this is equivalent to the default difficulty in the original [[UsefulNotes/NintendoGameCube GameCube]] releases of ''Prime 1'' and ''Echoes''.[[/note]]
** Hard Mode[[note]][=GameCube=] releases of first two games and ''Prime Remastered''[[/note]]/Hypermode[[note]]''Corruption'' and the Trilogy release of first two games[[/note]]

* ''VideoGame/WhoaDave'':

* ''VideoGame/MaxPayne'' and ''Max Payne 2'':
** "Fugitive" (''1'') / "Detective" (''2'')

** "Old School" (''3'': Last Stand is disabled, so you must use Pain Killers manually as with ''1'' and ''2''.)

* ''VideoGame/{{PlagueInc}}'' has four difficulties for both standard mode and cure mode, each with descriptions that describes how people would react to a plague:

* ''VideoGame/DuckTales: The Quest for Gold'' uses money puns:

%%
%%
%%
%%
%%
%% This list of examples has been alphabetized. Please add your example in the proper place. Thanks!
%%
%%
%%
%% Image selected per Image Pickin' thread: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/posts.php?discussion=1543986995002905600
%% Please do not replace or remove without starting a new thread.
%%
[[quoteright:260:[[VideoGame/WolfensteinTheNewOrder https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/wolfenstein_levels.jpg]]]]

Many video games have adjustable DifficultyLevels so as to provide more of a challenge to good players while allowing poor players the satisfaction of finishing and finding out how the story ends. Traditionally, they would just be called Easy, Medium, and Hard (or synonyms like Beginner, Intermediate and Expert). However, a recurring clever idea is to name them in a way reflecting of your game's style or plot. Another widespread trend is to make one of the difficulty settings a TitleDrop, typically the hardest one. One frequent convention is naming the difficulty levels after increasingly badass figures, and (optionally) naming the lower difficulty levels after something insulting.

Of course, if you use more than one word, everyone will call them "Easy", "Medium" and "Hard", but it does help establish continuity and ''mise en scène''.

Often overlaps with EasierThanEasy and HarderThanHard (which are not about the ''name'', but about the kind of challenge offered).

Only unusual examples should be added to this article.

See also EasyModeMockery, where the idiosyncracy extends to your treatment in the gameplay. For comments ''on'' your gameplay, see IdiosyncraticComboLevels.

----
!!Examples (listed in order from easiest to hardest):
%%
%%
%% Please try not to go into details of gameplay differences between levels; they are irrelevant unless they are related to the name.
%%
%%
[[foldercontrol]]

[[folder:Action-Adventure]]
* ''VideoGame/{{Bayonetta}}'':
** Very Easy

** [[HarderThanHard Non-Stop Infinite Climax]]
* ''VideoGame/Bayonetta2''[[note]]The first three only apply to the original Wii U version, not the Switch port[[/note]]:
** 1st Climax -- Easy
** 2nd Climax -- Normal
** 3rd Climax -- Hard
** ∞ Climax -- HarderThanHard
* ''VideoGame/GodOfWar'': The hardest difficulty levels in each ''God of War'' game refer to Kratos' allegiance in each respective game.
** "Mortal" (''I'' and ''II'') / "Spartan" (''III'')
** "Hero" (''I'') / "Spartan" (''II'') / "God" (''III'')
** "Spartan" (''I'') / "God" (''II'') / "Titan" (''III'')
** "God" (''I'') / "Titan" (''II'') / "Chaos" (''III'')
** ''VideoGame/GodOfWarPS4'' uses a different naming convention for its difficulty levels:
*** [[StoryDifficultySetting "Give Me a Story"]]
*** "Give Me a Balanced Experience"
*** "Give Me a Challenge"
*** [[HarderThanHard "Give Me God of War"]]
* ''VideoGame/Killer7'':
** "Normal": "Helpful hints and other features make the game proceed relatively smoothly."
** "Deadly": "In addition to limitations on hints, expect some extreme combat."
** "Bloodbath" ([=Killer8=] mode): "A new personality will awaken." Enemies have greater health and deal much greater damage, making all but two of the Smiths a OneHitPointWonder, and regular enemies' weak points can't be seen so blood for upgrades will be in short supply. Fortunately, you get a new persona with [[MoreDakka a Tommy gun]] and a ton of health.
** "Face the Swarm" ([[EasterEgg Hopper7 mode]]): "A horrific Heaven Smile has awakened." Regular enemies are replaced with "[=HopperMen=]", guys wearing grasshopper costumes who die in one shot no matter where you shoot them. Only the first level can be played.
* ''Franchise/TheLegendOfZelda'':
** "Hero Mode" appears in ''[[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTheWindWaker The Wind Waker]] HD'', ''[[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTwilightPrincess Twilight Princess]] HD'', ''[[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaSkywardSword Skyward Sword]]'', ''[[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaALinkBetweenWorlds A Link Between Worlds]]'', and the remake of ''[[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaLinksAwakening Link's Awakening]]''.[[note]]Generally, in Hero Mode enemies deal double damage and hearts do not appear[[/note]] Notably, in ''Skyward Sword'' and ''A Link Between Worlds'' it's only available after completing one normal playthrough.
** "Master Mode" is available through the Master Trials DLC in ''[[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaBreathOfTheWild Breath of the Wild]]''.[[note]]All enemies powered up by one level, are more perceptive, appear in more places, and can recover health.[[/note]]
* ''VideoGame/TheLordOfTheRingsAragornsQuest'':
** Hobbit
** Ranger
** King
* ''VideoGame/{{Messiah}}'':
** Disciple
** Prophet
** Messiah
* The ''VideoGame/MetroidPrime'' series has:
** Casual Mode[[note]]Only in ''Metroid Prime Remastered''[[/note]]
** Normal Mode[[note]]In ''VideoGame/MetroidPrime3Corruption'' and the ''Trilogy'' re-releases, this actually serves as an [[NonIndicativeName Easy Mode]].[[/note]]
** Veteran Mode[[note]]Only found in ''Corruption'' and the ''Trilogy'' re-releases, this is equivalent to the default difficulty in the original [[UsefulNotes/NintendoGameCube GameCube]] releases of ''Prime 1'' and ''Echoes''.[[/note]]
** Hard Mode[[note]][=GameCube=] releases of first two games and ''Prime Remastered''[[/note]]/Hypermode[[note]]''Corruption'' and the Trilogy release of first two games[[/note]]
* ''VideoGame/{{Okamiden}}'': This particular select is also a ScrappyMechanic due to it looking like it's simply asking you if you want to see the tutorial, and the fact Old Hand means your ink will not regenerate.
** "Greenhorn"
** "Old Hand"
* ''VideoGame/RememberMe'':
** Script Kiddie (This is a derisive term for a hacker who has no real skill and uses scripts or programs devised by others for their activities)
** Errorist Agent
** Memory Hunter
* ''VideoGame/SpiderMan3''
** Sidekick
** Hero
** Superhero
* ''VideoGame/SpiderManPS4'' uses TheAdjectivalSuperhero:
** Friendly Neighborhood
** Amazing
** Spectacular

* ''Franchise/StarWars'':
** The ''Star Wars'' games for the Super NES have three difficulties:

*** Brave
*** Jedi
** ''VideoGame/StarWarsJediFallenOrder'':
*** [[StoryDifficultySetting Story Mode]]
*** Jedi Knight
*** Jedi Master
*** Jedi Grand Master
* ''VideoGame/AnUntitledStory''
** Simple
** Regular
** Difficult
** Masterful
** Insanity (same as Masterful but everything kills you in one hit)
* ''VideoGame/AValleyWithoutWind'' has two sets of difficulty levels, one for platforming, and another for combat.
** Combat:
*** Featherweight
*** Apprentice
*** Adept
*** Skilled
*** Hero
*** Master Hero
*** The Chosen One
** Platforming:
*** I Have No Desire to [[VideoGame/IWannaBeTheGuy Be The Guy]]
*** I'm Afraid Of Heights
*** I Can Jump, Thank You
*** I Get Mistaken for [[VideoGame/SuperMarioBros A Certain Plumber]]
*** I Am Not The Guy, but I Am Close
*** I Am Already The Guy

[[folder:Action Games]]
* ''Music/FiftyCent: Bulletproof'':
** Playa - Very Easy
** Hustla - Easy
** Thug - Normal
** Gangsta - Hard
** G Unit Soldier - Very hard.
* ''Alien Rampage'':
** Like To Hide
** Shoot And Run
** Stand And Fight
** Just A Psycho
* ''Alley Cat''
** "Kitten"
** "House Cat"
** "Tomcat"
** "[[TitleDrop Alley Cat]]"
* [[VideoGameAdaptation The flash game adaptation]] of ''WebAnimation/AnimatorVsAnimation'' has four [[ContinuityNod based on the potential names]] given to The Animation in the short film; uniquely, the difficulty level must be ''typed out on a keyboard'' in an Adobe Flash [[https://helpx.adobe.com/animate/using/symbols.html "convert to symbol"]] prompt:
** victim
** killer
** [[BoldInflation BEAST]]
** [[TheComputerIsACheatingBastard The Chosen One]]
* ''VideoGame/{{Crusader}}: No Remorse'':
** "Mama's Boy"
** "Weekend Warrior"
** "Loose Cannon"
** "[[TitleDrop No Remorse]]" (original) / "No Regret" (sequel)
* ''D.O.G./Dune Runner'':
** Hard
** Impossible
** [[HarderThanHard Instant Death]]
* ''VideoGame/TheMatrixPathOfNeo''
** "Novice" - "Easy"
** "Beginner" - "Medium"
** "Master" - "Hard"
** "The One Mode" - "HarderThanHard"
* ''VideoGame/{{Paperboy}}'' was one of the earliest video games to use this trope - your delivery routes are:
** Easy Street
** Middle Road
** Hard Way
* ''VideoGame/SwordOfTheSamurai'' names its difficulty levels after [[EveryJapaneseSwordIsAKatana Japanese swords]] of increasing length.
** Tanto -- "for beginning players"
** Wakizashi -- "for intermediate players"
** Katana -- "for experienced players"
** No-Dachi -- 'for master players"
* ''That Dam Level'':
** Dam Hard
** Dam Harder
** Dam Harderer
** Damnation

[[folder:Action [=RPGs=]]]
* ''[[VideoGame/{{Gothic}} Arcania - Gothic 4]]'':

** Easy

** Gothic
* ''VideoGame/Borderlands2'' and ''VideoGame/BorderlandsThePreSequel'':
** Normal Mode
** True Vault Hunter Mode (NewGamePlus)
** Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode (NewGamePlus +)
* ''VideoGame/CrimsonAlliance'':

** Normal
** Hard
** Immortal
** Ridonkulous!
* ''VideoGame/DeusExHumanRevolution'' and ''VideoGame/DeusExMankindDivided''
** [[StoryDifficultySetting Tell Me A Story/Give Me A Story]]
** Give Me A Challenge
** Give Me Deus Ex
** [[HarderThanHard I Never Asked For This]] (''MD'' only)
* ''VideoGame/DragaliaLost'':
** The regular missions
*** Beginner/Prelude
*** Standard
*** Expert
*** Master
*** Nightmare
*** [[HarderThanHard Omega 1-3]]
** [[AprilFoolsDay Notte's Slumber Shot]]
*** Sweet
*** Sassy
*** [[BulletHell Molassey]]
* ''VideoGame/TheElderScrollsVSkyrim'':
** Novice
** Apprentice
** Adept

** [[HarderThanHard Legendary]]
* ''VideoGame/{{FATE}}'':
** Page
** Adventurer
** Hero

** [[HarderThanHard Hardcore]]
* ''VideoGame/GrimDawn''

** Veteran
** Elite
** Ultimate
* ''VideoGame/JadeEmpire'':
** "Student"
** "Master"
** "Great Master"
** "Jade Master"
* ''Franchise/KingdomHearts'':
** Beginner (first appeared in ''[[VideoGame/KingdomHeartsI I Final Mix]]'', where it was called "Final Mix: Beginner")
** Standard (called "Normal" in ''I'' and "Final Mix" in ''I Final Mix'')
** Proud (called "Expert" in ''I'' and "Final Mix: Proud" in ''I Final Mix'')
** [[HarderThanHard Critical]] (first appeared in ''[[VideoGame/KingdomHeartsII II Final Mix]]'')
* ''VideoGame/LegendOfMana'' gives you the Forbidden Tome after beating the [[FinalBoss Mana Goddess]] for the first time, which lets you increase the game's difficulty.
** "Normal" (first playthrough)
** "Nightmare" (enemies are 20 levels higher than normal)
** "No Future" (all enemies are level 99)
* ''Franchise/MassEffect'':
** In ''VideoGame/MassEffect1'' and ''VideoGame/MassEffect2'':
*** Casual
*** Normal
*** Veteran
*** Hardcore
*** Insanity
** ''VideoGame/MassEffect3'' removes Veteran and adds [[StoryDifficultySetting Narrative]] below Casual. The multiplayer mode offers its own difficulty scale:
*** Bronze
*** Silver
*** Gold
*** Platinum
** The Combat Simulator in the ''Citadel'' DLC has its own difficulty settings. While some additional modifiers can be turned on and off freely, the difficulty of the enemies goes as follows (except for the Mirror Match):
*** Foot Soldiers
*** Elites
*** Super Elites
* ''VideoGame/ResonanceOfFate'' has 10 difficulty levels with each more idiosyncratic than the one before.
** Normal
** Advance

** Professional
** [[ShoutOut Hurt Me Plenty]]
** Ultimate
** Supremacy
** Legendary
** Mythology
** Zenith
* ''VideoGame/StarOcean'' From ''2'' onwards:
** "Earth"
** "Galaxy"
** "Universe"
** "4D"(''Till The End Of Time'') / "Chaos" (''The Last Hope'' onwards)
* ''VideoGame/TitanQuest'':
** Normal
** Epic
** Legendary
* ''VideoGame/TheWitcher3WildHunt'':
** [[StoryDifficultySetting Just The Story!]] (easiest)
** Story and Sword! (normal)
** Blood and Broken Bones (hard)
** Death March (hardest)
* ''VideoGame/TheWorldEndsWithYou'' only has a different ''name'' for its hardest difficulty, but each setting has a little one-liner to go along with it.
** "Easy: Face the Noise"
** "Normal: Erase the Noise"
** "Hard: Hush the Noise"
** "Ultimate: Crush the Noise"

[[folder:Adventure Games]]
* ''VideoGame/CardShark'' has three difficulty modes:
** The Dilletante: [[StoryDifficultySetting "Enjoy the story without losing a drop of perspiration."]]
** The Gambler: "Looking for a challenge, are we?"
** The Con Artist: "Join a high-stakes world where only the elite will thrive. [[[FinalDeathMode Death is permanent in this mode]]]"
* ''VideoGame/TheCurseOfMonkeyIsland'' has Normal and Mega Monkey. The former is the simpler version of the game, while the latter has all of the puzzles and is described on the back cover of the game as having "more puzzley goodness".
** In ''VideoGame/MonkeyIsland2LeChucksRevenge'' you could choose between "Monkey Island 2" ("I want it all! All the puzzles! All the work!") and "Monkey 2 Lite" ("I've never played an adventure game before. I'm scared."). This is also described as being the "optional easy mode for children and magazine reviewers" on the back cover of the game.
* ''Franchise/{{Danganronpa}}'':
** Gentle
** Kind
** Mean
* ''VideoGame/DanganronpaAnotherEpisodeUltraDespairGirls'':
** Genocide Mode: Super Ultra Pumper Genocide Jack Mode. [[StoryDifficultySetting For those who just want to enjoy the story.]] (Battery gauge quickly builds while playing as Komaru, thus the player can use the invincible Genocide Jack almost constantly.)
** Komaru Mode: Working Hard for a Normal Girl Mode (The "normal" difficulty that gives you a good supply of ammo pickups.)
** Despair Mode: [[TitleDrop Ultra Despair]] Mode (Offers none of the perks of the other difficulties.)
* ''VideoGame/ResonanceOfFate'' has 10 difficulty levels with each more idiosyncratic than the one before.
** Normal
** Advance

** Professional
** [[ShoutOut Hurt Me Plenty]]
** Ultimate
** Supremacy
** Legendary
** Mythology
** Zenith
* ''VideoGame/LeatherGoddessesOfPhobos'': Didn't affect game difficulty, just the text descriptions of the action.
** "Tame"
** "Suggestive"
** "Lewd"
* ''Overboard'' for the Playstation 3 had difficulty levels sounding like this:
** "Oohh!"
** "Ooohhh!"
** "OOOHHH!"

[[folder:Beat 'em Up]]
* ''VideoGame/CyborgJustice'':
** [[EasierThanEasy Relaxed]] (stops after Level 3-3)
** Easy (stops after Level 4-3)
** Normal

** [[HarderThanHard Brutal]] (no continues)
* ''VideoGame/DoubleDragon'':
** The NES version of ''VideoGame/DoubleDragonII: The Revenge'' have fancily-named difficulty levels that, [[DifficultyByRegion in the English version]], affected not only the strength of the enemies and the movement of traps, but also the length of the overall game.
*** Practice (which lasts only three stages)
*** Warrior (which has all the stages except the final one)
*** Supreme Master (the only difficulty where the final stage, and the ending, can be seen)
** ''VideoGame/DoubleDragonNeon'' has:
*** Normal
*** Dragon
*** [[TitleDrop Double Dragon]]
* ''VideoGame/ScottPilgrimVsTheWorldTheGame'':
** Average Joe
** Rough & Tough
** [[VideoGame/DoubleDragon Supreme Master]]
* ''VideoGame/ShrekTheThird'': The Charming and Grimm difficulties have to be bought in the gift shop before they can be used, and have unique descriptions, names and pictures:
** [[EasierThanEasy Charming]] - "This bonus setting is Prince Charming's preferred difficulty - everyone is defeated with ease." Represented with a picture of [[SissyVillain Prince Charming]] wearing a goofy propeller hat and costs 15,000 coins.
** Easy

** [[HarderThanHard Grimm]] - "The hardest difficulty ever seen in the kingdom! Expert players are in for a grueling experience [[HardModePerks but receive double the coin rewards]]!" Represented with a picture of Shrek dressed as a GrimReaper and costs 1,500 coins.
* ''VideoGame/StreetsOfRage'':
** [[EasierThanEasy Very Easy]] (2nd game only)
** Easy

** Hard
** Hardest/Very Hard (Not in the Western version of ''3'')
** [[HarderThanHard Mania]] (2nd and 4th game only)
* ''VideoGame/TeenageMutantNinjaTurtlesShreddersRevenge'':
** "Chill" (Easy)
** "Okay" (Normal)
** "Gnarly" (Hard)
* ''VideoGame/ViewtifulJoe'':
** [[EasierThanEasy Sweet]] (UpdatedRerelease and [=PS2=] version only)
** "Kids" (Easy)
** "Adults" (Normal)
** "V-rated" (Hard)
** "Ultra-V-rated" ([[HarderThanHard nigh impossible]])
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Casual Games]]
* ''VideoGame/ClubhouseGames: 51 Worldwide Classics'':

** Hard
** Amazing
** Impossible

[[folder:Fighting Games]]
* ''[[VideoGame/KillerInstinct Killer Instinct (2013)]]'':
** ''[[EasyModeMockery Noob]]''
** ''Easy''
** ''Medium''
** ''Hard''
** ''[[HarderThanHard Killer]]''
** ''Ultimate (Kyle)''
* ''Franchise/MortalKombat'':
** The PC port of ''VideoGame/MortalKombat3'' changed the two extremes of the scale (which was a straight difficulty selector in all other ports): Very Easy becomes "[[EasyModeMockery Wuss]]" and Very Hard is named "[[YouHaveGotToBeKiddingMe Yeah, Right!]]". There is also the system of towers, which only basically changes the number of fights required to clear the game. Vanilla ''[=MK3=]'' has Novice (6 stages + bosses), Warrior (8 stages + bosses) and Master (10 stages + bosses).
** ''Ultimate [=MK3=]'' adds a second Master tower, and changes the formula a bit by adding endurance matches before the bosses, like in the first game:
*** Novice (5 stages + 1 endurance match + bosses)
*** Warrior (6 stages + 1 endurance match + bosses)
*** Master 1 (7 stages + 1 endurance match + bosses)
*** Master 2 (7 stages + 2 endurance matches + bosses)
** ''Mortal Kombat Trilogy'':
*** Novice (5 stages + 1 endurance match + bosses)
*** Warrior (6 stages + 1 endurance match + bosses)
*** Master (7 stages + 1 endurance match + bosses)
*** Champion (7 stages + 1 endurance match + Goro or Kintaro + another endurance match + Shao Kahn)
** ''VideoGame/MortalKombat4'' adds a fifth tower, Beginner, but goes back to naming both its final towers "Master" (with the second one even being called "Master II" in ''Gold''). In addition, the Warrior and both Master towers all have the same length (7 stages before Shinnok, with Goro added in before him on the home ports); Novice has 5 regular stages and Beginner, 6.
** The Klassic Towers in ''VideoGame/MortalKombat11'' return to being classified by their lengths (except for [[EndlessGame Endless and Survivor]]), with difficulty being chosen separately:
*** Novice (5 stages)
*** Warrior (8 stages)
*** Champion (12 stages)
* ''VideoGame/OneMustFall 2097'':
** Standard CPU difficulties are:
*** Punching Bag
*** Rookie
*** Veteran
*** World Class
*** Champion (first of the secret difficulty levels)
*** Deadly
*** Ultimate
** The tournament mode has:
*** Aluminum - The perfect difficulty setting for new players
*** Iron - Think you're ready to fight with the big boys?
*** Steel - To survive, you need ball bearings of steel.
*** Heavy Metal - Prepare to be rocked!
* ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBros'' has the following for such modes as Classic (up until the fourth installment, which uses an Intensity difficulty slider, seen in the ''VideoGame/KidIcarusUprising'' entry), Adventure, and Master Orders. Master Orders uses the ''Brawl'' difficulties.
** [[EasierThanEasy "Very Easy"]] (''Melee'') / "Easy" (''Brawl'')
** "Easy" (''Melee'') / "Normal" (''Brawl'')
** "Normal" (''Melee'') / "Hard" (''Brawl'')
** "Hard" (''Melee'') / "Very Hard" (''Brawl'')
** [[HarderThanHard "Very Hard"]] (''Melee'') / [[HarderThanHard "Intense"]] (''Brawl'')
* ''VideoGame/ThemsFightinHerds'' can get pretty tongue-and-cheek:
** AI difficulty:
*** Sleeptrot - "Easy. Be nice... it's my first time!"
*** Greenhorn - "Medium. Or do you prefer medium rare? Either way let's turn up the heat!"
*** Contendor - "Hard. ThatsGottaHurt!"
*** Champion - "Very Hard. You're entering a world of pain."
*** ?NSP?KBL? - "Insane [[VideoGame/XMen Welcome to die.]]"
** Salt Mines Levels:
*** Level 1: Feelin' Fine
*** Level 2: Almost Anxious
*** Level 3: Slightly Spookified
*** Level 4: Getting Ghostly
*** Level 5: Halfway Haunted
*** Level 6: Quite Quiversome
*** Level 7: Tremendously Terrifying
*** Level 8: Notably Nightmarish
*** Level 9: OHGODMAKEITSTOP
*** Level 10: [[HarderThanHard AAAAAAAAAAAAAA]]
* ''VideoGame/{{Weaponlord}}'':
** Adventurer
** Warrior
** Barbarian
** Warlord

[[folder:First-Person Shooter]]
* ''VideoGame/TheAdventuresOfSquare'':
** "Totally Square"
** "Let's Rocktangle"
** "Ready to Rhombus"
** "Quadrilateral Damage"
** "[[HarderThanHard CUBULAR!]]"
* ''VideoGame/AlienTrilogy'':
** Acid Reign
** Raging Terror
** Xenomania
* ''VideoGame/{{Apocryph}}''
** Comfort Zone
** Handful of Pain
** Heaps of Corpses
** Only Death Can Slow Me Down
** Immortal and Eternal Reaper
* ''VideoGame/AtomicHeart''
** Peaceful Atom - "We are pleased to welcome you on [[StoryDifficultySetting an easy sightseeing tour]] of Facility 3826, comrade! Spectacular and dynamic battles with robots won't take too much effort or distract you from the narrative. Of course, you'll still have to fight, but only the plot will keep you on your toes." Demonstrated with an animation of a young boy watching TV, using a robot as a footstool.
** Local Malfunction - "Do you like to overcome difficulties? That's admirable! We'll leave you to it. This is no walk in the park. Some combat situations may seem difficult, and objectives will require know-how. But you can always be inspired by a sense of your own superiority after completing each stage. Just try to stay more alive than dead!" Demonstrated with an animation of the boy walking along a path as robots frolic to the sides.
** Armageddon - "Do you have a vivid imagination and dark thoughts? What can you do? That's just how it is. Buckle up: a real nightmare is in store, where you'll need experience, reaction speed, and the skills to properly manage your resources to survive. Save your bullets and always keep one in reserve... for yourself." Demonstrated by an animation of the young boy wrestling with a robot.
* ''VideoGame/BioShock''
** Easy
** Medium

** [[VideoGame/Bioshock1 Survivor]]/[[VideoGame/BioshockInfinite 1999]]
* ''VideoGame/{{Blood}}'':
** Still Kicking
** Pink on the Inside
** Lightly Broiled
** Well Done
** Extra Crispy
* ''Blood 2''
** Genocide
** Homicide
** Suicide
* ''VideoGame/BrothersInArms: Hell's Highway'':
** "Casual"
** "Veteran"
** "[[HarderThanHard Authentic]]"
* The ''VideoGame/CallOfDuty'' series often uses:
** Recruit[[labelnote:*]]"Greenhorn" in [[VideoGame/CallOfDuty1 the first game]] and ''United Offensive'', "Easy" in ''VideoGame/CallOfDuty2'' and ''3''[[/labelnote]] - "You will crush the enemy without effort." / "For players new to first person action games."
** Regular - "Your abilities in combat will be tested."
** Hardened - "Your skills will be strained."
** Veteran - "You will not survive."
** [[VideoGame/CallOfDutyBlackOpsIII Realistic]] - "Brutally difficult and entirely unforgiving."
** [[VideoGame/CallOfDutyInfiniteWarfare Specialist]] - "Manage your health and inventory in order to survive. Only Elite Specialists accept this challenge."
** [[VideoGame/CallOfDutyInfiniteWarfare #YOLO]] - "No checkpoints, no room for error, no mercy."
* ''VideoGame/ChopGoblins'':
** Sightseeing: [[EnvironmentalNarrativeGame Explore the levels with no enemies or UI.]]
** Imp: You're new to PC shooters or just want a chill experience.
** Fiend: The intended balance for a first playthrough.
** Goblin: [[VideoGame/IronLung You've played this game before.]]
* ''VideoGame/CommandAndConquerRenegade''
** "Recruit"
** "Soldier"
** "Commando"
* ''VideoGame/TheConduit'', in keeping with its conspiracy/terror theme, uses the five levels of the Homeland Security Advisory System:
** Low
** Guarded
** Elevated
** High
** Severe
* ''Corridor 7: Alien Invasion'':
** Corporal

** Major
* ''VideoGame/{{Crysis}}'' has "Delta Force" difficulty, with an Easter Egg file name of [[Series/TwentyFour Bauer]] for its most realistic, HarderThanHard setting.
** ''VideoGame/{{Crysis 2}}'' featured "Private", "Seargant", "Delta" and "Posthuman Warrior".
* ''Crysis Remastered'' also extends this to its graphical setting presets.
** Low
** Medium
** High
** Very High
** [[AscendedMeme Can it run Crysis?]][[note]]As of February 2021: no, it can't. Not even a 32-core AMD Ryzen Threadripper with a Geforce RTX 3090 can squeeze 30 FPS at 4K out of Crysis Remastered on that setting.[[/note]]
* ''VideoGame/DamageIncorporated'' names its difficulties for military conflicts the US participated in during the 20th century, with higher difficulties corresponding to longer conflicts:
** Grenada
** Desert Storm
** Korea
** World War II
** Vietnam
* ''VideoGame/DarkestOfDays'': After the standard Easy and Normal is a difficulty labeled "[[TestosteronePoisoning With Chest Hair]]".
* ''VideoGame/{{Descent}}'' is pseudo-military:
** "Trainee" (EasierThanEasy)
** "Rookie"
** "Hotshot"
** "Ace"
** "Insane" (HarderThanHard)
* ''Franchise/{{Doom}}'':
** ''VideoGame/{{Doom}}'', ''VideoGame/DoomII'' and ''VideoGame/FinalDoom'': Early alpha builds of Doom called the easiest skill level "I Just Want to Kill" and the menu graphic filename M_JKILL was retained for skill 1 in the final version. The manual also had brief descriptions of what to expect.
*** "[[EasyModeMockery I'm Too Young To Die]]": "An easy romp through the playground. Not many monsters here. This is good when you're learning the controls." The player takes halved damage and gets doubled ammo from every pickup, and monster spawns are at the lowest.
*** "Hey, Not Too Rough": "This is good when you know how it works, but you still panic too much. Panic is a bad thing when you're surrounded by evil." Same spawns as ITYTD, but damage and ammo pickups are normalized.
*** "Hurt Me Plenty": "The demons are out in force and they'll take great pleasure in hurting you as much as you let them." More monsters are placed in the maps.
*** "[[Literature/AClockworkOrange Ultra-Violence]]": "So you think you're tough? Prove it!" Monsters are at their most numerous, including some monsters being replaced by higher-tier ones.
*** The 2019 Unity ports added "Ultra-Violence+". Enemies move and attack faster, and extra enemies and pickups which normally only spawn when playing in co-op show up.
*** v1.2 added "[[HarderThanHard Nightmare!]]": "This is for those times where killing a guy once just isn't enough. If you're lucky, you'll wake up..." In addition to the highest concentration of monsters from UV, they move and attack faster and [[RespawningEnemies respawn after a random period]]; in return, though, you get doubled ammo with every pickup like in ITYTD. Picking it brings up a second prompt asking "Are you sure? This skill level isn't even remotely fair."
** ''VideoGame/Doom2016'' and ''VideoGame/DoomEternal'' have these same difficulty levels, with the exception of "Hey, Not Too Rough". This is replaced with '''[[NamesToRunAwayFromReallyFast Ultra-Nightmare]]''', which is Nightmare but turned into a FinalDeathMode.
** ''VideoGame/Doom3''
*** Recruit ("Easy--[[EasyModeMockery Try not to shoot yourself in the foot]]")
*** Marine ("Normal--You can hit a moving target...usually")
*** Veteran ("Hard--Shoot first, ask questions later")
*** [[HarderThanHard Nightmare]] ("Nightmare--An unstoppable death machine")
** ''VideoGame/Doom64''
*** "Be Gentle!" Like in the other classic ''Doom'' games, the player receives doubled ammo from pickups on this difficulty.
*** "Bring it on!"
*** "I Own Doom!"
*** "Watch Me Die!"
** ''VideoGame/ChexQuest'' had their ''Doom'' versions renamed to fit the game.
*** "[[{{EasierThanEasy}} Easy Does It]]"
*** "Not So Sticky"
*** "Gobs Of Goo"
*** "Extreme Ooze"
*** "[[{{HarderThanHard}} Super Slimey!]]"
** The ''Samsara'' mod, which allows you to play as characters from other first-person shooters, gives each character their original game's difficulty levels, such as "[[VideoGame/Wolfenstein3D Can I Play, Daddy?]]" or "[[VideoGame/{{Marathon}} Kindergarten]]".
** The ''{{VideoGame/Demonsteele}}'' mod has some extremely metal ([[ThemeNaming literally]]) difficulty level names, one set each for its two player characters (respectively Jung Hae Lin and Sun Shihong):
*** [[Music/{{Testament}} Return to Serenity]]/Resurrection ("You have ten life tokens. Pray for long life.")
*** [[Music/BlackSabbath Never Say Die]]/Come and Get It ("You have eight life tokens. Pray for good health.")
*** [[Music/{{Megadeth}} Take No Prisoners]]/Into the Battle ("You have six life tokens. Pray for vast courage.")
*** [[Music/OzzyOsbourne Facing Hell]]/Seek & Destroy ("You have four life tokens. Pray for iron will.")
*** [[Music/JudasPriest Killing Machine]]/All Guns Blazing ("You have two life tokens. Pray for a quick death.")
*** [[Music/{{Slayer}} Angel of Death]]/Armageddon Machine ("[[OneHitPointWonder Your prayers are in vain.]]")
*** [[spoiler:A blank space]] ("Abandon all hope, ye who enter here.")
** ''VideoGame/Grezzo2'': This blasphemous GameMod of ''Doom'' has, as idiosyncratic difficulty levels, random insults in Italian:
*** "Se'n tonto" ("You're dumb")
*** "Se'n toro" ("You're bull")
*** "Manga la merda" ("Eat shit")
*** "Maglial' che casino" ("What a piggy-fucking mess")
*** "Tu se'l più tonto" ("You're the dumbest")
** ''[[VideoGame/TheAdventuresOfMassmouth MassMouth 2]]'':
*** [[VideoGame/BlazingStar You fail it]]
*** I have my dignity
*** [[Film/CrocodileDundee This is a knife]]
*** Don't mess with me
*** I'll eat your brain
** ''[[http://it-he.org/doom.htm#coeurl VSB-doom]]'', a GameMod for ''Doom'' which allows you to play as the cat-like alien [[Literature/TheVoyageOfTheSpaceBeagle Coeurl]]. Note the inversion from the usual fare--rather than go "from wuss to badass", the levels go "from strong to weak".
*** Cougar
*** Tomcat
*** Pussycat
*** Kitten
*** Mouse
** ''[[http://it-he.org/doom.htm#blessed The Blessed Engine]]'', a GameMod for ''Doom'' that turns it NintendoHard.
*** Ultra-Violence
*** Nightmare!
*** Certain Death.
*** No Chance
*** !
** ''Zombies TC'', a GameMod for ''Doom'', based on ''Film/NightOfTheLivingDead1968'':
*** Reporter
*** Cop
*** Coroner
*** Undead
*** Nightmare!
* ''VideoGame/DukeNukem3D'' and ''VideoGame/DukeNukemForever'':
** "Piece of Cake"
** "Let's Rock"
** "Come Get Some"
** "Damn, I'm Good" (Same as Come Get Some, but enemies respawn on this level unless their bodies/corpses are destroyed completely.)
* ''VideoGame/DukeNukem: Time to Kill''
** "Wussy"
** "Get Some"
** "Let's Go"
** "Death Wish"
* ''VideoGame/{{Dusk}}'' [[note]]as of the latest version, you can also choose whether or not to play every level from a sickles-only start, called "Intruder Mode"; also, there is a question mark beside each difficulty level you can click on to see what to expect)[[/note]]:
** Accessible[[labelnote:?]]Intended for players of any skill level.[[/labelnote]]
** Go Easy[[labelnote:?]]Easy difficulty. Slow enemies and projectiles with minimal damage.[[/labelnote]]
** I Can Make It[[labelnote:?]]Medium difficulty. Recommended for a first playthrough.[[/labelnote]]
** Cero Miedo[[labelnote:?]]Hard difficulty. Enemies are fast and deadly and armor is less effective. Recommended for twitch shooter veterans.[[/labelnote]] ([[GratuitousSpanish Spanish for "zero fear"]])
** Duskmare[[labelnote:?]]For masochists only. Enemies are ruthless and their attacks kill in one hit.[[/labelnote]] (Makes you a OneHitPointWonder)
* ''Franchise/FarCry'':
** ''VideoGame/FarCry1'' tells you what to expect for each difficulty level:
*** Easy: A peaceful tropical island stroll. Enjoy your vacation.
*** Medium: You will be challenged, but adventure requires a little danger, right?
*** Challenging: Your enemies are smarter, more accurate, and really pissed off. Good luck. You'll need it.
*** Veteran: Serious jungle madness. We hope you have a high tolerance for pain.
*** Realistic: You must be amazingly skilled or incredibly foolish. Forget paradise - this is hell.
** ''VideoGame/FarCry2'', after the standard Easy and Normal difficulties:
*** Hardcore
*** Infamous
** ''VideoGame/FarCry3'' once again tells you what to expect with its difficulties:
*** Adventurer: An easier experience for those who are new to first person shooters.
*** Survivor: A first person shooter experience for seasoned gamers.
*** Warrior: A challenge that will require you to master all of your abilities.
*** Master: [[CallBack Worse than malaria.]]
** ''VideoGame/FarCry4'' and ''[[VideoGame/FarCry5 5]]'' go for standard difficulty level names, though an update for ''5'' featured the return of ''2''[='=]s HarderThanHard "Infamous" difficulty.
** ''VideoGame/FarCry6'' only has two, listed in the opposite order from usual:
*** Action Mode: This is the classic Far Cry experience, recommended for most players. Enemies hit harder and health takes longer to recover. You will need strategy and creativity to survive.
*** [[StoryDifficultySetting Story Mode]]: This is the Far Cry experience for players who focus on story and exploration. Engaging for any skill level. Take less damage and recover faster, so you can enjoy the action with less risk of death.
* ''VideoGame/FashionPoliceSquad'':
** I'm too young to dye
** Fashion is my passion
** You reap what you sew
** Make sure it's haute couture
* ''VideoGame/GoldenEye1997'' and ''VideoGame/GoldenEye2010''
** "Agent" (1997) / "Operative" (2010) (Easy)
** "Secret Agent" (1997) / Agent" (2010) (Normal)
** "00 Agent" (1997) / "007" (2010) (Hard)
** "007" (customizable difficulty level) (1997)
** "007 Classic" (no RegeneratingHealth and {{body armor|AsHitPoints}} pickups added to mimic the original gameplay) (2010)
* ''Franchise/{{Halo}}'': The descriptions are different across a few games, though ''The Master Chief Collection'' settled on reusing those from ''[[VideoGame/HaloCombatEvolved Combat Evolved]]'' and ''VideoGame/Halo2'', which CallBack to those from the ''VideoGame/{{Myth}}'' series:
** "Easy" - Your foes cower and fall before your unstoppable onslaught, [[EasyModeMockery yet final victory will leave you wanting more]].
** "Normal" - Hordes of aliens vie to destroy you, but nerves of steel and a quick trigger finger give you a solid chance to prevail.
** "Heroic" - Your enemies are as numerous as they are ferocious; their attacks are devastating. Survival is not guaranteed.
** "Legendary" - You face opponents who have never known defeat, who laugh in alien tongues at your efforts to survive. This is suicide.
** "Mythic" or "LASO" ("Legendary All Skulls On") is a fan-made difficulty which requires turning on all of the various skulls that increase the difficulty of the game in addition to the normal hardships of Legendary difficulty:
### [[CheckpointStarvation Level restarts on player death]]
### Player shields only regenerate upon hitting enemies with melee
### Enemies evade and throw grenades more often
### No motion tracker
### Reduced ammo
### Enemy resistances increased
### Double enemy health
### Every enemy is a KingMook
### Player [[FirstPersonGhost cannot see what weapon they are holding]]
### Player has no reticle
* ''[[VideoGame/HaloInfinite Halo Infinite: Multiplayer]]'' adds the ability to play against bots. These bots have difficulty levels which reference the hierarchy of UNSC forces:
** Recruit
** Marine
** ODST
** Spartan
* ''VideoGame/{{Heretic}}'' had YeOldeButcheredeEnglishe titles that are references to the ''VideoGame/Wolfenstein3D'' and ''Doom'' level names:
** "[[EasierThanEasy Thou needeth a wet-nurse]]"
** "[[EasyModeMockery Yellow-bellies R us]]"
** "Bringeth them oneth"
** "Thou Art A Smite-Meister"
** "[[HarderThanHard The black plague possess thee]]"
** The sequels to Heretic, ''VideoGame/{{Hexen}}'' and ''Hexen 2'', had difficulties named after the player's chosen class, depending upon whether the player was a Fighter, Cleric or Mage.
*** '''Fighter''': "Squire", "Knight", "Warrior", "Berserker", "Titan".
*** '''Cleric''': "Altar Boy", "Acolyte", "Priest", "Cardinal", "Pope".
*** '''Mage''': "Apprentice", "Enchanter", "Sorcerer", "Warlock", "Archmage".
** ''Hexen 2'' had four character types: Paladin, Crusader, Necromancer, and Assassin, with the ''Portal of Praevus'' expansion adding the Demoness as the fifth type.
*** '''Paladin''': "Apprentice", "Squire", "Adept", "Lord".
*** '''Crusader''': "Gallant", "Holy Avenger", "Divine Hero", "Legend".
*** '''Necromancer''': "Sorcerer", "Dark Servant", "Warlock", "Lich King".
*** '''Assassin''': "Rogue", "Cutthroat", "Executioner", "Widow Maker".
*** '''Demoness''': "Larva", "Spawn", "Fiend", "She Bitch".
* ''VideoGame/IonFury'': Each level comes with a progressively bloodier picture of Shelly's face and a description.
** First Blood (Easy difficulty. Great for new players or those who just want to have fun.)
** Wanton Carnage (Normal difficulty. The intended experience for the average player.)
** Ultra Viscera (Hard difficulty. A highly challenging mode for veterans.)
** Maximum Fury (Hardcore mode. You die a lot [[RageQuit and then uninstall the game]]. Not for first timers...)
* ''VideoGame/KensLabyrinth'' has just two difficulty modes, "Don't touch me" (easy) and "OUCH!" (hard). The difference between the two modes, and what makes the names make sense, is that on easy mode, enemies generally don't use melee attacks (you can still run into them and take CollisionDamage), while on hard mode, they will actively ram into you.
* ''VideoGame/KillingFloor'':
** Beginner (''[=KF1=]'' only)

** Suicidal
** Hell on Earth
* ''VideoGame/{{Marathon}}'':
** "Kindergarten"
** "Easy"

** "Major Damage"
** "Total Carnage"
** "[[SelfImposedChallenge Vidmaster]]" (unofficial)
-->'''[[http://marathon.bungie.org/vidmaster/vidrules.html The Oath of the Vidmaster]]''', from the ''Marathon Trilogy'' [[AllThereInTheManual manual]]: "I pledge to punch all switches, to [[GrenadeSpam never shoot where I could use grenades]], to admit the existence of no level except [[HarderThanHard Total Carnage]], to never use Caps Lock as my "run" key, and to never, ever, leave a single Bob alive."
* ''VideoGame/MedalOfHonorVanguard'':
** "Recruit"
** "Veteran"
** "Elite"
* ''VideoGame/MetalHellsinger'':
** "Lamb"
** "Goat"
** "Beast"
** "Archdevil"
* ''VideoGame/NervesOfSteel'':
** Green Recruit
** Trained Soldier
** Seasoned Veteran
** Killing Machine
* ''VideoGame/Nitemare3D'':
** "Be gentle!"
** "I'm tough!"
** "Let's party!"
* ''VideoGame/OrionPrelude'':
** Noob

** Medium

** Insane
** Redikulous
** Prehistoric - a highly customizable mode, where you can set your enemies' health and attack, change how many enemies you get, and change how many credits you are given or get over time.
* Fitting the SpaghettiWestern theme, ''VideoGame/{{Outlaws}}'' goes [[Film/TheGoodTheBadAndTheUgly "Good", "Bad" and "Ugly."]]
* ''VideoGame/{{Painkiller}}'':
** "Daydream"
** "Insomnia"
** "Nightmare"
** "Trauma"
* ''PAYDAY'':
** ''VideoGame/PAYDAYTheHeist''
*** Easy
*** Normal
*** Hard
*** Overkill
*** Overkill 145+ (reserved for players whose rep level is 145 or higher)
** ''VideoGame/PAYDAY2''[[note]]The original release had only four difficulty modes--Normal, Hard, Very Hard, and Overkill[[/note]]
*** Normal
*** Hard
*** Very Hard
*** Overkill
*** Mayhem
*** Death Wish
*** Death Sentence (Formerly known as One Down before One Down became a modifier and the top difficulty was changed to allow players to go down more than once)
* ''VideoGame/PerfectDark'': Bots in multiplayer mode also have various difficulty levels, ranging from Meatsims that almost always miss to Darksims that almost always hit, spawn near weapon spawn points, and [[OffscreenTeleportation can teleport when the player isn't looking]]. ''Zero'' adds "Dark Agent", and also gives each difficulty a short description:.
** "Agent" - For novices and new recruits.
** "Special Agent" (original) / "Secret Agent" (''Zero'') - Standard setting for moderately experienced agents.
** "Perfect Agent" - Expert setting for highly qualified agents.
** "Perfect Dark" (customizable like ''[=GoldenEye=]'''s 007 mode, original only) / "Dark Agent" (no RegeneratingHealth, [[CheckPointStarvation no checkpoints]] (except for the tutorial level) and no body armor pickups, ''Zero'' only) - [[HarderThanHard You're on your own now.]]
* ''VideoGame/PoEd'', an FPS for the [[UsefulNotes/ThreeDOInteractiveMultiplayer 3DO]] (US version only):
** I like to watch (Easy)
** I'm over 30, I have arthritis in my fingers (Medium)
** I don't eat quiche (Hard)
* ''VideoGame/Postal2'' took this to a ridiculous level. The officially-recognized "A Week in Paradise" mod takes this even further by adding the bottom two.
** "Liebermode" (guns are replaced with shovels)
** "Hestonworld" (everyone has guns, including civilians)
** "Insane-o" (everyone has random weapons)
** "[[FightMagnet They Hate Me]]" (everyone with a weapon attacks the player)
** "Nightmare" (everyone has guns ''and'' attacks the player)
** "[[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin Really Fucking Hard]]" (same as Nightmare but with extra weapons from Insane-o—includes [[ThisIsGonnaSuck even more grenade types and high explosives]], up to ''miniature nukes'')
* ''VideoGame/{{Quake}}'':
** ''VideoGame/QuakeI'' had more standard names than ''Doom'', but differentiated them by having a HubLevel where you picked a path to physically select a difficulty. Also like with ''Doom'', the manual gave short descriptions for them.
*** Easy (leftmost path): "This is meant for little kids and grandmas."
*** Medium (middle path): "Most people should start Quake at Medium skill."
*** Hard (rightmost path): "Here at Creator/{{id|Software}}, we play Hard skill, and we think you should too, once you're ready."
*** [[HarderThanHard Nightmare]] (take any portal, head for the Episode 4 start point, drop on the wooden beams and follow them to find a hidden lava portal): "This is so bad that the entry is hidden, so people won't wander in by accident. If you find it, [[ThisIsGonnaSuck don't say we didn't warn you]]."
** ''VideoGame/QuakeIIIArena''
*** I Can Win
*** Bring It On
*** Hurt Me Plenty
*** Hardcore
*** Nightmare[[note]]Each level colors part of logo to red with first having none colored, and 5th having special "logo". 5th also plays SFX.[[/note]]
** ''VideoGame/QuakeIV'' was built on the engine powering ''VideoGame/Doom3'' and uses a similar 4-tier difficulty menu, only it uses military ranks.
*** "Private" - [[EasyModeMockery Try not to shoot yourself in the foot]]
*** "Corporal" - You can hit a moving target...usually
*** "Lieutenant" - Shoot first, ask questions later
*** "General" - [[RankScalesWithAsskicking An unstoppable death machine]]
* ''VideoGame/QuantumOfSolace'': Difficulty level also carries over to achievements for completing the game.
** "New Recruit", which unlocks "Film/{{Octopussy}}"
** "Field Operative", which unlocks "Film/TomorrowNeverDies"
** "Agent", which unlocks "Film/YouOnlyLiveTwice"
** "007", which unlocks "TheNameIsBondJamesBond"
* ''VideoGame/RiseOfTheTriad'' has three lists of names for its four difficulties (with a picture to go with each name).
** First set:
*** "I am a Chew Toy."
*** "Will of Iron, Knees of Jell-O (TM)."
*** "I'm in my Element: Lead."
*** "Two Words: Reaper Man."
** Second set:
*** "The Enemy Will Devour Me."
*** "Which Part is the Trigger?"
*** "I Have Pet Names For My Grenades."
*** "No One Shall Live."
** Third set:
*** "Dig My Grave. Now."
*** "I Think I Left the Stove On."
*** "I'm a Freight Train O' Death."
*** "They Call Me 'The Cleaner.'"
** Regardless of which list shows up, they're alternatively called "Easy", "Medium", "Hard", and "Crezzy Man" by the game.
* ''VideoGame/SeriousSam'':
** "Tourist"
** "Easy"
** "Medium"
** "Hard"
** "Serious"
** "Mental"
* ''VideoGame/SeveredSteel'':
** Cold Steel
** Tempered Steel
** [[TitleDrop Severed Steel]]
** Sharpened Steel
** [[HarderThanHard Molten Steel]]
* ''VideoGame/ShadowWarrior1997''
** "Tiny Grasshopper"
** "I Have No Fear"
** "Who Wants Wang"
** "No Pain No Gain"
* ''Videogame/ShawsNightmare''
** This Dream Is Easy
** Not So Scary
** Dews of God
** Ultra-Frightening
** SUPER NIGHTMARE!
* ''VideoGame/{{SiN}}'':
** "Rookie"
** "Officer"
** "Hardcorps" (described in the manual as "not for the slow of mouse, weak of heart, or anyone else afraid of dying")
* ''Soldier Boyz''
** Chump
** Punk
** Badass
* ''VideoGame/SoldierOfFortune II''
** Amateur: easy
** Gun for Hire: medium
** Consultant: hard
** Soldier of Fortune: nearly impossible
* ''VideoGame/TeamFortress2'' has the following difficulties for Mann vs. Machine missions:
** "Normal": As long as your team has some idea of what they're doing, they'll be fine. The robots are manageable and special varieties aren't bad.
** "Intermediate": A little trickier. Your strategy and teamwork will need to be better to deal with some of the tougher varieties.
** "Advanced": Good teamwork and communication are even more important. Robots become even nastier, and giant robots become much more common. You'll need to know what and when to upgrade.
** [[NintendoHard "Expert"]]: You'll need the best teamwork, communication, items, strategy, and money management to stand a chance. Robots come in especially nasty varieties and often have permanent critical hits. Just about every wave has giant robots.
** "Nightmare" (only for [[BrutalBonusLevel Calignous Caper]]): Pain. Endless pain.
* ''VideoGame/{{ULTRAKILL}}'' has six difficulties split across three categories:
** Accessible:
*** Harmless
*** Lenient
** Hard:
*** Standard
*** Violent
** Very Hard:
*** Brutal
*** [[VideoGame/DevilMayCry ULTRAKILL Must Die]]
* ''VideoGame/{{Unloved}}'':
** Sliver of Mercy: "For the weak and inexperienced." Enemies spawn at a low rate and have low health and damage, while the player gets 50% more from any armor, ammo and health pickups they collect, though Karma and [[ExperiencePoints Q]] are also lessened and the player can only acquire Rank 1 trinkets.
** No Hope: "If you can't fight them all, [[CoOpMultiplayer better bring someone along]]." Enemies' health and damage moderately increases, as do spawn rates, including for higher-tier enemies like the Faceless. Armor, ammo and health still grant 50% more, while Karma and Q is granted at a slightly higher rate, and you can find Rank 2 trinkets at a rare rate.
** Kill Em All: "You feel a constant, sharp pain and you want to inflict it on others." Enemies' health and damage increase noticeably further, and along with higher spawn rates you now have a chance of facing [[EliteMooks stronger "Rotten" versions]] of all enemies. Ammo, armor and health pickups are worth their normal amount now, but in return there's a moderate boost to Karma and Q earnings, as well as the rate at which you can find Rank 2 trinkets.
** Time To Die: "Let go of the fear of death." The health and damage of enemies, as well as their spawn rates and the chance of seeing Rotten versions, all gain a very large increase, but in return so do your earnings of Karma, Q, and Rank 2 trinkets.
** Beast Mode: "Pure insanity." An "endgame" difficulty, which boosts all of the above even further, including the possibility of finding Rotten enemies among hordes of other normal ones, but along with the player now having a chance of finding Demon Chests, whether pre-placed on the map or from collecting all three Card Pieces in one map, that will always grant a Rank 3 trinket or a ring.
** Unearthly: "[[Manga/FistOfTheNorthStar You are already dead]]." Even ''further'' boosts, to the point enemies may start spawning in faster than an unprepared player can kill them, especially now that all enemies can use the Witch's summoning ability to bring in even more enemies. In return, Karma and Q earnings get a similar boost, and there is now a chance to find up to two randomly-placed Demon Chests on every map.
** Abyss: "The Abyss stares into you." [[HarderThanHard The greatest challenge the game can offer]] - the game won't even let you pick this one until you're at or above level 150 - further increasing enemy health, damage and spawn rates, including the introduction of Abyss Wanderers that will give even further boosts to health and other new abilities to nearby enemies. Karma and Q rewards are even higher, and now, if you manage to actually kill all three Abyss Wanderers in a map, the last one will drop an Abyss Chest that contains a Rank 4 trinket.
* ''VideoGame/{{Unreal}}'':
** The first ''VideoGame/UnrealI'' had four difficulties, which had a short tooltip describing them:
*** Easy: [[EasyModeMockery Tourist Mode.]]
*** Normal: Ready for some action!
*** Hard: Not for the faint of heart.
*** [[HarderThanHard Unreal]]: Death Wish.
** ''VideoGame/UnrealTournament'' had bot skill levels with idiosyncratic names (which were reused for ''[[VideoGame/UnrealTournament2003 UT2003]]'', ''[[VideoGame/UnrealTournament2004 UT2004]]'', ''[[VideoGame/UnrealChampionship Championship]]'' and ''[[VideoGame/UnrealChampionship2TheLiandriConflict Championship 2]]'') and snarky descriptions of what each difficulty entails.
*** Novice (They won't hurt you... much)
*** Average (They know how to kill)
*** Experienced (Don't get cocky)
*** Skilled (You think you're tough?)
*** Adept (You'd better be good)
*** Masterful (I hope you like to respawn)
*** Inhuman ([[Manga/FistOfTheNorthStar You are already dead]])
*** Godlike (I am the Alpha and the Omega)
** ''VideoGame/UnrealTournament3'' uses a different set, with longer descriptions for them.
*** Casual: Don't feel bad playing on casual. At least you might live long enough to make a difference.
*** Normal: So, you feel average today. That's fine. Get some practice, then try something more difficult.
*** Hard: That's more like it. Now get in there and do some damage!
*** Insane: ARE YOU INSANE? GIVE UP NOW!
* ''VideoGame/{{Viscerafest}}'' has a few lists of names for its five difficulties that are picked each time a new game menu is accessed. The set below happens to be themed after ''relationship statuses''.
** Just Friends: Medium: For the mediocre individual who does not enjoy dying.
** Highschool Cruish: Hard: For those familiar with singleplayer arena shooters.
** Dating Hard: Brutal: For the shooter veterans who want a challenge.
** Getting Engaged: Extreme: For the [=FPS=] elite and those who can not swallow their pride and pick something easier.
** Just Married: Nighmare: For those who indulge in masochism.
* ''VideoGame/VivisectorBeastWithin'':
** Inspection
** Therapy
** Surgery
** Vivisection
* ''VideoGame/TheWheelOfTime'' has standard difficulty names, but each have a tooltip comparing said difficulty to a specific character.
** Easy: [[EasyModeMockery Wit Congar]]
** Normal: [[BadassNormal al'Lan Mandragoran]]
** Hard: [[TheDreaded Lews Therin Telamon]]
* ''VideoGame/{{Wolfenstein}}'':
** ''VideoGame/Wolfenstein3D'': With accompanying mugshots of the hero B.J. Blazkowicz.
*** "Can I play, Daddy?" - [[EasyModeMockery B.J. is wearing a baby bonnet and pacifier.]]
*** "Don't hurt me." - B.J. has a ThisIsGonnaSuck look on his face.
*** "Bring 'em on!" - B.J. has a neutral expression.
*** "I am Death incarnate!" - B.J. is sporting a menacing SlasherSmile, a KubrickStare, and [[RedEyesTakeWarning glowing red eyes]].
** ''VideoGame/Wolfenstein2009'' had a double instance, using the old difficulty levels but with a "normal" name for them in parenthesis:
*** Can I Play, Daddy? (Easy)
*** Don't Hurt Me (Normal)
*** Bring 'Em On (Hard)
*** I Am Death Incarnate! ([[HarderThanHard Über]])
** ''VideoGame/WolfensteinTheNewOrder''/''VideoGame/WolfensteinTheOldBlood'': Updated version of the classic formula, this time with added descriptions.
*** [[EasierThanEasy "Can I play, Daddy?"]]: Very easy difficulty setting [[EasyModeMockery for the spineless gamer. - B.J. is wearing a baby bonnet and pacifier.]]
*** "Don't hurt me.": Easy difficulty setting for the casual gamer. - B.J. has a ThisIsGonnaSuck look on his face.
*** "Bring 'em on!": Normal difficulty setting for the average gamer. - B.J. has a neutral expression.
*** "I am Death incarnate!": Hard difficulty setting for the experienced gamer. - B.J. has a DeathGlare[=/=]KubrickStare.
*** [[HarderThanHard "Über"]]: Very hard difficulty setting for the heroic gamer. - B.J. is sporting a menacing SlasherSmile, and is covered in blood splatter.
*** [[FinalDeathMode "Mein Leben!": Only one life - game over if you die.]] (''The Old Blood'' only) - B.J. is reduced to a blood-splattered skeleton.
** ''VideoGame/WolfensteinIITheNewColossus'', for the most part, retains the difficulties and descriptions from ''The Old Blood'', with updated mugshots of B.J.:
*** [[EasierThanEasy "Can I play, Daddy?"]]: Very easy difficulty setting for the spineless gamer. - B.J. is still wearing a baby bonnet and pacifier.
*** "Don't hurt me.": Easy difficulty setting for the novice gamer. - B.J. has a ThisIsGonnaSuck look on his face.
*** "Bring 'em on!": Normal difficulty setting for the average gamer. - B.J. has a neutral expression.
*** "Do or die!": Hard difficulty setting for the experienced gamer. - B.J. has a cocky smirk.
*** [[HarderThanHard "Call me Terror-Billy!"]]: Very hard difficulty setting for the heroic gamer. - B.J. is grinning and covered in blood splatter.
*** "I am death incarnate!": Ultra hard difficulty setting for the fearless gamer. - B.J. is sporting a menacing SlasherSmile, a KubrickStare, and is covered in blood splatter.
*** [[FinalDeathMode "Mein leben": One life only - game over if you die.]] (unlocked once beaten on "I am death incarnate!) - B.J. is reduced to a blood-splattered skeleton.

[[folder:Hack and Slash]]
* ''Anime/AfroSamurai'' has two difficulties, with the second unlocked after a complete playthrough.
** "Number Two Headband"
** "Number One Headband"
* ''VideoGame/BerserkAndTheBandOfTheHawk''
** Easy
** Normal
** Hard
** Berserk
* ''VideoGame/CrescentPaleMist'':
** "Pumpkin Knight ([[EasyModeMockery Easy]])"
** "Magic Knight (Normal)"
** "Sacred Knight (Hard)"
** "Terror Knight ([[HarderThanHard Fear]])"
** "Knight of Nightmare ([[NintendoHard Planeriel]])"
* ''VideoGame/DarksidersII''
** "Easy"
** "Normal"
** "Apocalyptic"
* ''VideoGame/{{Deadpool}}'':
** Genetically Superior (easy)
** Veteran (normal)
** Ultra-Violence (hard)
* ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry''
** Main Continuity:
*** "Easy Automatic/Human" - Easy. ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry2'' is notable for not having this difficulty level.
*** "Devil Hunter" - Normal.
*** "Son of Sparda" - Hard.
*** "Very Hard" - Unique to the [[UpdatedRerelease Special Edition]] of ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry3DantesAwakening'', added by Creator/{{Capcom}} in order to make the difficulty modes consistent across regions. [[note]]The initial Western release took the Japanese version's Hard mode and labeled it as the Western version's Normal mode, thus all difficulty modes in the latter were downplayed in-name-only by one rank.[[/note]]
*** "Must Die" - Prefixed by the playable character's name (though later games have this labeled only as "Dante Must Die"), this difficulty is notable for giving enemies their own [[SuperMode Devil Trigger]] state.
*** "[[RocketTagGameplay Heaven or Hell]]" - Everyone, including you, dies in one hit.
*** "[[OneHitPointWonder Hell and Hell]]" - ''Only you'' die in one hit.
*** "Legendary Dark Knight" - Available only to the Special Editions of ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry4'' and ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry5'' (and the original PC port of ''[=DMC4=]''). It takes the "Son of Sparda" mode but fills the areas with loads of extra enemies.
** Unique to ''VideoGame/DMCDevilMayCry'':
*** "Nephilim" - Hard. Enemies have more health and deal more damage. Because this mode is only present in ''[=DmC=]'', this game's version of the "Son of Sparda" mode is equivalent to a Very Hard difficulty instead.
*** "Gods Must Die" - Exclusive to the ''Definitive Edition''. Similar to the "Must Die" difficulty, except enemies are always in Devil Trigger state. Items are also unusable.
*** "Must Style" - Exclusive to the ''Definitive Edition''. Dante/Vergil don't deal any damage to enemies unless the Stylish Rank is S or higher.
* ''VideoGame/{{Diablo}}'':
** "Normal"
** "Nightmare"
** "Hell"
** "Inferno" (''III'' pre-2.0 only)
* ''VideoGame/DiabloIII'' from 2.0 onwards:
** "Normal"
** "Hard"
** "Expert"
** "Master"
** "Torment" followed by a Roman numeral from I to XIII
* ''VideoGame/DynastyWarriors''
** "Novice"
** "Easy"
** "Normal"
** "Hard"
** "Chaos"
* ''VideoGame/TheForceUnleashed''

** Sith Warrior
** Sith Lord
** Sith Master
* ''VideoGame/KillerIsDead'':
** ''Easy''
** ''Normal''
** ''Hard''
** ''Very Hard''
** ''Nightmare'' (PC Version only) - Enemies can only be hurt or killed using [[FlashStep dodge bursts]] and instant executions.
* In ''VideoGame/MinecraftDungeons'', there are 3 main difficulty levels and an "add-on" difficulty. Players start out on the first and easiest difficulty, but can unlock the proceeding difficulties by beating the FinalBoss on each difficulty.
** Default
** Adventure
** Apocalypse
** [[HarderThanHard Apocalypse Plus]]
* ''VideoGame/MuramasaTheDemonBlade'':
** Muso - easy
** Shura - crushing even to the average gamer who's beaten Muso
** Shigurui - Shura, except OneHitPointWonder
* ''VideoGame/NinjaGaiden'':
** "Ninja Dog" (''I'') / Acolyte (''II'')
** "Normal" (''I'') / "Warrior" (''II'')
** "Hard" (''I'') / "Mentor" (''II'')
** "Very Hard" (''I'' only)
** "Master Ninja" (''I'' and ''II'')
* ''VideoGame/NoMoreHeroes'' & ''VideoGame/NoMoreHeroes2DesperateStruggle'':
** ''Sweet'': Perfect for beginners.
** ''Mild'': Many strong men await you.
** ''Bitter'': Extremely difficult.
* ''VideoGame/NoMoreHeroesIII'':
** ''Berry Sweet''
** ''Bitter''
** ''Spicy''
** ''[[HarderThanHard Carolina Reaper]]''
* ''VideoGame/{{Onechanbara}}'':
** ''Casual''
** ''Medium''
** ''Hard''
** ''Violent''
** ''Berserk'' - You are constantly in an [[TurnsRed Enraged State/Dare Drive/Xtatic]] and will gradually lose health, and take double the damage.
* ''VideoGame/RyseSonOfRome'':
** Recruit
** Soldier
** Centurion
** Legendary
* ''VideoGame/SamuraiJackBattleThroughTime'':
** Jack
** Samurai
** Master Samurai
** Master of Masters
* ''VideoGame/TransformersDevastation'': In addition, the [[HardModePerks higher the difficulty, the better weapons]] you obtain.
** ''Scout''
** ''Warrior''
** ''Commander''
** ''Magnus''
** ''[[HarderThanHard Prime]]''
* ''VideoGame/TheWonderful101'' has descriptions along with accompanying pictures of Wonder-Red holding a controller and (presumably) playing the game.
** Very Easy: For those looking for an easy way out, that just want to get this over with already! - [[SecretIdentity Will Wedgewood]] is lying down against a pillow, holding a slice of pizza in one hand with a grin.
** Easy: For those looking to take their time and have some fun. - Wonder-Red is lounging in his chair, holding a donut in one hand with a smile.
** Normal: For those who stick to the book and like it that way. (original) / For those expecting the Platinum standard. (''Remastered'') - Wonder-Red is sitting in his chair normally, with a neutral expression.
** Hard: For those looking to add a little spice to their life. - Wonder-Red is leaning forward in his chair with a scowl.
** [[HarderThanHard 101% Hard]]: For those looking to see if they have what it takes to truly become a hero! - Wonder-Red is standing in front of his toppled chair in Unlimited Form.

[[folder:Light Gun Games]]
* ''VideoGame/TheHouseOfTheDeadOverkill - [[UpdatedRerelease Extended Cut]]''
** Bitch
** Agent
** Motherf[[SoundEffectBleep ***]]er
* ''VideoGame/SinAndPunishmentStarSuccessor'''s difficulty descriptions:
** Easy - "You will be sheltered."
** Normal - "You will be tested."
** Hard - "You will be [[JustForPun punished]]."

[[folder:Mecha Game]]
* The pilot selection screen in Freelance mode in ''VideoGame/{{Brigador}}'' works as a disguised difficulty setting. There's a large number of pilots with various differences in starting difficulty, increase per sector (if any), and payout. Lore-wise the differences are explained as being part of pilot reputation - the enemy won't send a lot of forces to fight new pilots who may very well faceplant their mech three steps in, while hardened veterans or nobodies who over the course of a mission might prove that they're dangerous will face increasingly stronger opposition. The pilot bios do a good job of explaining what to expect, while also functioning as a source of [[StoryBreadcrumbs worldbuilding and lore snippets]].

[[folder:[=MMORPGs=]]]
* ''VideoGame/CityOfHeroes'' and ''City of Villains'' used to take this a step further. You can change your difficulty at special [=NPCs=] who, for a fee, will spread word about you, affecting your Reputation (heroes) / Notoriety (villains). This affects the missions you will receive.
** Heroic/Villainous (standard)
** Tenacious/Malicious (more enemies)
** Rugged/Vicious (harder enemies)
** Unyielding/Ruthless (both)
** Invincible/Relentless (standard sized spawns of even harder enemies).
*** The difficulty system was altered for Going Rogue. Now you can separately set what level the foes should be compared to you (from -1 to +4), how many foes should spawn in missions (from x1 to x8), whether you want to fight Bosses as Lieutenants, and whether you want to fight Archvillains as Elite Bosses.
* ''VideoGame/GlobalAgenda'' ranked its PlayerVersusEnvironment missions as Low, Medium, High, or Maximum security. Later patches first added a new level [[HarderThanHard above maximum]] then removed the Low setting, leaving [[ArtifactTitle Artifact Difficulty Levels]] which are even more idiosyncratic. The current settings are:
** Medium Security
** High Security
** Maximum Security
** Ultra-Max Security
* ''Videogame/WorldOfWarcraft'' has difficulty levels for scenarios, dungeons, and raids (Note: this is in order with respect to the location only. Does not include time twisted difficulty)
** Raid Finder (raids only)

** Heroic
** Mythic (dungeons and raids)
** Challenge mode (dungeons only)

[[folder:Platform Games]]
* ''VideoGame/AdventureStory'':
** [[EasierThanEasy Zero]] (''[[CompilationRerelease Epic Battle Fantasy Collection]]'' exclusive)
** Easy
** Medium

** [[HarderThanHard Epic]]
** [[HarderThanHard Extreme]] (''[[CompilationRerelease Epic Battle Fantasy Collection]]'' exclusive)
* ''VideoGame/AlleyCat'': Even though you can choose your difficulty at the start, you advance to the next every time you clear a level:
** Kitten (Easy)
** House Cat (Normal)
** Tomcat (Hard)
** [[TitleDrop Alley Cat]] (Very Hard)
* ''VideoGame/TheAngryVideoGameNerdAdventures''/''VideoGame/TheAngryVideoGameNerdIIAssimilation'':

** [[NintendoHard Old School]]
** [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin Hard As Balls]]
** [[HarderThanHard Fucking Impossible]]
** [[FinalDeathMode YOLO]] (''Adventures'' only)
* ''VideoGame/BerenstainBearsCampingAdventure'':
** Bear Cub (Easy)
** Brown Bear (Medium, the default)
** Grizzly Bear (Hard)
* ''VideoGame/BloodstainedCurseOfTheMoon'':
** Casual

** Legend (''2'' only)
* ''VideoGame/ConkersBadFurDay'': The CPU opponents in multiplayer modes could be set to one of the following:
** "Inbred"
** "Crap"
** "Normal"
** "Bastard"
** "Einstein"
* ''VideoGame/{{Crazd}}''
** Beginner Mode
** Awesome Mode
* ''VideoGame/DistortedTravesty'':

** Veteran
** Hardcore
** Distorted
** Night Terror (3rd game only)
* ''VideoGame/DuckTales: The Quest for Gold'' uses money puns:
** Easy Money
** Standard Wages
** Hard Earned Cash
* ''VideoGame/GhostsNGoblins Resurrection''
** Page
** Squire
** Knight
** Legend
* ''VideoGame/{{Iji}}''

** Hard
** Extreme
** [[HarderThanHard Ultimortal]][[note]]as in, [[ExpospeakGag ultimately deadly]][[/note]]
** [[UnwinnableJokeGame reallyjoel's dad]]
* ''VideoGame/KeroBlaster'':
** Zangyou Mode [[note]]"Zangyou" is Japanese for "Overtime work"[[/note]] (Hard Mode)
** Omake Mode (NewGamePlus)
* ''Franchise/{{Kirby}}'':
** ''VideoGame/KirbyStarAllies'' has a system in place with The Ultimate Choice, much like with ''Kirby's Avalanche'', where each difficulty level is represented by a level of spiciness. Kirby's expression changes from happy to determined, to shocked, to ''demonic'', to '''''soulless''''' as he drenches his curry in BlazingInfernoHellfireSauce:
*** Sweet Breeze
*** Mild Stroll
*** Zesty Expedition
*** Spicy Adventure
*** Sizzling Threat
*** Fiery Showdown
*** Infernal Crisis
*** Soul Melter
*** Soul Melter EX
** ''VideoGame/KirbyAndTheForgottenLand'':
*** [[EasierThanEasy Spring Breeze Mode]]
*** Wild Mode
* ''Franchise/MegaMan'':
** ''VideoGame/MegaMan9'':
*** "Normal"
*** "Hero"
*** "Super Hero"
** ''VideoGame/MegaMan11'':
*** [[EasierThanEasy Newcomer]]
*** Casual

*** Superhero
* ''VideoGame/{{Muri}}'': Four difficulty levels, with the hardest being called "Muri", which in a BilingualBonus, roughly means "impossible" in Japanese.
* The UsefulNotes/TurboGrafx16 port of ''VideoGame/NinjaSpirit'':
** [[OneHitPointWonder Arcade Mode]]
** [[HitPoints PC-Engine Mode]]
* Phone version of ''VideoGame/PrinceOfPersia'' has:
** Spoiled Prince
** Mighty Warrior
** [[OneHitPointWonder Legendary Hero]]
* ''VideoGame/RabiRibi'' :
** [[EasierThanEasy Casual]]
** Novice
** Normal
** Hard
** [[HarderThanHard Hell]]
** Bunny Extinction
** Unknown ''(DLC only)''
** Impossible ''(DLC only)''
* ''Franchise/RatchetAndClank''
** ''VideoGame/RatchetDeadlocked'' has difficulty names based around its "gladiator battle television show" theme. Each difficulty also has an amusing description.
*** [[EasierThanEasy Couch Potato]] [[note]]So you want to be on [=DreadZone=]? Can you wield a blaster as well as you can handle your remote? Don't worry, we'll give you plenty of ammo and health. And we'll tell those big mean [=DreadZone=] exterminators to go easy on you. Have fun![[/note]]
*** Contestant [[note]]Welcome to [=DreadZone=], contestant. We'll make sure your weapons are hitting hard and have plenty of ammo. But don't expect any favours. Our Exterminators play for keeps.[[/note]]
*** Gladiator [[note]]You're one of [=DreadZone=]'s finest gladiators. You don't know the meaning of the word "capitulation". Well, [=DreadZone=] is going to make you wish you stayed in school. The warriors you'll be facing would turn an average contestant into Blargian fungus-toast. You'll need cunning strategy and lightning reflexes to survive.[[/note]]
*** Hero [[note]]Bad guys shake at the sound of your name and kids wallpaper their rooms with your face. Welcome to the big time! You'll be up against the meanest, deadliest, [=DreadZone=] combatants we've got and they'll all have Carbonox armour. You're not afraid, are you hero?[[/note]]
*** [[HarderThanHard Exterminator]] [[note]][=DreadZone=] fans want to see carnage, and we're gonna give it to them by the truckload. [[ArsonMurderandJaywalking You have no chance for survival, no hope of mercy and no dental plan.]] This difficulty level is flat out impossible. Turn back now. We're serious. You don't need this kind of pain.[[/note]]
** ''VideoGame/RatchetAndClankRiftApart'':
*** [[EasierThanEasy Rookie Explorer]]
*** Rookie Recruit
*** Rebel Agent
*** Resistance Leader
*** [[HarderThanHard Renegade Legend]]
* While they do have a few differences in special moves, the teams in ''VideoGame/SonicHeroes'' are basically difficulty levels, with Team Rose being easy, Team Sonic being normal, Team Dark being hard, and Team Chaotix being "TheLastOfTheseIsNotLikeTheOthers" (usually having some sort of odd mission).
* ''VideoGame/WhoaDave'':
** "Easy"
** [[HarderThanHard "Bonkers"]]

[[folder:Puzzle Games]]
* Indie puzzle game ''Chromashift'' has normal level numbers, but a different description for each:
** Level 1: For Beginning Players
** Level 2: A Fairly Safe Bet
** Level 3: Not Too Hard
** Level 4: Getting Fairly Difficult
** Level 5: Yeah, Good Luck With That
* ''VideoGame/CrashFever''
** Easy
** Normal
** Hard

** Legend
** Wizard
** Ultimate
** [[HarderThanHard Spectre]]
** Omega
* ''VideoGame/GuiltyParty'' has:
** Rookie (Easy)
** Detective (Medium)
** Super Sleuth (Hard)
* ''VideoGame/KirbysAvalanche'' has difficulty levels named after degrees of food spiciness. [[note]]This is similar to, but not exactly, the naming scheme for gameplay difficulty of VideoGame/PuyoPuyo (see below), which, to this day, uses spiciness (specifically, of curry).[[/note]]
** "Mild"
** "Medium"
** "Spicy"
** "Hot"
** "Cajun"
* ''VideoGame/{{Lemmings}}'' series:
** The original game:
*** Fun
*** Tricky
*** Taxing
*** Mayhem
** ''Oh No! More Lemmings'':
*** Tame
*** Crazy
*** Wild
*** Wicked
*** Havoc
* ''VideoGame/Lit2009'' has two difficulties: "Light" and "Dark". The difference is that "Dark" is essentially a TimedMission where your light resources slowly dim over time.
* ''VideoGame/PuyoPuyo'' has two sets of levels, one for Versus play (curry spiciness, an allusion to curry being Arle and Carbuncle's TrademarkFavoriteFood), and one for Story mode in the ''[[VideoGame/PuyoPuyoFever Fever]]'' [[VideoGame/PuyoPuyoFever2 games]] (Japanese onomatopoieas).
** Versus:
*** Sweet
*** Mild
*** Medium
*** Spicy
*** Very Spicy
** Story:
*** [=RunRun=] (Easy/Tutorial)
*** [=WakuWaku=] (Normal)
*** [=HaraHara=] (Hard)
* ''VideoGame/SpinDoctor'':
** Pre-Med
** Intern
** Resident
** Specialist
* ''VideoGame/SuperHexagon'':
** Hexagon -- [[NintendoHard Hard]]
** Hexagoner -- {{Harder|ThanHard}}
** Hexagonest -- [[DiscOneFinalDungeon Hardest]]
** Hyper Hexagon -- [[HardModeFiller Hardester]]
** Hyper Hexagoner -- [[OverlyLongGag Hardestest]]
** Hyper Hexagonest -- [[TheVeryDefinitelyFinalDungeon Hardestestest]]
* ''VideoGame/{{Tetris}}'':
** ''VideoGame/TetrisTheGrandMaster 2 PLUS'':
*** Normal
*** Master
*** T.A. Death
** ''VideoGame/TetrisTheGrandMaster 3'':
*** Easy
*** Master
*** Shirase
** ''VideoGame/TetrisTheGrandMaster 4'':
*** Konoha
*** Master
*** Rounds
** ''VideoGame/TetrisTheGrandMaster ACE'':
*** Normal
*** Hi-Speed
*** Hi-Speed 2
*** Another
*** Another 2
* ''VideoGame/TrashPanic'':
** Sweets Course
** Maindish Course
** Hell Course
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Racing Games]]
* ''VideoGame/{{Carmageddon}}'': The original created some controversy with its lowest difficulty setting, while ''Carmageddon II: Carpocalypse Now'' took things even further. ''Carmageddon TDR 2000'' made them less violent.
** "As easy as killing bunnies with axes" / "As easy as stamping on kittens" / "Sunday Driver"
** "Normal everyday carnage" / "Normal day-to-day depravity" / "Boy Racer"
** "As hard as French-kissing a cobra" / "As hard as fisting a Velociraptor" / "Speed Demon"
* ''VideoGame/DeathRally'':
** Speed Makes me Dizzy
** I Live to Ride
** I Got Petrol in my Veins
* ''VideoGame/FASTRacingLeague'':
** Neutron
** Proton
** Ion
* ''FAST Racing Neo''
** Subsonic
** Supersonic
** Hypersonic
* ''VideoGame/{{Forza}}'', starting from ''Motorsport 5'', has these difficulty settings:
** [[EasierThanEasy Tourist]] (introduced in ''Horizon 5'')
** New Racer
** Average
** Above Average
** Highly Skilled

** Pro
** [[HarderThanHard Unbeatable]]
* ''VideoGame/MarioKart'' : All games in the series use engine powers to donate difficulty level, with each affecting kart speed and AI aggressiveness, with lower engine powers resulting in lower speed, but easier handling.
** 50cc
** 100cc
** 150cc (There's also Mirror Mode, which is at this engine power, but with the courses flipped.)
** 200cc (Mario Kart 8 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Only)
* ''VideoGame/ReVolt'' : Affects how the cars handle, as well as how accurate the game's collision detection is.
** Junior RC
** Console
** Arcade
** Simulation
* The original ''VideoGame/SanFranciscoRush'' has '''audio''' Idiosyncratic Difficulties based on which car you picked. Each car handling class is accompanied by a car alarm which gets gradually more intense the more a class traded handling for speed, topping off with Extreme's "''It's dangerous!''" followed by screaming. The N64 port added a few special cars that has difficulty levels of "Ooooh, yeah!"
* ''{{VideoGame/Wipeout}}'' normally has speed classes stand in for difficulty levels:
** [[EasierThanEasy Vector]]
** Venom
** Flash
** Rapier
** [[HarderThanHard Phantom]] (hidden difficulty in earlier games)
** ''Wipeout HD'' has AI difficulty levels in addition to speed classes:
*** Novice
*** Skilled
*** Elite
** ''Wipeout 2048'' has completely different speed classes due to being a prequel to the rest of the series:
*** D Class
*** C Class
*** B Class
*** A Class
*** A+ Class
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Rail Shooter]]
* ''VideoGame/SmashHit'':
** Training
** Classic
** Mayhem
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Real-Time Strategy]]
* Zigzagged in ''VideoGame/{{Commandos}} 2: Men of Courage'', where the difficulty levels are Normal, Difficult and Realist (for Very Hard).
* ''VideoGame/{{Desperados}} 2: Cooper's Revenge'' has Vaquero (CowBoy) for Normal and Pistolero ([[TheGunslinger Gunslinger]]) for Hard.
* ''Haegemonia'' uses the usual names but each has a subtitle:
** Easy - Come on! You are better than that!!!
** Medium - Correct decision...
** Hard - Are you completely sure???
* ''VideoGame/HeartsOfIron''
** Normal, no changes.
** Complicate the game a bit.
** Difficult.
** [[BrutalHonesty Let the AI]] [[TheComputerIsACheatingBastard cheat as much as possible.]]
* ''VideoGame/HostileWaters''
** Ensign
** Commander
** Admiral
* Bungie's post-''VideoGame/{{Marathon}}'', pre-''Franchise/{{Halo}}'' [=RTSes=] ''VideoGame/{{Myth}}: The Fallen Lords'' and ''Myth II: Soulblighter'': The game had flavour text describing the difficulty levels.
** "Timid" (''"You will grow tired blunting your weapons on a poorly-led horde of mindless corpse-men; and once you have reduced them to so much sausage filler, the sweet taste of success will turn to ashes in your mouth"'')
** "Simple" (''"You will defy an army conscripted from the tombs of a thousand years; and when you are victorious, your very presence ont he battlefield will cause the enemy to question the wisdom of opposing you."'')
** "Normal" (''"You will face an army led by creatures too horrifying to comprehend; but when you ultimately drive the Darkness back from whence it came, the bards will sing of your exploits for generations to come."'')
** "Heroic" (''"You will oppose an apparently infinite host of the undead that seems to grow stronger with each passing day; but if you win, lesser beings will tremble with fear at the mere mention of your name!"'')
** "Legendary" (''"You will brave the army of a Commander who has never known defeat, and the piled dead will reach the heavens; but should you succeed, in an age not yet dawned you will be spoken of as a god!"'')
* ''VideoGame/StarcraftII'':
** "Casual" is EasierThanEasy effectively. Opponents are largely passive, and it doesn't take much effort to defeat them.
** "Normal" has the opponent start on equal footing with you in terms of upgrades. The enemy attacks you with only a modest army. However, some achievements are not available on this mode.
** "Hard" gives your opponents more difficult compositions, starting with one category of upgrades researched in advanced, and using more advanced units in their armies. Almost all achievements are available to earn on this mode.
** "Brutal" gives your opponents the greatest advantages, [[TheComputerIsACheatingBastard starting them even further ahead of you on upgrades]]. They also have higher-tier units available before you can unlock the same units and some enemy units are replaced with [[EliteMook mercenary equivalents.]] In addition, the [=AI=] has more advanced counter-play, priortizing your medics and repair units above your combat units and more effectively picking off key units.
* ''VideoGame/SupremeCommander'': The bottom three describe the AI's behaviour.
** "Easy"
** "Normal"
** "Hard"
** "Swarm"
** "Tech"
** "[[TheComputerIsACheatingBastard Cheater]]"
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Rhythm Games]]
* ''VideoGame/{{Arcaea}}'':
** Past
** Present
** Future
** [[HarderThanHard Beyond]]
* ''VideoGame/BeforeTheEcho'' has the standard "Easy", "Medium", and "Hard", but above Hard is "Spasmodic". Additionally, each difficulty has a label:
-->Easy - For those musically challenged.\\
Medium - For those musically challenged, yet stubborn.\\
Hard - For those not musically challenged.\\
Spasmodic - For those socially challenged.
* VideoGame/{{Bemani}} games tend to do this a lot.
** ''VideoGame/DanceDanceRevolution'', which is particularly notorious for changing its difficulty names. Currently there are typically five tiers of difficulty levels, three of which have changed names many times:
*** "Beginner"
*** "Basic" (''1st'' to ''5th Mix'', ''[=SuperNOVA=]'' to present) / "Light" (''DDRMAX'' to ''DDR Extreme'') / "Standard" (''DDR USA'')
*** "Another" (''1st'' to ''2nd Mix'') / "Trick" (''3rd'' to ''5th Mix'') / "Standard" (''DDRMAX'' to ''DDR Extreme'') / "Difficult" (''DDR USA'', ''[=SuperNOVA=]'' to present)
*** "Heavy" (''DDRMAX'' to ''DDR Extreme'') / "Maniac" (''1st'' to ''2nd'' and ''4th'' to ''5th Mix'') / "Step Step Revolution" (''3rd Mix'') / "Expert" (''DDR USA'', ''[=SuperNOVA=]'' to present)
*** "Challenge"
*** Prior to ''Dance Dance Revolution 4th Mix'', each difficulty rating had its own name: Simple (1), Moderate (2), Ordinary (3), Superior (4), Marvelous (5), Genuine (6), Paramount (7), Exorbitant (8), Catastrophic (9). The remake of ''2nd Mix'' in ''Dance Dance Revolution X3 vs. 2nd Mix'' features a boss song with a difficulty rating of 10, named [[TitleDrop Revolutionary]].
** ''VideoGame/{{Beatmania}} IIDX''
*** "BEGINNER"
*** "[=LIGHT7=]" (up to IIDX 11) / "NORMAL" (IIDX 12 onwards)
*** "7KEYS" (up to IIDX 11) / "HYPER" (IIDX 12 onwards)
*** "ANOTHER"
*** In ''beatmania IIDX 15 DJ TROOPERS'' ([=PS2=]), they introduced "KURO (BLACK) ANOTHER", which make the original ANOTHER charts look like [=LIGHT7=]s by comparison. Some songs that are revived in later games have these charts added as ANOTHER charts (usually with a new set of charts for the previous difficulties of the revival), or as "LEGGENDARIA" charts, see below.
*** ''beatmania IIDX 21 SPADA'' introduces the "†[[GratuitousItalian LEGGENDARIA]]" difficulty, similar to "KURO ANOTHER". New "harder than ANOTHER" charts from ''beatmania IIDX 22 PENDUAL'' onwards are labeled as '†' (note the lack of "LEGGENDARIA") difficulty.
** ''VideoGame/PopnMusic'':
*** 5-Button (phased out beginning in ''Sunny Park'')
*** Enjoy (renamed "Easy" in ''fantasia'', removed in ''Sunny Park'')
*** Easy (replaces 5-Button beginning in ''Sunny Park''; this is somewhat distinct from ''fantasia''[='=]s Easy mode)
*** Normal
*** Hyper
*** EX
** ''VideoGame/DrumMania'', ''VideoGame/GuitarFreaks'', and ''VideoGame/{{jubeat}}'' all currently use the names Basic, Advanced, Extreme.
*** The former two games used to call them Normal, Real, and Expert Real in early installments.
*** During the ''XG'' arc of ''Gitadora'', the difficulty names were changed to Novice, Regular, and Expert, and add [[HarderThanHard Master]]. Master was kept in future games, but the lower three levels were renamed back to Basic, Advanced, and Extreme.
** ''Keyboardmania'' had Light, Normal, and Real. Normal was renamed Light+ in 2nd Mix.
** ''Dance Mania X'' has Mild and Wild.
** ''VideoGame/ReflecBeat'' averts this for the most part, using the more traditional-sounding Basic, Medium, and Hard. However, some songs have a fourth chart, which are labeled as Special difficulty. ''Reflec Beat: The Reflesia of Eternity'' replaces Special with White Hard.
** ''Sound Voltex'' uses Novice, Advanced, [[HarderThanHard Exhaust]], Maximum, and [[SequelEscalation Infinite]][[note]]for harder-than-Exhaust charts introduced in ''Sound Voltex II -infinite infection-''[[/note]] / Gravity[[note]]for such charts introduced in ''Sound Voltex III: Gravity Wars''[[/note]] / Heavenly[[note]]for such charts introduced in ''Sound Voltex IV: Heavenly Heaven''[[/note]].
** ''[=BeatStream=]'' has Light, Medium, Beast ('''''Bea'''t'''st'''ream... get it?), and Nightmare.
** ''MÚSECA'' uses Green, Orange, and Red.
* ''VideoGame/{{Chunithm}}'':
** Basic
** Advanced
** Expert
** [[HarderThanhard Master]]
** [[GimmickLevel World's End]]
* ''VideoGame/CrossBeats'' uses them for its chart difficulties and LifeMeter difficulties:
** Charts:
*** Easy (''crossbeats REV.'' only)
*** Standard
*** Hard
*** Master
*** Unlimited (''crossbeats REV.'' only)
** Gauge:
*** Normal
*** Survival (''crossbeats REV.'' only)
*** Ultimate
* ''VideoGame/DanceCentral'' does name the difficulty levels for songs, but not the difficulty level you choose to play, meaning that even the "easy" routine for an "Off the Hook" song is '''not''' going to be easy.
** Warmup
** Simple
** Moderate
** Tough
** Legit
** Hardcore
** Off The Hook
* ''VideoGame/{{DJMAX}}'':
** Easy
** Normal
** Hard
** [[HarderThanHard Maximum]]
** Super Crazy
* ''VideoGame/DJMAXTechnika'': ''Technika 2'' switches out to slightly more traditional naming conventions.
** "Lite Pattern (LP)" / "Star"
** "Popular Pattern (PP)" / "Normal"
** "Technical Pattern (TP)" / "Hard"
** "Special Pattern (SP)" / "Maximum"
** "Extra" (''Technika 3'' only)
* ''VideoGame/EliteBeatAgents'':
** "Breezin'"
** "Cruisin'"
** "Sweatin'"
** "Hard Rock!"
* The original ''VideoGame/GuitarHero'' games, made by Harmonix before Creator/{{Activision}} took the license from them[[note]]Activision divides them up by the stage they appear in instead, and eschew that completely from ''World Tour'' onwards since song orders change in Career mode depending on the instrument[[/note]], had idiosyncratic song difficulty levels in addition to the Easy/Medium/Hard/Expert chart difficulty:
** Opening Licks
** Axe Grinders (first game only) / Amp Warmers (''II'' and ''Rocks the 80s'')
** String Snappers (''II'' and ''Rocks the 80s'')
** Thrash and Burn (''I'' and ''II'')
** Return of the Shred
** Fret Burners (first game only) / Relentless Riffs (''II'' and ''Rocks the 80s'')
** Furious Fretwork (''II'' and ''Rocks the 80s'')
** Face Melters (''I'' and ''II'')
* ''VideoGame/{{KALPA}}'':
** Thumb Mode:
*** Normal
*** Hard
*** Hard+
*** Abyss
** Multi-Finger Mode:
*** S. Hard (previously Arcade)
*** S. Hard+ (previoiusly Kalpa)
*** Chaos
*** Cosmos
* Many charts for ''Lunatic Rave 2'', a ''VideoGame/{{beatmania}} IIDX'' clone, often have custom difficulty names set by their creators rather than the standard "Normal", "Hyper", and "Another" difficulties. Perhaps the best-known example is "FREEDOM [=DiVE=]↓", which has chards labeled "EARTH", "GALAXY", "UNIVERSE", and, most infamously, [[ThatOneBoss "FOUR DIMENSIONS"]].
* ''VideoGame/{{maimai}}'':
** Easy
** Basic
** Advanced
** Expert
** [[HarderThanHard Master]]
** Re:Master
* ''VideoGame/OsuTatakaeOuendan''[='=]s difficulty levels are commonly known to English-speakers as Easy, Normal, Hard, and Very Hard/Insane. They are actually called:
** "Kigaru" (Light-hearted Cheer, which in ''VideoGame/EliteBeatAgents'' was converted to "Breezin'")
** "Kakan" (Boldly Cheer, "Cruisin'" in ''EBA'')
** "Gekiretsu" (Fervently Cheer, which became "Sweatin'")
** "Karei" (Gracefully Cheer, a.k.a. "Hard Rock!")
* ''VideoGame/{{osu}}!'' allows players to use the standard difficulty names from its [[VideoGame/OsuTatakaeOuendan derivative]] [[VideoGame/EliteBeatAgents games]], but beatmap creators can come up with their own chart names, like the ''Lunatic Rave 2'' example above.
* ''VideoGame/PowerGigRiseOfTheSixString'':
** Recruit
** Disciple

** Virtuoso
** Legend
* ''VideoGame/PumpItUp'': Normal, Hard, Crazy (for single-pad charts); Freestyle, Nightmare (for double-pad charts)
** Beginning on Fiesta however, it is completely averted, as rgw difficulty levels are no longer given names, and are instead referred to in-game by their level number.
* ''RAVON'':
** Enjoy
** Handzup
** Core
** Overnight
* ''VideoGame/RhythmHeaven Megamix'' does this with its Gatekeeper challenges, with each gatekeeper representing a particular difficulty level.
** Saffron (yellow, easiest)
** Saltwater (blue, moderate)
** Paprika (red, hardest)
* The ''VideoGame/RockBand'' series has a three-dimensional matrix of difficulties. Two of those dimensions are simply named: modes available (guitar, bass, drums and mic; ''3'' adds keys, Basic[[note]]the usual fret button format[[/note]] and Pro[[note]]emulating real-life song tabs, requires Pro instruments closer to the real thing[[/note]] modes for the instruments, and Vocal Harmonies[[note]]for 2 or 3 singers[[/note]] for the mic), chart difficulties available are Easy, Normal, Hard, and Expert, but the third dimension, the difficulty for a given song on a given instrument, follows this scale:
** Warmup
** Apprentice
** Solid
** Moderate
** Skilled (first game only)
** Challenging
** Blistering (first game only)
** Nightmare

* ''VideoGame/ToneSphere'':
** Easy
** Normal
** Hard
** [[HarderThanHard Expert]]
** [[GimmickLevel Spherical]]
* In ''[=UNiSON=]'' on the [=PS2=], instead of selecting a difficulty, you pick a character to play as.
** Trill (Normal)
** Cela (Hard)
** Chilly (Very Hard)
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Roguelike]]
* ''Beneath Apple Manor'':
** A Pushover
** Too Easy
** Beginners Only
** A Safe Trip
** Average
** Some [[RougeAnglesOfSatin Challange]]
** Tricky
** Touch And Go
** Very Dangerous
** You're Nuts!!!
* ''VideoGame/DarkestDungeon'':
** Radiant
** Darkest
** Stygian[[note]]replaced by Bloodmoon if the ''Crimson Court'' DLC is enabled[[/note]]
* ''VideoGame/DungeonsOfDredmor'':
** Elves Just Want to Have Fun (Easy)
** Dwarvish Moderation - a practical approach to dungeoneering (Normal)
** Going Rogue - because [[VideoGame/DwarfFortress losing is fun!]] (Hard)
* ''VideoGame/{{Elona}}'':
** "Overdose" (Skill grinding progresses 20 times as fast)
** "Advancing" (No bonuses, no restrictions)
** "Natural" (SaveScumming is forbidden and players who do it incur a penalty)
** "No Future" (Natural, plus enemies getting stronger and more aggressive from the beginning)
** "Inferno" (Permanent Death mode)
* ''VideoGame/OneWayHeroics'':
** Walk in the Park
** Afternoon Stroll
** Grueling Campaign
** Inhumane Odyssey
* A ''Touhou'' fangame, ''VideoGame/RiverbedSoulSaver'', has difficulty names based off of periods of the Ice Age:
** Easy: [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Würm_glaciation Würm]] Level
** Normal: [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riss_glaciation Riss]] Level
** Hard: [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mindel_glaciation Mindel]] Level
** Lunatic: [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gunz_glaciation Günz]] Level
** [[BrutalBonusLevel Extra:]] [[http://en.touhouwiki.net/wiki/Letty_Whiterock Letty]] Level
** [[SerialEscalation Phantasm]]: [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snowball_Earth Snowball Earth]] Level
** Overdrive: [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sturtian_glaciation Sturtian]] Level
* ''VideoGame/RiskOfRain'' and its sequel have this for both static and scaling difficulty levels. The static difficulty modifiers are named after weather phenomena (Drizzle, Rainstorm, and Monsoon for easy, normal, and hard respectively), while the scaling difficulty meter starts at "Very Easy" and goes from there:
** Very Easy
** Easy
** Medium
** Hard
** Very Hard
** Insane
** Impossible
** [[TheFourthWallWillNotProtectYou I SEE YOU]]
** [[TheFourthWallWillNotProtectYou I'M COMING FOR YOU]]
** HAHAHAHA
* ''VideoGame/SunlessSkies'' lets you set the speed at which enemy shots travel. The settings are "Normal," "Measured," and "Stately."
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Role-Playing Games]]
* ''VideoGame/BraveHeroYuusha'': The "Hard" difficulty is called "Brave" in this game.
* ''VideoGame/CorruptionOfLaetitia'':
** Playground
** Garden of Eden
** Hellish Yard
* ''VideoGame/CthulhuSavesTheWorld'':
** Easy
** Medium
** Hard
** Insane (Not that uncommon in other games, but remember who the protagonist is...)
* ''VideoGame/DivinityOriginalSin'' and ''[[VideoGame/DivinityOriginalSinII Original Sin II]]'':
** Explorer Mode
** Classic Mode
** Tactician Mode
*** [[FinalDeathMode Honor Mode]]
* The ''Franchise/DragonAge'' games:
** Casual
** Normal
** Hard
** [[HarderThanHard Nightmare]]
*** ''VideoGame/DragonAgeInquisition'' has different names for its multiplayer difficulties:
*** Routine
*** Threatening
*** Perilous
*** [[HarderThanHard Nightmare]]
*** Heartbreaker
* ''Empire of Sin'':
** Associate
** Made
** Lieutenant
** Underboss
** Boss

* The ''VideoGame/EpicBattleFantasy'' series names its HarderThanHard difficulty Epic, and its EasierThanEasy difficulty Zero, for each main series game.
** ''VideoGame/EpicBattleFantasy2'' adds some flavour text for each difficulty:
*** Zero Difficulty: "Play this if you want to rush through the game super fast." (''[[CompilationRerelease Epic Battle Fantasy Collection]]'' exclusive)
*** Easy Difficulty: "Play this if you're a noob or don't have much time."
*** Medium Difficulty: "Play this if playing for the first time, probably."
*** Hard Difficulty: "Play this if you are too cool for the easier modes."
*** Epic Difficulty: "Play this if you have no life."
*** The Epic Battle Fantasy Collection also features three difficulties higher than Epic - these are labelled "Masochist Options", with flavour text warning "There are no [[AchievementSystem medals]] for beating these. Only pain."
** ''VideoGame/EpicBattleFantasy3'' does the same:
** Easy: "For people who want a stress-free experience."
** Normal: "For people familiar with turn-based [[EasternRPG JRPGs]]."
** Hard: "For people who want a challenge."
** [[HarderThanHard Epic]]: "For people who have mastered [=EBF3=]."
* ''Franchise/FinalFantasy''
** The difficulty levels of the Duel Colosseum in ''VideoGame/DissidiaFinalFantasy'' take their names from the airships in the series:
*** Airship (with enemies at levels 1-30)
*** [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyIV Falcon]] (30-60)
*** [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyIII Invincible]] (60-90)
*** [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyIV Lunar Whale]] (90-120)
*** [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyVI Blackjack]] (100-150)
*** The Japanese rerelease features a HarderThanHard level by adding on the [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyII Dreadnought]].
** ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyType0'':
*** [[MilitaryAcademy Cadet]] (exclusive to the HD rerelease)
*** [[RankScalesWithAsskicking Officer]]
*** [[TheChosenOne Agito]]
*** [[TheEndOfTheWorldAsWeKnowIt Finis]] (unlocked after clearing the main story once)
** ''VideoGame/TheatrhythmFinalFantasy'':
*** [[EasierThanEasy Beginner Score]] (''All-star Carnival'' only)
*** Basic Score
*** Expert Score
*** [[HarderThanHard Ultimate Score]]
*** Transcendence Score (''All-star Carnival'' only)
** ''[[VideoGame/DissidiaFinalFantasy2015 Dissidia Final Fantasy NT]]''[='=]s player rankings also determine the difficulty of single-player (mainly Gauntlet) mode battles:
*** Bronze
*** Silver
*** Gold
*** Platinum
*** Mythril
*** Adamant
*** Diamond
*** Crystal
*** Nightmare
*** Chaos
* ''VideoGame/FiveNightsAtFuckboys'' (the original only):
** Night X
** Night XX
** [[UnwinnableByDesign Night XXX]]
* ''Five Nights at Fuckboy's 2''
** Normal
** Proud
** Critical ([[Franchise/KingdomHearts sound familiar?]])
* ''VideoGame/HeartsLikeClockwork''
** Clockwork Lullaby
** Ambitious
** Meltdown
** Abstract Nonsense
* ''VideoGame/{{Kenshi}}'' does not have difficulty ranks per se, but has different starting situations that make your early game easier or harder and have a subjective difficulty ranking. More starting scenarios are also available as {{Game Mod}}s. You are also offered a series of sliders to fine tune the game's actual difficulty, such as how fast you become hungry (faster makes the game harder on account of having to acquire more food), how quickly your body parts lose HP due to a wound (faster makes death more likely), and how much predator nests and bandit camps spawn around the world (more makes the world more dangerous).
** Nobodies (Easy): You start with a crew of 5 people, which makes your early game easier on account of simply not being alone and being able to do 5 times more work.
** Wandering Trader (Easy): You start with a backpack and a pack animal. Pack animals also double as very strong guard animals capable of inflicting much more damage than yourself in early game.
** Wanderer (Normal): You start out alone, in a lone town amid the wilderness, with a basic weapon, some clothes and some money to last you a day or two. This is the "officially standard" starting scenario.
** Son of a Captain (Normal): You start out as the descendant of a United Cities captain, which makes you an enemy of the Holy Nation but also a respected member of the United Cities. You have no money, but you do have a decent katana.
** Empire Citizen (Normal): You were an average joe until an United Cities nobleman felt like taking away your job and your house. You have no option but to leave and find another place where you can sustain yourself.
** Holy Nation Citizen (Normal): You're an average citizen of the Holy Nation, which will leave you alone as long as you don't miss Prayer Day and show obedience to the nation's priests and paladins. However, just living under the Holy Nation is holding you back from being successful, so you decide to venture out into the world.
** Guy with a Dog (Normal): You're a hungry drifter and suddenly found an abandoned puppy. Dogs eventually grow into fierce attackers capable of dealing great damage, but starting out hungry also makes the early game harder.
** Cannibal Hunter (Dodgy): You start in cannibal territory and must fend off a cannibal attack right after clicking "Begin".
** Hive Exile (Hard): You start as a Hive race character in the harsh wetlands, with no food or equipment, far away from Hiver-friendly civilizations, surrounded by the ridiculously aggressive and vicious Beaked Things that can kill even an entire crew of badasses.
** Slave (Hard): You start out enslaved by the Holy Nation, toiling hard to build a massive statue. To progress, you have to somehow liberate yourself and escape towards another foreign nation or meet the rebels up north from your starting point... but slavery is a respected institution in this game and the world is lurking with Slave Traders who will be more than happy to return you for a beating.
** Holy Sword (Hard): You start with a very powerful sword. But at the same time, you're a very wanted criminal with a multi-myriad bounty on your head and every single nation-state in the game world hates you.
** Rock Bottom (Very Hard): You start in the middle of a desert lurking with strong, ferocious predators, naked, hungry, with an arm missing.
** Freedom Seekers (Variable): You start out with a band of 6 people and a bunch of construction materials, ready to get out of the oppressive United Cities and settle into the freedom of the wilderness. The difficulty here depends on where you choose to settle, and how good you are at managing your extra personnel.
* ''VideoGame/LabyrinthOfRefrainCovenOfDusk'':
** Gentle World
** Ordinary World
** Nightmare World
* Microprose's adaptation of ''VideoGame/MagicTheGathering'' used wizard ones:
** Apprentice - start with 10 life, one color, enemies have X life
** Magician - start with 8 life, two colors, enemies have X+Y life
** Sorceror - start with 6 life, three colors, enemies have X+2Y life
** Wizard - start with 4 life, four colors, enemies have X+3Y life
** You could further adjust difficulty by choosing your color; red, green, and white were easier than black and blue, just because of the low life totals.
* ''VideoGame/MarySkelterNightmares'':
** Dream
** Normal
** Horror (renamed "Fear" in the remake and sequel)
* ''VideoGame/PathfinderKingmaker'':
** Story mode
** Easy mode
** Normal mode
** Challenging mode
** Hard mode
** [[HarderThanHard Unfair mode]]
* ''VideoGame/SidMeiersPirates'':
** "Apprentice"
** "Journeyman"
** "Adventurer"
** "Rogue"
** "Swashbuckler"
* ''Regions of Ruin'':
** [[ElvesVsDwarves Elvish]]
** Human
** Troll
** [[ElvesVsDwarves Dwarf]][[note]]Unlocked after beating the game[[/note]]
* ''Franchise/ShinMegamiTensei'':
** ''VideoGame/ShinMegamiTenseiIV''
*** Fellow
*** Prentice
*** Master
** ''VideoGame/ShinMegamiTenseiIVApocalypse''
*** [[EasierThanEasy Paradise]] (DLC)
*** Skirmish
*** Conflict
*** War
*** [[HarderThanHard Apocalypse]] (DLC)
** ''VideoGame/DevilSurvivor2 [[UpdatedRerelease Record Breaker]]''
*** "Blessed"
*** "Apocalypse"
* ''Videogame/SouthParkTheFracturedButWhole'' does this twice: The skin tone slider for the character creator screen goes from Easy to Very Difficult, with your skin color getting darker as you slide it towards the latter. Cartman helpfully notes that this doesn't affect combat, just "every aspect of your life" (IE, how much money you make in-game as well as NPC reactions). The actual combat difficulty is ranked as:
** Casual
** Heroic
** Mastermind
** Diabolic (added later in a patch)
* ''[[VideoGame/TalesSeries Tales]] of Phantasia'', ''Destiny 2'', ''Symphonia'', ''Rebirth'' and ''Abyss'':
** "Simple"
** "Second"
** "Mania"
** "Unknown"
* ''VideoGame/Wasteland3'':
** Rookie
** Wastelander
** Ranger
** Supreme Jerk
* ''VideoGame/WeirdAndUnfortunateThingsAreHappening'': Dream-related titling, as seen [[https://rpgmaker.net/media/content/games/8394/screenshots/choose_your_difficulty.png here]], from easiest to hardest:
** Daydream: "I just want to relax and enjoy the weird and unfortunate events."
** Lucid Dream: "I like how things have been so far. Don't want it super hard."
** Bad Dream: "I'd like a bit more challenge, please. That'd be cool."
** Nightmare: "Basically, I'm not happy unless I'm at a constant risk of death."
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Sandbox Games]]
* ''VideoGame/{{Minecraft}}'': When it's in [[TalkLikeAPirate pirate speak]], WebOriginal/LOLCats, or [[YeOldeButcheredeEnglishe Shakespearean English]].
** "Smooth Sailin'/Cake (Peaceful)"
** "Deckswabber/Meh (Easy)"
** "[=RegulARRRR=]/Cheezburger/Usual (Normal)"
** "True Pirate/Double Cheezburger (Hard)"
** "Aimless Sailing/HAX/Omnipotent (Creative)"
** "Swashbuckler/SIRVIVL/Mortal/Extra Hard (Survival)"
** "Captain/1 LIEF INSTED OF 9 ([[FinalDeathMode Hardcore]])"
* ''VideoGame/{{Terraria}}'' has two different types of difficulty settings: player difficulty and world difficulty, each with their own labelling system.
** Player difficulty:
*** Journey (Journey characters start with extra equipment. Can only be played on Journey worlds.)
*** Classic / Softcore (Classic characters drop money on death.)
*** Mediumcore (Mediumcore characters drop items on death.)
*** [[FinalDeathMode Hardcore]] (Hardcore characters die for good.)
** World difficulty:
*** Journey (Unearth your creativity)
*** Classic / Normal (The Standard Terraria Experience)
*** Expert (Far Greater Difficulty & Loot)
*** Master (Brutally hard, for the truly brave)
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Shoot 'em Up]]
* ''VideoGame/AirZonk'':
** Sweet Mode (5 lives)
** Spicy Mode (3 lives)
** Bitter Mode (1 life)
* ''VideoGame/AlienSoldier'' has only two difficulty levels.
** "[[BlatantLies Supereasy]]"
** "[[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin Superhard]]"
* ''VideoGame/BlazingLazers'' has a difficulty selector that is only available via a [[GuideDangIt secret code at the opening of the game]].
** "Normal Dog"
** "Hard Human"
** "Super Mania"
** "God of the Game"
* ''VideoGame/BlueRevolver'':
** Normal
** Hyper
** Parallel
* ''VideoGame/BlueWishResurrection'':
** Heaven
** Original
** Hell
** Accel, in which bullets ''accel''erate as they move further. Changed into a setting in the options menu in ''Blue Wish Resurrection Plus''
* ''VideoGame/BulletHeaven2'':
** Normal
** Hard
** [[HarderThanHard Heavenly]]
* ''VideoGame/CrimzonClover'':
** Simple -- Simplified scoring system and no [[SuperMode Break Mode]].
*** The arcade port swaps out Simple for '''Boost''' mode, which is a new mode altogether.
** Original
** Unlimited
* ''VideoGame/{{Cuphead}}'': Simple fills in for Easy, shortening the battles but not yielding access to the last two bosses. Regular is the normal difficulty, granting access to all the levels and the ending. Expert Mode unlocks after completing the game, which serves as an equivalent to Turbo Mode from ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry'', while also giving bosses a little more health and in some cases altering their attacks slightly.
* ''VideoGame/{{Darius}}burst Another Chronicle'' and its UpdatedRerelease ''Another Chronicle EX'' have difficulty designators for each of their starting stages, with the latter three only available in ''ACEX'':
** Easy (Zone A)
** Normal (Zone B)
** Hard (Zone C)
** [[SequelEscalation Expert]] (Zone O)
** [[AddedAlliterativeAppeal Extreme]] (Zone P)
** [[HarderThanHard Exceed]] (Zone Q)
* ''VideoGame/DeadNation''
** Braindead
** Normal
** Grim
** Morbid
** Undead
* ''VideoGame/DeathSmiles Mega Black Label'':
** Level 1
** Level 2
** Level 3
** Level 999
* ''VideoGame/DonPachi'':
** ''[=DoDonPachi=] Dai Fukkatsu Black Label'':
*** Bomb Style - More bombs.
*** Power Style - More firepower.
*** Strong Style - Same bomb capacity as Bomb Style, most firepower, but hardest enemy patterns.
** ''[=DoDonPachi=] Saidai Oujou'':
*** Shot - Strong shot, weak laser.
*** Laser - Weak shot, strong laser.
*** Expert - Strong shot, strong laser, and most importantly, enemy patterns dramatically increase in difficulty.
* The NES conversion of ''VideoGame/DragonSpirit'' doesn't have a conventional difficulty selection - instead the game makes the player go through a prologue that is essentially a recreation of the arcade version's final stage. If the player clears the prologue it proceeds through "Blue Dragon" mode, which is the normal difficulty level. However, if the player dies during the prologue, it instead starts "Gold Dragon" mode, in which the player has as a max health gauge and auto-fire, but the numbers of stages are reduced and the ending is different.
* ''VideoGame/{{Genetos}}'':
** Beginner
** Standard User
** Programmer
** Hacker
** Creator
* All of the games in the ''VideoGame/GundemoniumSeries'' have this in one form or another. The first two games adjust the limits of the DynamicDifficulty.
** ''Gundemonium (Recollection)''
*** Novice
*** Revised
*** Unlimited
*** Demonic
** ''[=GundeadliGne=]''
*** Novice
*** Standard
*** Advanced
*** Demonic
** ''Hitogata Happa''
*** Euridice
*** Nobilimente
*** Allemande
*** Doomsday
* ''VideoGame/{{Hellsinker}}'' has three axes of difficulty.
** Level ([[DynamicDifficulty Stella]] range, stage select only):
*** Unplugged
*** Limited
*** Compressed
*** Distorted
** Way of Life (Maximum number of lives);
*** Drastic
*** Moderately
*** Prudently
** Bootleg Ghost (Auto-bomb behavior):
*** Aspirant
*** Solidstate
*** Adept
* ''VideoGame/HyperPrincessPitch''
** "Trainee"
** "Combat Lady"
** "Battle Princess"
** "War Queen"
** "Goddess of Explosions"
** "[[spoiler:Reallyjoel's Mom]]"
* ''VideoGame/JamestownLegendOfTheLostColony'':
** Normal
** Difficult
** Legendary
** Divine
** Judgement
* ''VideoGame/JetsNGuns'':
** "[[EasyModeMockery Too Fat To Die]]"
** "Normal"
** "Hard"
** "Nightmare"
** "Total Mayhem"
** "Inhuman"
** "Series/MissionImpossible"
* ''VideoGame/KeioFlyingSquadron'':
** Monkey
** Human
** Super Human
* The UsefulNotes/Atari2600 game ''VideoGame/LaserBlast'':
** Cadet
** Lieutenant
** Captain
** Commander
* ''VideoGame/{{Loaded}}''
** Players Are Fairies
** Players Are Boring
** Players Are Confident
** Players Are Brutal
** Players Are [[TitleDrop Loaded]]
* ''VideoGame/MushihimeSama'' and its sequel:
** Original
** Maniac
** Ultra (in ''Mushihime-sama Futari Black Label'', this is replaced by God)
* The ''VideoGame/PrincessRemedy'' series:
** ''VideoGame/PrincessRemedyInAWorldOfHurt'':
*** Normal
*** Hard
*** [[HarderThanHard Master]]
*** [[UnwinnableJokeGame reallyjoel's dad]]
** ''VideoGame/PrincessRemedyInAHeapOfTrouble'':
*** Normal
*** Hard
*** [[HarderThanHard DEATH]]
*** [[spoiler:[[UnexpectedGameplayChange REALLYDAD]]]]
* ''VideoGame/RType Final'':
** "Baby"
** "Kid"
** "Human"
** "Bydo"
** "R-Typer"
* ''VideoGame/{{Raiden}}'':
** ''Raiden Project'':
*** Captain (Easy)
*** Major (Medium)
*** Colonel (Hard)
*** General (HarderThanHard)
** ''Raiden IV'':
*** Practice (EasierThanEasy, the only bad thing is no BulletHell for you)
*** Very Easy
*** Easy
*** Medium
*** Original (arcade)
*** Hard
*** Very Hard
*** Ultimate (Harder than HarderThanHard)
* ''VideoGame/RaptorCallOfTheShadows'':
** Rookie -- "This is the equivalent of easy."
** Veteran -- "This is medium difficulty."
** Elite -- "This is the hard level."
* ''VideoGame/RiverCityRansom [[VideoGameRemake EX]]'':
** [[EasierThanEasy Wussy]]
** Easy
** Normal
** Hard
** [[HarderThanHard Crazy]]
* ''Shining Shooting Star'', a ''Touhou'' fangame, uses the names of prominent stars, several of which were pole stars.
** Easy: Altair
** Normal: Vega
** Hard: Arcturus
** Lunatic: Sirius
** Extra: Polaris
* ''VideoGame/SpaceMegaforce'': The bottom two difficulties, which cause enemies to fire back when destroyed, are selected by pressing left (as if selecting an easier difficulty).
** "Normal"
** "Hard"
** "Hyper"
** "Tricky"
** "Wild"
* ''VideoGame/{{Stargunner}}''. Good luck beating the game even on the easiest difficulty.
** Ensign
** Captain
** Admiral
* ''VideoGame/{{Stellavanity}}'':
** Easy
** Normal
** Arcade (previously Normal-Ex)
** Hard
** [[HarderThanHard Nightmare]]
** [[SerialEscalation Pandemonium]]
* ''VideoGame/SuperchargedRobotVulkaiser'':
** Bullet Sponge
** Glory Hunter
** Legendary Hero
** Savior of the Universe
* ''VideoGame/{{Symphony}}'', a music player vertical ShootEmUp, uses sheet music loudness notation for its difficulty levels:
** Pianissimo
** Piano
** Mezzo-piano
** Mezzo-forte
** Forte
** Fortissimo
* The ''VideoGame/{{Touhou}}'' games, of which there are many, have the standard Easy, Normal, Hard, and [[HarderThanHard Lunatic]], and above ''that'' is the unlockable [[BrutalBonusLevel Extra Stage]]. In addition, in all games the difficulty level comes with a subtitle, with Easy usually being toted as "for Sunday gamers" and Lunatic/Extra generally being titled "for weird people" or "not suited for anyone". In the second Windows game, ''Perfect Cherry Blossom'', an exclusive ''[[SerialEscalation Phantasm]]'' stage served as the HarderThanHard counterpart to the Extra Stage.
** ''VideoGame/TouhouEiyashouImperishableNight'', whose plot centers around a stolen full moon are named after specific phases of the moon:
*** Easy: "Shingetsu", New Moon
*** Normal: "Mikazuki", Third Day Moon (waxing crescent)
*** Hard: "Uetsu Yumihari", Upper Bowstring Moon (waxing half-moon)
*** Lunatic: "Matsuyoi", Waiting Evening (waxing gibbous, specifically the day just before a full moon)
*** Extra: "Mangetsu", Full Moon [[note]]Fitting, as it takes place in the wee hours of the morning after you restore the true full moon to Gensokyo[[/note]]
** ''VideoGame/TouhouKaeidzukaPhantasmagoriaOfFlowerView'' has difficulties named for different types of plants/flowers:
*** Easy: [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loropetalum_chinense Daruma Grass]] ''(Loropetalum chinese var. rubrum)''
*** Normal: [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narcissus_poeticus Pheasant's-eye Narcissus]] ''(Narcissus poeticus)''
*** Hard: [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camellia_sasanqua "Sazanka" Camellia]] ''(Camellia sasanqua)''
*** Lunatic: [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lycoris_radiata Red Spider Lily]] ''(Lycoris radiata)'', but it also known as the ''higanbana'', where ''higan'' is the border of the afterlife in Japanese myth.
*** Extra: [[https://en.touhouwiki.net/wiki/Saigyou_Ayakashi Saigyou Ayakashi]], the EldritchAbomination tree sealed in the Netherworld.
** ''VideoGame/TouhouChireidenSubterraneanAnimism'' also has its own naming scheme, based off of various mythological creatures that [[MonsterGirl various characters]] are based off of:
*** Easy: Fairy Class
*** Normal: Kappa Class
*** Hard: Tengu Class
*** Lunatic: Oni God Class
*** Extra: Idol Class
** ''VideoGame/TouhouShinreibyouTenDesires'' has prayers for stuff that supposedly ranges from easy to impossible to achieve:
*** Easy: Pray for health and long life
*** Normal: Pray for traffic safety
*** Hard: Pray for business prosperity
*** Lunatic: Pray for IT data security
*** Extra: Pray for protection from [[BulletHell danmaku]]
** ''VideoGame/TouhouKishinjouDoubleDealingCharacter'' has the difficulties named after gemstones:
*** Easy: Emerald Level
*** Normal: Aquamarine Level
*** Hard: Ruby Level
*** Lunatic: Hope Diamond Level
*** Extra: Magnesium Level
** ''VideoGame/TouhouKanjudenLegacyOfLunaticKingdom'', like ''Imperishable Night'', also names its difficulties after moon phases, but with the description describing mochi firmness instead:
*** Easy: New Moon - easy to chew
*** Normal: Crescent Moon - nice amount of firmness
*** Hard: Half Moon - so firm it makes your jaw tired
*** Lunatic: Full Moon - do not eat
*** Extra: Dark Moon - some people like this
** ''VideoGame/TouhouTenkuushouHiddenStarInFourSeasons'' uses seasonal weathers:
*** Easy: Spring Sprinkle
*** Normal: Summer Shower
*** Hard: Autumn Typhoon
*** Lunatic: Winter Hibernation
*** Extra: The Fifth Season
** ''VideoGame/TouhouKikeijuuWilyBeastAndWeakestCreature'' patterns the difficult levels after animals:
*** Easy: Lamb Level
*** Normal: Shiba Level
*** Hard: Saber-Toothed Tiger Level
*** Lunatic: Dinosaur Level
*** Extra: [[OurCryptidsAreMoreMysterious Cryptid Level]]
** ''VideoGame/TouhouKouryuudouUnconnectedMarketeers'' names its difficulty settings after social classes, based on how easy life is for them:
*** Easy: Nobility Level
*** Normal: Commoner Level
*** Hard: Vagrant Level
*** Lunatic: Nihilist Monk Level
*** Extra: Free Markets & Open Guilds Level
* ''VideoGame/{{Vectorman}}''
** Lame
** Wicked (''1'')/Cool (''2'')
** Insane (''1'')/Wicked (''2'')
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Simulation Games]]
* ''VideoGame/AceCombat'', from ''[[VideoGame/AceCombat04ShatteredSkies 04]]'' on up, featured unlockable difficulty modes after beating it on Hard.
** [[EasierthanEasy Casual -Easy-]] (''[[VideoGame/AceCombat7SkiesUnknown 7]]'' only)
** [[HarderthanHard Expert]]
** Ace
* ''VideoGame/{{Aerobiz}} Supersonic'' featured:
** Glider
** Prop
** Jet
** Jumbo Jet
** Supersonic''
* ''VideoGame/TheIdolmaster'' ''Shiny Festa'', ''Platinum Stars'' and ''Starlight Stage'' all share a common set of difficulty levels:
** Debut
** Regular
** Pro
** Master
** Master+ (only in ''Starlight Stage'' for event songs)
* ''VideoGame/LoveNikkiDressUpQueen'':
** Maiden
** Princess
* ''VideoGame/TheOregonTrail'': The 1978 version has five different difficulty levels for the shooting minigame[[note]]where you need to quickly type "BANG" or a similar word on the keyboard--the time limit is different depending on the level[[/note]]:
** Shaky Knees
** Need More Practice
** Fair to Middlin'
** Good Shot
** Ace Marksman
* The Flash version of ''VideoGame/OrganTrail'' frames its difficulty levels as being the career the PlayerCharacter had before the ZombieApocalypse happened. (The [[VideoGameRemake Director's Cut]] just uses normal Easy/Normal/Hard/[[HarderThanHard Suicide]] labels.)
** Cop
** Clerk
** Lawyer
* ''Sid Meier's Railroad Tycoon'':
** "Investor"
** "Financier"
** "Mogul"
** "Tycoon"
* ''VideoGame/{{Rimworld}}'' applies difficulty levels to its "storytellers", which create the random events that shape your colony and your civilization's history. The default difficulty levels, from easiest to hardest, are:
** Peaceful (easiest): No external threats, and your colonists get extra buffs; wildlife doesn't attack humans, weather is always fair, colonists are extra happy, and gathering resources has a bonus yield.
** Community Builder (easy): Minor threats to make the game slightly tense and more interesting. Most threats are enabled except human-eating predators and extreme weather, and you still have personal happiness and resource gathering buffs.
** Adventure Story (normal): Threats have slightly diminished scale, all threat kinds are enabled, and your colonists have minor buffs.
** Strive to Survive (hard): Standard difficulty setting with all difficulty sliders in neutral position and no advantages or disadvantages. That's Rimworld-ese for "hard", because Rimworld is NintendoHard.
** Blood and Dust (very hard): Now your colonists have de-buffs to happiness, harvesting yield, and disasters are 55% stronger.
** [[VideoGame/DwarfFortress Losing is Fun]] (impossible): The Storyteller personally hates you, and will throw disaster after disaster at you until your colony is wiped out.
** Custom: For tinkering with the game's individual difficulty sliders, which control aspects such as threat scale, colonist mood buffs, or chances of suffering illness.
* ''VideoGame/RollerCoasterTycoon 3'' didn't have selectable difficulties but each scenario had three different objective sets of increasing difficulty:
** Apprentice
** Entrepreneur
** Tycoon
* ''Stampede'' (UsefulNotes/Atari2600), from [[AllThereInTheManual the manual]]:
** Sidekick
** Pilgrim
** Cowpoke
** Wrangler
** Top Hand
** Trail Boss
** Rancher
** Cattle Baron
* ''VideoGame/{{Vigilante 8}}'':
** "Unleaded"
** "Super Unleaded"
** "High Octane"
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Sports Games]]
* ''VideoGame/{{FIFA|Soccer}}'' has traditionally had the levels Amateur (Easy), Professional (Medium) and World Class (hard), with other difficulty levels being added or removed throughout the series' history. As of ''FIFA 21'', there are seven levels:
** [[EasierThanEasy Beginner]]
** Amateur
** Semi-Pro
** Professional
** World Class
** [[NintendoHard Legendary]]
** [[HarderThanHard Ultimate]] (only available on Ultimate Team)
* ''Skate or Die'': The CPU difficulty for your opponent is determined by the characters:
** Poseur Pete
** Aggro Eddie
** Lester
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Stealth-Based Games]]
* ''Sid Meier's VideoGame/CovertAction'':
** Local Disturbance
** National Threat
** Regional Conflict
** Global Crisis
* ''VideoGame/{{Gloomwood}}'':
** "Crescent"
** "Half Moon"
** "Full Moon"
** "Blood Moon"
* ''VideoGame/HeatSignature'' only has Easy, Normal and Hard at first, but liberating stations opens up three more difficulties, with descriptions upon unlocking them:
** Audacious [[labelnote:Description]]Audacious missions are the kind everyone assumes can't be done. They need specialized equipment, meticulous planning, and [[XanatosSpeedChess the capacity to come up with a different meticulous plan when your meticulous plan goes catastrophically wrong.]] They pay very well.[[/labelnote]]
** [[HarderThanHard Mistake]] [[labelnote:Description]]These missions are so wildly difficult that you need to be brilliant, superbly equipped, and a little bit stupid to take them on. They pay the kind of money you have to pay a professional for something that will probably kill them.[[/labelnote]]
** '''[[SerialEscalation Glory I-V]]''' [[labelnote:Description]]The hardest missions in the galaxy are the ones you do just to prove you can. No-one pays you for Glory missions, the real reward is the top spot in the Living Legends list.[[/labelnote]]
* ''VideoGame/{{Manhunt}}'':
** In the first game, "Fetish" and "Hardcore".
** In the second game, "Sane" and "Insane".
* ''VideoGame/MetalGear''
** In the [[RegionalBonus Japanese and PAL versions]] of ''VideoGame/MetalGearSolid2SonsOfLiberty'', the player is asked whether they played the first ''VideoGame/MetalGearSolid'' or not and if they want a lot of action or not. The first three answers will start the game on the Tanker chapter, while the last two choices will skip to the Plant chapter.
*** "I've cleared the previous game multiple times, so bring on the action!"
*** "I managed to clear the previous game, but action isn't my strong point!"
*** "I didn't clear the previous game myself, but I watched everything!"
*** "I didn't clear the previous game, but bring on the action!"
*** "I didn't clear the previous game, and action isn't my strong point!"
** ''VideoGame/MetalGearSolid4GunsOfThePatriots'' names its difficulty levels after the series characters.
*** "[[VideoGame/MetalGearSolid Liquid]] Easy"
*** "[[VideoGame/MetalGearSolid3SnakeEater Naked]] Normal"
*** "[[VideoGame/MetalGear Solid]] Normal"
*** "[[VideoGame/MetalGear Big Boss]] Hard"
*** "[[VideoGame/MetalGearSolid3SnakeEater The Boss]] Extreme"
* ''VideoGame/SniperElite''
** Rookie
** Cadet
** Marksman
** Sniper Elite
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Survival Horror]]
* ''VideoGame/FearAndHungerTermina'' has three of these.
** Easy(er) Mode halves the amount of damage enemies cause, improves loot drops, removes environmental traps, allows the player to utilize the God of Fear and Hunger's saving power three times per statue, and removes several more challenging enemies from the game.
** Fear & Hunger Mode is the game's "normal" mode. Environmental traps and more challenging enemies are present, and the God of Fear and Hunger's saving power can only be used once per statue.
** Masochism Mode doubles the amount of damage enemies cause and halves the amount of damage the player can deal. In addition, the mode automatically starts on Night 3, meaning the player cannot save the game by sleeping at a bed, and it is impossible to recruit other playable characters, who are all either moonscorched or dead. Several challenging unique enemies are present in this difficulty, as well as new environmental challenges.
* ''VideoGame/TheLastOfUsPartII'' provides a few more options than [[VideoGame/TheLastOfUs its predecessor]], along with including a {{Permadeath}} mode:
** [[EasierThanEasy Very Light]]
** Light
** Moderate
** Hard
** [[HarderThanHard Survivor]]
** Grounded
* ''VideoGame/Left4Dead'' and ''VideoGame/Left4Dead2'':
** Easy [[note]]Zombies have low health and deal less damage, friendly fire damage from bullets are disabled[[/note]]
** Normal
** Advanced [[note]]Stronger enemies, more aggressive zombie AI, stronger friendly fire damage[[/note]]
** Expert [[note]]Enemies deal massive damage, friendly fire deals full damage, Tank punches instantly incapacitates you, Witches kill you instantly, enemy AI is extremely aggressive, and the AI director will spawn hordes frequently[[/note]]
* ''VideoGame/TheLongDark'':
** Pilgrim (Easy) - [[TruthInTelevision Wolves will avoid you rather than attack you]], plentiful resources and a hardier player character ensure a relaxed experience with minimal danger, more focused on exploration than survival.
** Voyager (Medium) - wolves will chase and hunt the player and resources are slightly harder to come by.
** Stalker (Hard) - wolves and bears are more numerous and determined and resources are scarce, a more challenging survival experience.
** Interloper (Very Hard) - extremely aggressive bears and wolves will chase you relentlessly, less starting resources, no rifles or knives/hatchets spawn on the map and very few resources, this is hardcore street.
* ''VideoGame/NosferatuTheWrathOfMalachi'':
** "[[BlatantLies Easy]]"
** "[[NintendoHard Medium]]"
** "[[HarderThanHard Nightmare]]"
* ''VideoGame/ParasiteEve2'' has a few and each one gives bigger bonus multipliers at higher difficulties.
** "Replay Mode"[[note]]The "Easy" mode and NewGamePlus rolled into one. Enemies are weaker and all unlockables from previous playthroughs are found here. Points earned are cut in half.[[/note]]
** "Bounty Mode"[[note]] The "Hard" mode of the game where [[EliteMook Golems]] are encountered at the start of the game and some groups of enemies are replaced with stronger variants. Points earned are doubled.[[/note]]
** "Scavenger Mode"[[note]] An alternate take of "Hard" mode where enemy types aren't changed from the original difficulty, but better items are much more scarce and items in shops are too expensive to buy. Aya's base MP is 10 instead of 30. Points earned are multiplied by five.[[/note]]
** "[[HarderThanHard Nightmare Mode]]"[[note]] The hardest difficulty which combines Bounty and Scavenge mode together. Instead of Aya's MP being reduced, her base HP is cut in half and she is also much weaker in attack and defense. Points earned are multiplied by ten.[[/note]]
* ''Franchise/ResidentEvil'':
** ''VideoGame/ResidentEvil1'':
*** In the original Playstation game, your character is the difficulty select; Jill is “Easy” and Chris is “Hard,” although they are only directly labeled as such in the Japanese version. It’s the only game in the series to do this - later games with a character select, including the first game’s [[VideoGame/ResidentEvilRemake remake]], have some differences between characters that can give a slight edge to one or the other but mostly keep them on the same footing. This has the unfortunate effect of people who played the remake before the Playstation game thinking the latter is either [[ItsEasySoItSucks too easy]] or [[NintendoHard too hard]] because they don’t know how dramatically different the characters are in difficulty - made worse because subsequent releases had an ''entirely separate'' but more conventional difficulty select layered on top of that (which is, for the record, “Advanced,” “Standard,” and “Training” with a secret fourth difficulty activated by highlighting Advanced and holding right on the d-pad).
*** In the Remake, difficulty is instead officially based on if you like "Hiking" or "Mountain Climbing,” with the UpdatedReRelease also including “Walking.” This only applies when you start a new save - “It’s “Easy,” “Normal,” and “Very Easy” on subsequent playthroughs, with the unlockable “Hard” mode not getting an outdoorsy analogy.
** ''VideoGame/ResidentEvil3Nemesis'': Picking a character for Mercenaries mode affects your difficulty.
*** "Mikhail" (easy; has shotgun, magnum and rocket launcher)
*** "Carlos" (normal; a customizable handgun and an assault rifle)
*** "Nicholai" (standard handgun and knife)
** ''VideoGame/ResidentEvil4'': The game also features a gun called [[LittleMissBadass Mathilda]]. For extra pun, the main character of ''Film/TheProfessional'' is named Léon.
*** "Easy"
*** "Normal"
*** "[[Film/TheProfessional Professional]]"
** ''VideoGame/ResidentEvil2Remake'':
*** Assisted: Active aim assist, weaker zombies, higher ammo yields from crafting with gunpowder, and limited health regeneration (from Danger to Caution).
*** Standard: The normal difficulty level. Zombies are of moderate strength, ammo yields are smaller, and no health regeneration or aim assist.
*** Hardcore: Autosave is disabled after the introductory sequence. Saving at typewriters requires ink ribbons (just like in the older games). Zombies are more durable and stronger. Inventory expansion items are cut by half.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Tactical [=RPGs=]]]
* ''VideoGame/FireEmblem'':
** Easy (from ''[[VideoGame/FireEmblemTheSacredStones The Sacred Stones]]'' to ''[[VideoGame/FireEmblemRadiantDawn Radiant Dawn]]'')
** Normal (from ''[[VideoGame/FireEmblemGenealogyOfTheHolyWar Genealogy of the Holy War]]'' onward)
** [[ArtificialBrilliance Clever]] (''[[VideoGame/FireEmblemGenealogyOfTheHolyWar Genealogy of the Holy War]]'' only)
** Hard/Difficult (from ''[[VideoGame/FireEmblemTheBindingBlade The Binding Blade]]'' onward)
** Maniac ([[DifficultyByRegion Japanese]] ''[[VideoGame/FireEmblemPathOfRadiance Path of Radiance]]'', ''[[VideoGame/FireEmblemRadiantDawn Radiant Dawn]]'', and ''[[VideoGame/FireEmblemMysteryOfTheEmblem New Mystery of the Emblem]]'' only)
** [[HarderThanHard Lunatic]] (from ''[[VideoGame/FireEmblemMysteryOfTheEmblem New Mystery of the Emblem]]'' to ''[[VideoGame/FireEmblemHeroes Heroes]]'')
** [[NintendoHard Maddening]] (''[[VideoGame/FireEmblemThreeHouses Three Houses]]'' and ''[[VideoGame/FireEmblemEngage Engage]]'')
** [[ActionInitiative Lunatic Reverse]] (''[[VideoGame/FireEmblemMysteryOfTheEmblem New Mystery of the Emblem]]'' only)
** [[FakeDifficulty Lunatic+]] (''[[VideoGame/FireEmblemAwakening Awakening]]'' only)
** [[OhCrap Infernal]] (''[[VideoGame/FireEmblemHeroes Heroes]]'' only)
** [[SerialEscalation Abyssal]] (''[[VideoGame/FireEmblemHeroes Heroes]]'' only)
* ''VideoGame/GensouShoujoTaisen'', a VideoGame/SuperRobotWars-styled Touhou fangame has difficulties named after actual ''Super Robot Wars'' games;
** Easy: [[VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsAlpha Alpha]]
** Normal: [[VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsAlpha Alpha Gaiden]]
** Hard: [[VideoGame/SuperRobotWars4 F Final]]
** [[NintendoHard Lunatic]]: [[VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsEX EX]]
* ''VideoGame/GhostReconAdvancedWarfighter''
** "Realistic"
** "Ultra-Realistic"
* ''VideoGame/GhostReconAdvancedWarfighter2'':
** "Low Risk"
** "Guarded Risk"
** "Elevated Risk"
** ''Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars/Future Soldier'':
*** "Rookie" (''SW'')/"Recruit" (''FS'')
*** "Veteran"
*** "Elite"
* ''VideoGame/ShiningForceII''
** Normal
** Hard
** [[HarderThanHard Super]]
** Ouch!
* ''VideoGame/{{Wildermyth}}''[='s=] "Combat difficulty" options are named after authors and scale based on how GrimDark their stories' worlds are. From easiest to hardest:
** Creator/CSLewis
** Creator/JKRowling
** Creator/GeorgeRRMartin
** Creator/HPLovecraft
* ''VideoGame/ExpeditionsRome'' are, fittingly for a game centering around UsefulNotes/TheRomanEmpire, named after the most well-known Roman emperors
** Augustus (Easy)
** Caesar (Normal)
** Pompeius (Hard)
** Crassus (Insane)
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Third-Person Shooter]]
* ''VideoGame/EatLeadTheReturnOfMattHazard'' and ''Matt Hazard: Blood Bath And Beyond'':
** "Minimum Hazard" / "[[EasyModeMockery Wussy]]"
** "Major Hazard" / "Damn This is Hard"
** "Maximum Hazard" / "Fuck This Shit"
* ''VideoGame/FreedomFighters2003'' has two different lists of difficulty levels, one on the main menu when you start a new game and a second one giving a description of it that is also listed when you go to load a saved game.
** "Demonstrator": A walk in the park
** "Rebel": Have a blast
** "[[TitleDrop Freedom Fighter]]": You got what it takes?
** "Revolutionary": Against all odds
* ''VideoGame/GhostbustersTheVideoGame'':
** For the Realistic versions:
*** Casual
*** Experienced
*** Professional
** For the Stylized versions:
*** Rookie (Slimer)
*** Buster (Librarian Ghost)
*** Gozerian (Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man)
* ''VideoGame/KaneAndLynch: Dead Men'':
** "Aspirin"
** "Codeine"
** "Morphine"
* ''VideoGame/KidIcarusUprising'' uses a difficulty slider from 0.0 to 9.0, with the difficulty fine-tunable to 0.1 increments. This scale would later be reused in Classic Mode of the fourth ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBros'' (except starting from 1.0). In addition, each 1.0 increment has its own name:
** 0.0-0.9: [[EasierThanEasy Effortless]]
** 1.0-1.9: Easy
** 2.0-2.9: Standard
** 3.0-3.9: Tougher
** 4.0-4.9: Challenging
** 5.0-5.9: Heatin' Up
** 6.0-6.9: Extra Spicy
** 7.0-7.9: Infernal
** 8.0-8.9: White Hot
** 9.0: [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin Nothing Harder!]]
* ''VideoGame/MaxPayne'' and ''Max Payne 2'':
** "Fugitive" (''1'') / "Detective" (''2'')
** "Hard Boiled"
** "Dead on Arrival" (very hard, limited saves per level)
** "Old School" (''3'': Last Stand is disabled, so you must use Pain Killers manually as with ''1'' and ''2''.)
** "New York Minute" (time attack)
** "Dead Man Walking" (insane one-room enemy-spawning survival mode)
* ''VideoGame/TheSaboteur'':
** Easy
** Medium
** Hard
** Fecking Hard
* ''VideoGame/SpecOpsTheLine'':
** Walk on the Beach
** Combat Op
** Suicide Mission
** [[HarderThanHard FUBAR]][[note]]for those unfamiliar, it means "Fucked Up Beyond All Repair"[[/note]]
* ''VideoGame/{{Vanquish}}'':
** Casual Auto
** Casual
** Normal
** Hard
** [[HarderThanHard God Hard]]
* ''VideoGame/{{Wet}}'':
** Cake Walk (easy)
** Hired Gun (normal)
** Fixer (hard)
** FemmeFatale (very hard)
** Golden Bullets ([[RocketTagGameplay one-hit kills for everyone]])
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Tower Defense]]
* ''VideoGame/TheBattleCats'':
** Easy
** Normal
** Hard
** Veteran
** Expert
** Insane
** Deadly
** Merciless
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Turn-Based Strategy]]
* ''VideoGame/SidMeiersAlphaCentauri'':
** "Citizen"
** "Specialist"
** "Talent"
** "Librarian"
** "Thinker"
** "Transcend"
* ''VideoGame/BattleForWesnoth'' has difficulty settings named marked by units of different levels and mostly named after them, ''customized per campaign'':
** "Horseman (Beginner), Knight (Challenging)", "Fighter (Easy), Commander (Normal), Lord (Challenging)", "Spearman (Easy), Swordsman (Normal), Royal Guard (Challenging)" or "Peasant (Easy), Outlaw (Normal), Fugitive (Difficult)" - Human; also "Civilian (Beginner), Recruit (Easy), Soldier (Normal)"
** "Fighter (Beginner), Hero (Normal), Champion (Challenging)", "Fighter (Beginner), Lord (Normal), High Lord (Challenging)" "Soldier (Easy), Lord (Normal), High Lord (Hard)" - [[OurElvesAreDifferent Elvish]].
** "Fighter (Easy), Steelclad (Normal), Lord (Challenging)" - [[OurDwarvesAreAllTheSame Dwarvish]].
** "Grunt (Challenging), Warrior (Difficult), Warlord (Nightmare)" - [[OurOrcsAreDifferent Orcish]].
* ''Sid Meier's VideoGame/{{Civilization}}''
** Original series:
*** "Settler" (''IV'' and ''V'')
*** "Chieftain" (''I'' to ''V'', ''Revolution'')
*** "Warlord" (''I'' to ''V'', ''Revolution'')
*** "Noble" (''IV'')
*** "Prince" (''I'', ''II'' and ''V'') / Regent (''III'' and ''IV'')
*** "King" (''I'', ''II'', ''V'' and ''Revolution'') / Monarch (''III'' and ''IV'')
*** "Emperor" (''I'' to ''V'', ''Revolution'')
*** "Demigod" (''III: Play the World'', Conquests mode)
*** "Immortal" (''IV'' and ''V'')
*** "Deity" (''II'' to ''V'', ''Revolution'')
*** "Sid" (''III: Play the World'', Conquests mode)
** ''Sid Meier's VideoGame/CivilizationBeyondEarth''
*** "Sputnik"
*** "Mercury"
*** "Gemini"
*** "Vostok"
*** "Soyuz"
*** "Apollo"
* ''VideoGame/{{Colonization}}'':
** "Discoverer"
** "Explorer"
** "Conquistador"
** "Governor"
** "Viceroy"
* ''VideoGame/GalacticCivilizations'': The individual races can be set to any of Fool, Dunce, Beginner, Sub-Normal, Normal, Bright, Intelligent, Gifted, Genius, Incredible, Godlike or Ultimate; Intelligent is the only one that's fair, with the earlier ones cheating in your favour and the later ones [[TheComputerIsACheatingBastard simply cheating]]. The game ''as a whole'' has the following difficulties:
** Cakewalk
** Easy
** Simple
** Beginner
** Normal
** Challenging
** Tough
** Painful
** Crippling
** Masochistic
** Obscene
** Suicidal
* ''VideoGame/MarioPlusRabbidsSparksOfHope'':
** Relaxed
** Average
** Demanding
* ''VideoGame/MasterOfOrion II'' provides pictures of hand gestures on the game setup screen to give the player an idea of what to expect:
** "Tutor" - [[EasyModeMockery a baby's hand reaching for an adult's]]
** "Easy" - An "OK" gesture
** "Average" - A thumbs-up
** "Hard" - A clenched fist
** "[[HarderThanHard Impossible]]" - [[ThisIsGonnaSuck Hands clasped in prayer]]
* ''Old World'':
** The Able
** The Just
** The Good
** The Strong
** The Noble
** The Glorious
** The Magnificent
** The Great
* ''VideoGame/{{Pendragon}}'':
** Anecdotal
** Theatrical
** Melodramatic
** Dramatic
** Heroic
** Mythical
** Devastating
* ''VideoGame/ScorchedEarth'' has AI skill and tactics levels, although there was no clear hierarchy of easiest to hardest beyond that Morons played like, well, morons, and the Cyborg had better aiming skills and virtually always hit whatever he aimed at.
** "Moron" (Shoots at random; randomly changes its aim following a miss.)
** "Tosser" (Shoots at random; adjusts aim following a miss, but not very well)
** "Lobber" (Tends to high, lobbing shots)
** "Chooser" (Picks a target, stays on it, corrects aim fairly effectively)
** "Shooter" (Picks a target, corrects aim very well)
** "Poolshark" (Tends to make bank, bounce and wrap shots)
** "Spoiler" (Takes out damaged opponents, steals kills, ruins your shot)
** "Cyborg" (Very good aiming, virtually always hits what it aimed at, always corrects effectively in the rare case of a miss)
** "Unknown" (One of the first eight types was chosen at random and clicking on the tank did not reveal which one it was.)
* ''Space Tanks'' (Similar to ''Scorched Earth'', but in [[RecycledInSpace space]])[[note]]Yes, [[AllLowercaseLetters all these are in lower case.]][[/note]]
** please don't hurt me!
** child's play
** basic
** simple
** almost normal
** standard
** complex
** pretty difficult
** quite heavy
** super sophisticated
** incredibly awkward
* ''VisualNovel/{{Sunrider}} Academy'':
** Waifu Mode
** Helper Mode
** Normal Mode
** Hard Mode
** Space Whale Mode
* ''VideoGame/{{XCOM}}''
** ''Enemy Unknown'' and ''Terror from The Deep''
*** Beginner
*** Experienced
*** Veteran
*** Genius
*** Superhuman
** ''Enemy Unknown 2012''
*** Easy
*** Normal
*** [[NintendoHard Classic]]
*** [[HarderThanHard Impossible]]
** ''VideoGame/XCOM2''
*** Recruit
*** Veteran
*** Commander
*** Legend
[[/folder]]

!!Non-video game examples:
[[AC:ComicStrips]]
* In the comic strip ''ComicStrip/FoxTrot'', Roger Fox tries playing online poker with the usual disastrous results. The early warning signs were when the site he went to asked him to describe his level of gameplay between the three options:
** Expert
** Semi-Expert
** [[SchmuckBait Fool who]] '''[[SchmuckBait THINKS]]''' [[HarderThanHard he's an expert, but is about to learn a cruel lesson]]
--->'''Roger:''' [[TooDumbToLive Expert!]]
* One [=StickManStickMan=] [[http://stickman.qntm.org/comics.php?n=198 comic strip]] has a swordfight training robot that has difficulty settings including the following. [[note]]We don't learn about the names of the easier levels.[[/note]]
** Expert
** Master
** Impossible

* ''Videogame/WillYouSnail:'' The four difficulty levels are called:
** Easy [[note]] [[BlatantLies for beginners.]][[/note]]
** Very easy [[note]] [[EasyModeMockery for complete beginners who are bad at platforming.]][[/note]]
** Extremely easy [[note]][[EasyModeMockery for complete beginners who are bad at platforming and have slow reflexes.]][[/note]]
** Infinitely easy. [[note]] [[EasierThanEasy for complete beginners who are bad at platforming and have slow reflexes and are a bit dumb.]][[/note]]
*** According to squid, the higher difficulties are reserved for more intelligent species than humans.

[[/folder]]

[[folder:Puzzle Games]]
* Indie puzzle game ''Chromashift'' has normal level numbers, but a different description for each:
** Level 1: For Beginning Players
** Level 2: A Fairly Safe Bet
** Level 3: Not Too Hard
** Level 4: Getting Fairly Difficult
** Level 5: Yeah, Good Luck With That
* ''VideoGame/CrashFever''

** Expert
** Legend
** Wizard

** [[HarderThanHard Spectre]]
** Omega
* ''VideoGame/GuiltyParty'' has:
** Rookie (Easy)
** Detective (Medium)
** Super Sleuth (Hard)
* ''VideoGame/KirbysAvalanche'' has difficulty levels named after degrees of food spiciness. [[note]]This is similar to, but not exactly, the naming scheme for gameplay difficulty of VideoGame/PuyoPuyo (see below), which, to this day, uses spiciness (specifically, of curry).[[/note]]
** "Mild"
** "Medium"
** "Spicy"
** "Hot"
** "Cajun"
* ''VideoGame/{{Lemmings}}'' series:
** The original game:
*** Fun
*** Tricky
*** Taxing
*** Mayhem
** ''Oh No! More Lemmings'':
*** Tame
*** Crazy
*** Wild
*** Wicked
*** Havoc
* ''VideoGame/Lit2009'' has two difficulties: "Light" and "Dark". The difference is that "Dark" is essentially a TimedMission where your light resources slowly dim over time.
* ''VideoGame/PuyoPuyo'' has two sets of levels, one for Versus play (curry spiciness, an allusion to curry being Arle and Carbuncle's TrademarkFavoriteFood), and one for Story mode in the ''[[VideoGame/PuyoPuyoFever Fever]]'' [[VideoGame/PuyoPuyoFever2 games]] (Japanese onomatopoieas).
** Versus:
*** Sweet
*** Mild
*** Medium
*** Spicy
*** Very Spicy
** Story:
*** [=RunRun=] (Easy/Tutorial)
*** [=WakuWaku=] (Normal)
*** [=HaraHara=] (Hard)
* ''VideoGame/SpinDoctor'':
** Pre-Med
** Intern
** Resident
** Specialist
* ''VideoGame/SuperHexagon'':
** Hexagon -- [[NintendoHard Hard]]
** Hexagoner -- {{Harder|ThanHard}}
** Hexagonest -- [[DiscOneFinalDungeon Hardest]]
** Hyper Hexagon -- [[HardModeFiller Hardester]]
** Hyper Hexagoner -- [[OverlyLongGag Hardestest]]
** Hyper Hexagonest -- [[TheVeryDefinitelyFinalDungeon Hardestestest]]
* ''VideoGame/{{Tetris}}'':
** ''VideoGame/TetrisTheGrandMaster 2 PLUS'':
*** Normal
*** Master
*** T.A. Death
** ''VideoGame/TetrisTheGrandMaster 3'':

*** Master
*** Shirase
** ''VideoGame/TetrisTheGrandMaster 4'':
*** Konoha
*** Master
*** Rounds
** ''VideoGame/TetrisTheGrandMaster ACE'':
*** Normal
*** Hi-Speed
*** Hi-Speed 2
*** Another
*** Another 2
* ''VideoGame/TrashPanic'':
** Sweets Course
** Maindish Course
** Hell Course

[[folder:Racing Games]]
* ''VideoGame/{{Carmageddon}}'': The original created some controversy with its lowest difficulty setting, while ''Carmageddon II: Carpocalypse Now'' took things even further. ''Carmageddon TDR 2000'' made them less violent.
** "As easy as killing bunnies with axes" / "As easy as stamping on kittens" / "Sunday Driver"
** "Normal everyday carnage" / "Normal day-to-day depravity" / "Boy Racer"
** "As hard as French-kissing a cobra" / "As hard as fisting a Velociraptor" / "Speed Demon"
* ''VideoGame/DeathRally'':
** Speed Makes me Dizzy
** I Live to Ride
** I Got Petrol in my Veins
* ''VideoGame/FASTRacingLeague'':
** Neutron
** Proton
** Ion
* ''FAST Racing Neo''
** Subsonic
** Supersonic
** Hypersonic
* ''VideoGame/{{Forza}}'', starting from ''Motorsport 5'', has these difficulty settings:
** [[EasierThanEasy Tourist]] (introduced in ''Horizon 5'')
** New Racer
** Average
** Above Average
** Highly Skilled
** Expert
** Pro
** [[HarderThanHard Unbeatable]]
* ''VideoGame/MarioKart'' : All games in the series use engine powers to donate difficulty level, with each affecting kart speed and AI aggressiveness, with lower engine powers resulting in lower speed, but easier handling.
** 50cc
** 100cc
** 150cc (There's also Mirror Mode, which is at this engine power, but with the courses flipped.)
** 200cc (Mario Kart 8 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Only)
* ''VideoGame/ReVolt'' : Affects how the cars handle, as well as how accurate the game's collision detection is.
** Junior RC
** Console
** Arcade
** Simulation
* The original ''VideoGame/SanFranciscoRush'' has '''audio''' Idiosyncratic Difficulties based on which car you picked. Each car handling class is accompanied by a car alarm which gets gradually more intense the more a class traded handling for speed, topping off with Extreme's "''It's dangerous!''" followed by screaming. The N64 port added a few special cars that has difficulty levels of "Ooooh, yeah!"
* ''{{VideoGame/Wipeout}}'' normally has speed classes stand in for difficulty levels:
** [[EasierThanEasy Vector]]
** Venom
** Flash
** Rapier
** [[HarderThanHard Phantom]] (hidden difficulty in earlier games)
** ''Wipeout HD'' has AI difficulty levels in addition to speed classes:
*** Novice
*** Skilled
*** Elite
** ''Wipeout 2048'' has completely different speed classes due to being a prequel to the rest of the series:
*** D Class
*** C Class
*** B Class
*** A Class
*** A+ Class