Modifiers are the key system here. Each star requires a higher modifier percentage, and you unlock better modifiers as you progress.

• ⭐ 1st Star: 60% modifier boost
• ⭐⭐ 2nd Star: 125% boost
• ⭐⭐⭐ 3rd Star: Higher difficulty modifiers
• ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4th Star: Extreme modifiers + smart combinations

Also important:

• No Grand Encounters (even Searchlights)
• New ending
• Runs play differently from normal mode

⭐ First Star (60%) – Best Beginner Mod Setup

Recommended Mods (Safe Picks)

Use these to hit 60% easily:

• Up The Ante – More node spawns (manageable)
• Sneak Attack – Nodes can come from front (just play slower)
• Tight Security – More passwords (free %)
• Paranoia – Gas at start (ignore, just leave quickly)
• Natural Resistance – Less healing (fine if careful)
• Redeemer – Easy mechanic
• Free Trial – Ads every 15 min (free %)

Situational Picks

• Gum – Adds timer-based threat (annoying but usable)
• Turret Upgrades – Only if you’re confident

Avoid These

These will ruin your run:

• Up The Hate – Too many nodes
• So Much Variety – Makes enemies chaotic
• Hunted – Hard-to-detect threat
• Light Work – Removes dark room advantage
• Fake Door Modifier – Very punishing

Key Tip

Play slow and controlled, especially in the Ridge:

• Always know where lockers are
• Wait if unsure
• Don’t rush doors

⭐⭐ Second Star (125%) – Guest Modifiers

Now things get harder. Focus on easy guest mods + free % mods.

Best Mods to Use

Strong Picks

• Grace Modifier
  • Adds multiple enemies, but manageable in Pressure
• Devil Incarnate
  • Just click to close Joey’s mouth
• Always (I-Fest)
  • Easy if you don’t panic

Free % Mods

• Nav’i Malfunction – No door numbers (irrelevant)
• Art Portfolio – Pop-ups (harmless)
• Doors Stuck – Just slower interaction
• Sitcom – Laugh track (literally free)

Avoid These

• Rooms Modifier – Extremely dangerous enemies
• Conundrum – Hard minigame + random penalties
• Budget Cutbacks – Halves light durability
• Butterfingers – Drops items (run killer)
• Freeze Frame – Very punishing
• Wet Floor (Void Mass) – Hard to detect

Key Tip

Most deaths here come from:

• Panic reactions
• Not understanding new enemies

Stay calm and learn patterns.

⭐⭐⭐ Third Star – Inventory & Pressure Mods

This tier looks scary but actually has many free modifiers.

Best Picks

• Shallow Pockets (4 items) – Totally fine
• Two Hands (2 items) – Manageable
• I Always Come Back (Wall Dweller) – Just check behind
• Porous Walls – Nodes see through walls (not too bad)
• Hot Potato – Easy crouch mechanic
• Explosive Storage – Avoidable mines
• Friendly – Actually HELPS you

Avoid

• Subspace Trip Mines – Invisible = death
• Landmines Everywhere – Too frequent

Key Tip

This tier is about awareness, not difficulty:

• Look around more
• Don’t rush looting
• Accept limited inventory

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fourth Star – Final Challenge

This is where you stack high % modifiers smartly.

Best High-Value Mods

• Chaos (50%)
  • Random events (can help you too)
• 3AM Challenge (25%)
  • Just look at enemies to push them back
• Rat Race (30%)
  • Keep data up → easy
• Not For Broadcast (40%)
  • Time limit on Ridge (manageable if fast)
• All or Nothing / Lock In
  • Free % if you commit

Situational

• Interloper – Constant chase (dangerous late game)
• Noodle Legs – Annoying ragdoll

Avoid

• Pure Pandemonium – Extremely hard

Final Strategy

To consistently get all 4 stars:

1. Stack “Free %” Mods First

Always prioritize:

• UI changes
• Annoyances
• Slowdowns

Avoid:

• Detection-based difficulty
• Invisible threats
• Audio-reliant dangers

2. Play Slower Than Normal

This mode punishes rushing hard.

• Wait near lockers
• Listen carefully
• Move room-by-room

3. Ridge = Make or Break

Most runs fail here.

• Always know your escape
• Don’t panic
• Track spawn timing

4. Don’t Combine Bad Mods

Example:

• Fake Doors + Low Healing = death
• Darkness + More Nodes = chaos