Game Difficulty for Mass Effect covers information on the different game levels that can be selected by the player at the start of the game. After finishing the game on any of the above difficulties, the Hardcore difficulty will be unlocked.
In Mass Effect Insanity is the highest difficulty setting. The only way to unlock the Insanity mode, is if to complete the game on Hardcore mode without changing the difficulty during the game. Playing on Insanity difficulty with a brand new (level 1) character is very tough, as enemies can deal a lot of damage.
This page indicates the different game difficulties that are available to the game.
Mass Effect Game Difficulty
Casual
All enemies, including bosses, are scaled down relative to the player's level. Most enemies have no special protection or immunities.
Normal
Bosses scaled up based on the player's level. Some enemies have special protection.
Veteran
Bosses and sub-bosses scaled up based on player level. Most enemies have special protection
Hardcore
Most enemies are scaled up based on player's level. All enemies have protection. Bosses have immunities
Insanity
All enemies are scaled up relative to player level. Bosses and sub-bosses scale radically. All enemies have protection. Bosses and sub-bosses have immunities.
Career Options
Casual
All enemies scale more slowly than player. The player and hechmen also take half damage.
Enemy Type |
Note |
| Minion | 10% of player level |
| Elite | 20% of player level |
| Sub-Boss | 30% of player level.+1 additional level |
| Boss | 40% of player level.+2 additional level |
Normal
Only Bosses scale as quickly as the player.
Enemy Type |
Note |
| Minion | 33% of player level |
| Elite | 50% of player level +1 additional level |
| Sub-Boss | 75% of player level, +2 additional levels |
| Boss | Player level, +4 additional levels |
Veteran
Bosses and Sub-Bosses scale as quickly as the player.
Enemy Type |
Note |
| Minion | 50% of player level |
| Elite | 75% of player level +2 additional levels |
| Sub-Boss | Player level, +2 additional levels |
| Boss | Player level, +6 additional levels |
Hardcore
Only Minions scale more slowly than the player.
Enemy Type |
Note |
| Minion | 75% of player level |
| Elite | Player level +2 additional levels |
| Sub-Boss | Player level, +6 additional levels |
| Boss | Player level, +10 additional levels |
Insanity
All enemies scale as quickly as the player.
Enemy Type |
Note |
| Minion | Player level |
| Elite | Player level +6 additional levels |
| Sub-Boss | Player level, +10 additional levels |
| Boss | Player level, +15 additional levels |
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