Hardcore mode is the ultimate challenge in Yet Another Zombie Survivors as it features more enemies that deal higher damage compared to Normal and Endless modes.
To beat Hardcore, players will need to use the best squad and abilities while also making sure to select the right items.
In this guide, I will provide the best tips to help you beat Hardcore Mode in Yet Another Zombie Survivors.
Before moving on, make sure to check out our guide on how Happiness and the Potato work in YAZS as upgrading Happiness is vital for beating Hardcore.
Best Tips to Beat Hardcore Mode in Yet Another Zombie Survivors
Here are the best tips in YAZS that will help you beat Hardcore mode without trouble:
1. Use the Best Squad
With six characters in the game, there are many potential squad combinations. However, not all of them work well together. Here are some of the best squads to try in YAZS to beat Hardcore mode:
- Ghost, Huntress, Engineer
- SWAT, Tank, Medic
- SWAT, Tank, Ghost
- Ghost, Engineer, Medic
- Ghost, SWAT, Huntress
If you decide to use the Ghost, keep in mind that it’s one of the trickiest characters in the game. Make sure to check our guide on the best Ghost build in Yet Another Zombie Survivors to pick the best weapons and abilities.
2. Get the Best Upgrades
Players can upgrade their passive attributes via the Upgrade Menu. These are stats that carry over between runs and will help make your life significantly easier.
Here are some must-have upgrades for Hardcore mode:
- Bigger Bullets – Increase Weapon Damage by 5/10/15/20/25%
- Trigger Happy Havoc – Increased Fire Rate for Weapons by 5/10/15/20/25%
- Gotta Go Fast – Survivors move faster by 3/6/9/12/15%
- Hawk Eye – Increase Critical Hit Chance by 7/9/11/13/15%
- Boom Headshot – Increase Critical Hit Damage by 210/220/230/240/250%
For more details, check out our guide on the best upgrades in Yet Another Zombie Survivors.
3. Increase the Happiness Stat
Happiness is a stat that isn’t explained at all in YAZS and many players have been confused about what it does. Happiness will increase your chances of getting Power-Ups during a run, such as Frenzy and Armor Up.
These upgrades can make the difference between dying and surviving in Hardcore Mode and you’ll need as many of these drops as possible.
Thus, if you find a Teddy Bear in your shop, always take it as the extra Happiness will make your life easier.
4. Focus on Dodging
At the final minute, there will be way too many bosses and it’s impossible to kill them all. With enough movement speed upgrades, focus on running around, dodging, and kitting until the timer reaches the 10-minute mark.
Upon reaching 10 minutes, all enemies will stop moving and you’ll complete Hardcore Mode. Thus, there’s no reason to get greedy and try to kill the 5-10 bosses that will be charging at you during the final minute.
5. Avoid Turret Skills
Since you’ll be constantly on the move, especially during the final few minutes, turret skills aren’t really helpful.
This is because they stay still on the spot where they’re placed and won’t follow you around. Since your goal is to stay alive until the 10-minute mark and dodging is a priority, turret skills should be avoided.
This includes the Engineer’s electric turret and the SWAT’s deployable turret.
Wrapping up How to Beat Hardcore Mode in YAZS
In conclusion, these are the five best tips to help you beat Hardcore mode in Yet Another Zombie Survivors.
Select the best team, upgrades, and items, prioritize dodging, and avoid turret skills. If done properly, you’ll have no issue clearing Hardcore mode while staying on full HP.
Which team did you use to beat Hardcore? Do you have any other tips to offer? Feel free to share your thoughts and builds in the comments below.
Before leaving, don’t forget to check out our list of the best weapons in Yet Another Zombie Survivors to make sure you’re using the most optimal load-outs.
He has a Master’s Degree in Philosophy, which allows him to always come up with a fresh approach to solving in-game puzzles and challenges, but also to create content that’s to the point, clean and easy to follow.
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