Stage is the playing field where the player fights off hordes of enemies to survive as long as possible until the stage's time limit.
There are currently 27 official stages in the game. The base game has 20 stages, consisting of: 5 normal stages, 5 bonus stages, 7 challenge stages, 2 special stages, and 1 hidden stage. The rest of the stages comes from DLCs, all of which has combined total of 7 stages. Stages can be unlocked by fulfilling certain requirements to unlock their corresponding achievement without the need to be purchased with coins, with the exception of Mad Forest, which is the first playable stage and being unlocked by default.
Completing a stage
If the player survives until the stage's time limit, the stage is considered complete, at which point one Reaper will arrive every minute to slay the player and end their run, unless Endless mode is enabled.
After completing the stage, the player will earn 500 gold coins as an additional reward upon death. The amount can be further increased by an additional 100 coins for each unused revival until the end of the player's run; revivals used beyond that point will still contribute towards the bonus coins.
Stage modifiers
Each stage applies modifiers to certain player and enemy stats. Aside from the stage's base modifiers, extra modifiers can be added by enabling modes. Modifiers can affect the player's movement speed, projectile speed, gold gain, and luck, as well as the enemies' movement speed, health, and quantity. The base modifiers and bonuses conferred by selected modes stack additively, where the total value of combined bonuses is then applied as a multiplier to the stat boosts from passive items and PowerUps. The Luck bonus is an exception, as it is added to the selected character's Luck stat instead.
Modes
Modes change the difficulty and experience of stages by adding bonuses to both the player's and enemies' stats in addition to base stage modifiers. Players may obtain additional rewards by playing with modes enabled; however, the difficulty of stages will also increase since enemies may also be boosted as well.
All stages have four unlockable and toggleable modes: Hyper, Hurry, Inverse, and Endless mode. Modes can be activated before entering a stage in the Stage Selection menu. Multiple modes can be activated concurrently and in conjunction with gameplay modifiers.
Hyper Mode
Hyper Mode increases the character's and enemies' movement speed by 65%–75%, the projectile speed by 15%–25%, and the gold multiplier by 50%. On some stages, hyper mode also provides bonuses to the player's luck stat and enemies' HP. The overall bonuses granted by hyper mode differ with each stage, the values of which are displayed on the window above the Stage Selection menu.
When playing in Hyper Mode, the hyper modifier is automatically applied to stage themes, which causes the music to sound faster and higher in pitch.
Unlocking a stage's Hyper Mode varies depending on the stage. Most stages require defeating a specific boss enemy to unlock the hyper mode for that stage, some challenge stages require unlocking a number of hyper modes from other stages in order to unlock their own, while some stages already has hyper mode unlocked for them.
Detailed information regarding the exact values of bonuses conferred by hyper mode for each stage and their unlock requirements is contained in this section.
Hurry Mode
Hurry Mode doubles the stage's Clock Speed and increases XP gain by 25%. The increased Clock Speed causes the in-game timer to move twice as fast, therefore halving the time required to reach a stage's completion in real time. All time-based events (e.g., enemy spawns, evolution chest drops, wave events) occur at their usual timestamps on the in-game timer.
Hurry Mode is unlocked by collecting the Sorceress' Tears relic, located in Gallo Tower.
Inverse Mode
Inverse Mode increases gold gain by +200% and the Luck bonus by +20%. In addition, enemies start with +200% HP and acquire +5% HP and +0.5 movement speed per minute. This effect is additive with other enemy bonus modifiers from specific stages, such as The Bone Zone and Bat Country.
In Inverse Mode, the stage's layout is rotated by 180°, and the map becomes darker and different in hue. On certain stages, stage items may be placed differently due to the inverted layout. The layout inversion effect can be toggled in the Settings, using the "Visually Invert Stages" option in the Gameplay section.
In this mode, the merchant also offers Skips, Banishes, Rerolls, and an extra Arcana.
When playing in Inverse Mode on some stages, the stage theme will change to the alternate track if available. However, playing as a character with a unique theme (such as Pugnala) will override this effect.
Inverse Mode is unlocked by collecting the Gracia's Mirror relic, located in Eudaimonia Machine.
Endless Mode
Endless Mode disables the spawning of Reapers upon reaching the stage's time limit. Instead, reaching the final minute of a stage causes the enemy waves to restart from the beginning, completing a "cycle," allowing the stage to continue indefinitely. After completing the first cycle, the stage will be considered complete. Every cycle, enemies gain +100% of their base HP, their spawn frequency and quantity increase by +50%, and their damage dealt increases by +25%; also, the player's max incoming damage cap is reduced by 1.
In this mode, the merchant respawns after each cycle and begins offering one additional Revival in place of Golden Eggs, as well as an extra Arcana if Inverse Mode is also enabled.
Endless Mode is unlocked by collecting the Seventh Trumpet relic, located in Eudaimonia Machine.
Gameplay modifiers
Gameplay modifiers are supplementary mechanics that add or modify a feature to the gameplay of stages, thereby allowing the player to better their performance or change the dynamics of their runs.
There are four unlockable and toggleable gameplay modifiers in the game: Arcanas, Limit Break, the Randomizers—Random Events and Random LevelUp. Gameplay modifiers can be activated before entering a stage in the Stage Selection menu. Multiple gameplay modifiers can be activated concurrently and in conjunction with modes.
Arcana
- Main article: Arcanas
The Arcanas are a set of individual modifiers styled after tarot cards, each with its own set of effects and changes to certain aspects of gameplay.
With Arcanas activated, the player can obtain three of them throughout a run, the first of which is given at the start of the run and the other two from Arcana chests dropped by special bosses at specific timestamps. Although only three Arcanas can normally be possessed simultaneously, the player can have an unlimited number of Arcanas. Having more than three Arcanas is possible by playing as certain characters who can obtain additional Arcanas (such as Santa), starting with an extra Arcana (such as Avatar), entering with Inverse Mode on, or using the Moonlight Bolero (VI) Darkana.
The Arcana system is unlocked by collecting the Randomazzo relic located in Gallo Tower, along with the first Arcana for the player, Sarabande of Healing (VI). Collecting the Darkasso in Room 1665 expands the system to incorporate Darkanas, which increases the selection of available Arcana. Each Arcana and Darkana can be unlocked by completing their corresponding achievements.
Limit Break
- Main article: Limit Break
Limit Break enables equipped weapons to be upgraded beyond their usual limits, allowing weapons to become more powerful than what they normally are.
With Limit Break activated, upon maxing out all equipped weapon and passive items, the player will no longer Coin or Floor Chicken options. Instead, they will start to receive Limit Break upgrades, with each level-up providing an upgrade to a specific stat for one of the player's equipped weapons.
Weapons with Limit Break levels may still be evolved. However, the weapon will lose all of its additionally obtained stats and its will start back from 1. Certain weapons are excluded from this rule such as SpellStrom and Alucard Shield
, which keeps the Limit Break stats of their precedents even after evolving.
Limit Break is unlocked by collecting the Great Gospel relic after defeating The Ender in Cappella Magna.
Randomizers
Randomizers are special gameplay options which adds a factor of unpredictability to the gameplay, as their name implies. Unlike other modifiers which is intended to directly enhance gameplay, Randomizers focus on increasing stage difficulty by incorporating an element of randomness to each run.
Currently, the game features two Randomizers: Random Events and Random LevelUp. These options can be accessed through a dedicated window in the Stage Selection screen, located alongside the windows for modes and other gameplay modifiers. Notably, this Randomizers window is not visible initially and only becomes available after unlocking at least one Randomizer.
Random Events
- Main article: Random Events
Random Events, also referred to as Randomized Minute Events, introduce a spinning roulette to the bottom-right corner of the screen when activated before a run, which appears as The Directer's masks on three black concentric rings. At the 30-second mark of every minute, the roulette selects a random event, which then triggers at the start of the following minute. These events vary widely in their effects—some may be beneficial, others detrimental, and some simply add a touch of humor without significant impact.
The Random Events option is unlocked by collecting the Trisection relic, located in Astral Stair. Notably, this feature is always enabled by default in Astral Stair before acquiring the Trisection relic. Once unlocked, it can be toggled on or off like other stage modifiers.
Random LevelUp
Random LevelUp, when enabled before a run, removes the player’s ability to manually select items during level-ups. Instead, the game automatically designates a random weapon or passive item to be added or upgraded in the player’s inventory. If Limit Break is also enabled, Random LevelUp will continue to apply its effects to it as well.
The Random LevelUp option is unlocked by collecting the Brave Story relic, which appears in Space 54 at the 18-minute mark.
Available stages
This is a list of stages with their respective additional information given in the Stage Selection menu.
Base game
Stage | Unlock & Modifiers | Notes | |
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Regular | Hyper | ||
Stage 1 Once a thriving haven, now a dumping ground for evil. A vampire is said to be the root of this evil, but we can find only mayhem and roast chicken. | Unlocked by default
| Unlocked by defeating the Giant Blue Venus (25:00)
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Stage 2 The Futile Scribe was cursed to know all and understand nothing. His endless library may gift us insight... or damnation. A mask of stone whispers endlessly within. | Unlocked by reaching level 20 in the Mad Forest
| Unlocked by defeating the Hag (25:00)
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Stage 3 The birthplace of Milk Magic churns with chaos. Here, it's not just blood that curdles. A secret map awaits the hero brave enough to enter this overthrown factory. | Unlocked by reaching level 40 in the Inlaid Library
| Unlocked by defeating the Sword Guardian (25:00)
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Stage 4 An edifice of science and sorcery where horror was made manifest in the name of progress. Its many artifacts and experiments may lead us to what we seek. | Unlocked by reaching level 60 in the Dairy Plant
| Unlocked by defeating the Giant Enemy Crab (25:00)
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Stage 5 Conceited were they that ruled from so high yet stooped so low. This nexus of debased purity is the perfect place to find a vampire. Probably. | Unlocked by reaching level 80 in the Gallo Tower
| Unlocked by defeating the Trinacria (25:00)
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Bonus The flowers seem to sing here, calling out to weary heroes. Is such an unspoilt place even real? Does it matter? Is there roast chicken? | Unlocked by unlocking Hyper Mode for 1 normal stage
| Unlocked by unlocking Hyper Mode for 1 normal stage
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Bonus Legend tells of a city swallowed by the sea under a full moon's callous watch. Home to mysteries unknown, we ought to see what lies within its walls. | Unlocked by unlocking Hyper Mode for 4 normal stages
| Unlocked by unlocking Hyper Mode for 4 normal stages
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Hidden Ground Wait, you can see this too? This isn't right... | Unlocked by reaching 15 minutes with a non-secret character in Moongolow for the first time, and automatically entered.
| N/A |
Additionally:
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Challenge Fate changes by the minute in a realm where mortals can only trespass. What rewards wait those who challenge its rules? Treasure? Glory? Poultry? | Unlocked by unlocking Hyper Mode for 2 stages
| Unlocked by unlocking Hyper Mode for 2 stages
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Challenge Calcified carnage awaits where the dead go to live. If we speak unholy vespers we will open the way, but should we not go home? Have we not dug too deep? | Unlocked by unlocking Hyper Mode for 3 normal stages
| Unlocked by unlocking Hyper Mode for 3 normal stages
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Challenge The monsters want entertainment, and if we win their game, the loot is ours for the taking. Let us face these recycled assets and do what we do best... survive! | Unlocked by unlocking Hyper Mode for all 5 normal stages
| Unlocked by unlocking Hyper Mode for all 5 normal stages
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Bonus Arctic mirages and a slow, constant snowstorm make this great glacier a hostile environment. Nonetheless, the myths of a powerful weapon, a mysterious potion, and a cursed woman who hates hot springs, make for strong lures. | Unlocked by collecting 20 Orologions
| Unlocked by collecting 20 Orologions
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Bonus A cosmic trek through horror and delight. | Unlocked by collecting 5 Gold Fingers
| Unlocked by collecting 5 Gold Fingers
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Bonus Once known as the “King Bible” underground train station, these tunnels beneath the Laborratory now host chaotic, clandestine, and incredibly dangerous go-kart races run by the lizardman King Carlo. | Unlocked by dealing a total of 25,120 damage with the Laborratory Train
| Unlocked by dealing a total of 25,120 damage with the Laborratory Train
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Challenge Formerly the foundry where famed anti-vampiric weaponologist Santa Ladonna created many trinkets, the Laborratory now lies abandoned. Whispers echo that Santa fled from this makeshift workshop when her experimental alchemy somehow opened a door that was never supposed to be breached. | Unlocked by finding 33 Rosaries
| Unlocked by finding 33 Rosaries
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Challenge We can't stop here. | Unlocked by reaching level 80 in Mad Forest with inverse mode enabled
| Unlocked by reaching level 80 in Mad Forest with inverse mode enabled
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Challenge A highway used to reach other worlds and dimensions. It's dangerous to venture through alone, but you probably won't listen to me anyway, will you? | Unlocked by reaching level 80 in Inlaid Library with inverse mode enabled
| Unlocked by reaching level 80 in Inlaid Library with inverse mode enabled
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Challenge Two opposing factions abruptly stopped fighting over this little bridge. No doubt the source of this cessation will turn out to be harmless. | Unlocked by reaching level 80 in Gallo Tower with inverse mode enabled
| Unlocked by reaching level 80 in Gallo Tower with inverse mode enabled
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??? A space between spaces. The culmination of something, or simply another beginning? Tag, you're it. | Unlocked by obtaining all standard Relics from all stages
| N/A |
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??? Seemingly bottomless, the down-reaching doors of this huge, infernal contraption open only when fed the blood of monsters. Summoned by the baneful behavior of a long forgotten clan, the unfathomable depths of these haunted halls whisper with a putrid power that yearns for innocent souls to play with. | Unlocked by using the spell "forbiddenbox"
| Unlocked by using the spell "forbiddenbox"
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Legacy of the Moonspell
Stage | Unlock & Modifiers | Notes | |
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Regular | Hyper | ||
Special Ancestral home of a fallen clan, now overrun by yokai and oni. In this world where the sun doesn't shine, the night is victorious. | Unlocked by unlocking Inlaid Library and owning Legacy of the Moonspell DLC
| Unlocked by defeating the Orochimario (25:00)
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Tides of the Foscari
Stage | Unlock & Modifiers | Notes | |
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Regular | Hyper | ||
Special An enchanted forest stuffed with fae mysteries and mythological entities. The perfect place to have an average adventure with zero complications. | Unlocked by unlocking Inlaid Library and owning Tides of the Foscari DLC
| Unlocked by defeating the Avatar of Gaea (25:00)
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Special Sealed by Luminaire in ancient times to contain the darkness within, these underground ruins are now accessible, but so is the outside world the the evil from the depths. | Unlocked by breaking the Seal of the Lake with Keitha
| Unlocked by defeating the Je-Ne-Viv
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Emergency Meeting
Stage | Unlock & Modifiers | Notes | |
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Regular | Hyper | ||
Special Summoned to a mysterious science station amongst the stars, survival is far from certain. Extraterrestrial evil and inter-dimensional duplicity lurk behind every space rock. | Unlocked by unlocking Inlaid Library and owning Emergency Meeting DLC
| Unlocked by defeating the Suspicious Eyes (25:00)
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Operation Guns
Stage | Unlock & Modifiers | Notes | |
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Regular | Hyper | ||
Special Join Contra Force to run and gun across the relentlessly horizontal width of Galuga, from the jungle to Neo City and through the horrors lurking beyond. Let's survive determinedly! | Unlocked by unlocking Inlaid Library and owning Operation Guns DLC
| Unlocked by defeating Taka (25:00)
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Special Contra Force, rev your jetbikes - its time to drive fast, and fire faster. Red Falcon traitors are invading the C-1 Highway for some treasonable reason, and we need you to defend our crucial infrastructure. | Unlocked by evolving the C-U-Laser
| Unlocked by evolving the C-U-Laser
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Ode to Castlevania
Stage | Unlock & Modifiers | Notes | |
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Regular | Hyper | ||
Special As myriad humans from all over the world joined their vespers in unison, the forces of chaos resonated and granted them their dark wish. The King of Terror raises yet again, and with him his demon castle: Castlevania. | Unlocked by unlocking Inlaid Library and owning Ode to Castlevania DLC
| Unlocked by defeating the Malphas (enemy) (25:00)
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