Alien Isolation just got harder...and easier

Developer Creative Assembly has just announced a new update for Alien Isolation which adds two new difficulty settings, one for those who want an even tougher challenge and one for players who require something less stressful.

“We’ve seen a number of players with extremely strong dispositions demand more challenges for their Alien: Isolation encounter – another try at survival against tougher odds,” said the studio. “In response to your requests, we’ve created Nightmare Mode, a new difficulty level, which should challenge players to beat the ultimate Alien: Isolation experience.”

In Nightmare mode, you'll have to explore the Sevastopol space station without the benefit of a HUD, your motion tracker will be broken, resources and ammo will be more scarce and human enemies and androids will be more aggressive.

Naturally, the Alien itself will also be more fearsome. “With an upgraded AI that has amplified its fatal hostility, every step you take may be your last,” says Creative Assembly. “Our monster is more adaptive, learning from your tactics with chilling speed and with intensified senses that will give you no second chances.”

Novice Mode, as you'd expect, is the complete opposite. “You’ll be given more resources and ammunition, with synthetics and fellow survivors being less troublesome,” explains the developer. “Our Alien will also be more forgiving, more easily distracted and less aggressive in his hunting style.”

The modes are part of a free update available across all versions. Alien Isolation is out now for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC.