Conquering the Necromorphs: Unlocking and Mastering Impossible Mode in Dead Space Remake

So, you’re ready to truly test your mettle against the horrors of the USG Ishimura? You crave the ultimate challenge, the thrill of knowing one wrong move means starting all over? Then you’re asking the right question: How do you unlock Impossible Mode in the Dead Space Remake? The beauty of this remake is that Impossible Mode is available from the very beginning of the game. Unlike the original Dead Space, you don’t need to beat the game on any other difficulty first. Simply start a new game, and you’ll find Impossible Mode nestled amongst the difficulty options, daring you to select it. Now, surviving it, that’s a different story entirely. Get ready for the fight of your life!

Understanding the True Meaning of “Impossible”

Before you jump headfirst into this brutal difficulty, let’s be clear about what you’re signing up for. Impossible Mode isn’t just harder enemies and fewer resources; it’s a permadeath run. That means one death, and it’s game over. You’ll be booted back to the main menu, forced to start from the very beginning. No checkpoints, no second chances. This significantly raises the stakes, turning every encounter into a tense, strategic battle for survival. Your single save slot becomes your most precious resource, so use it wisely.

Tips for Surviving the Impossible

Surviving Impossible Mode isn’t just about being a good shot. It’s about smart resource management, strategic upgrades, and knowing your enemy. Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Master the Plasma Cutter: This weapon is your best friend. Upgrade it strategically, focusing on damage and capacity, and you’ll be able to handle most encounters efficiently. It’s versatile, accurate, and ammo-efficient.
• Stasis is Your Savior: Use Stasis liberally. Slowing down Necromorphs gives you precious time to aim, reposition, and strategize. Don’t be afraid to use it defensively to escape a tight spot.
• Conserve Ammo and Health: Every shot counts. Aim for the limbs, and prioritize dismemberment over headshots. Scavenge every corner for ammo and health packs. Use Kinesis to grab distant items and save your precious resources.
• Upgrade Strategically: Focus on upgrading your RIG for increased health and inventory space. Prioritize weapon upgrades that improve damage and ammo capacity.
• Know Your Enemies: Learn the weaknesses of each Necromorph type. Some are vulnerable to certain weapons, while others require specific strategies. Knowledge is power.
• Abuse the Shop: Whenever you reach a shop, fully restock on ammo, health, and Stasis packs. Sell any unnecessary items to maximize your credits. Purchasing capacity upgrades to your weapons will fully restock the magazine so consider stocking a weapon specifically for this use.
• Take Your Time: Don’t rush. Explore every nook and cranny for resources. Plan your routes carefully, and avoid unnecessary encounters.
• Utilize New Game Plus: If you’ve already beaten the game, starting an Impossible run on New Game Plus gives you a significant advantage. You’ll start with your upgraded suit, weapons, and inventory, making the early game much easier.
• Save Smart: You have unlimited saves, but only one save slot. Save frequently, especially after clearing a difficult area or making significant progress. However, be wary of saving in a dangerous situation, as you might get trapped.

The Rewards of the Impossible

Conquering Impossible Mode in Dead Space Remake is no easy feat, but the rewards are well worth the effort. You’ll earn:

• The Untouchable Achievement/Trophy: A prestigious badge of honor, proving your skill and dedication.
• The Burnished Suit: A unique and stylish suit, showing off your accomplishment.
• The Hand Cannon: This ridiculously overpowered weapon fires foam fingers that cause enemies to explode in a shower of blood and confetti. It’s the ultimate reward for overcoming the ultimate challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the intricacies of Impossible Mode in Dead Space Remake:

1. Can I change the difficulty during an Impossible Mode playthrough?

   Absolutely not. Once you select Impossible Mode, you’re locked in for the duration. There’s no turning back.

2. Does New Game Plus make Impossible Mode easier?

   Yes, significantly. Starting with your upgraded gear gives you a major advantage in the early game, allowing you to conserve resources and focus on upgrading your favorite weapons.

3. What happens if I die in Impossible Mode?

   Game over. You’re sent back to the main menu, and your save file is effectively erased. You have to start a new game from the beginning.

4. Is there a limit to how many times I can save in Impossible Mode?

   No, you can save as many times as you want. However, remember that you only have one save slot, so choose your save points wisely.

5. What’s the best weapon to use in Impossible Mode?

   While personal preference plays a role, the Plasma Cutter is widely considered the most reliable and versatile weapon. Invest in its upgrades, and it will carry you through most encounters.

6. Should I upgrade my RIG first or my weapons in Impossible Mode?

   It’s generally recommended to upgrade your RIG early on for increased health and inventory space. This will improve your survivability and allow you to carry more resources.

7. Are there any cheats that work in the Dead Space Remake, especially for Impossible Mode?

   Unfortunately, no. The remake doesn’t include the cheat codes from the original Dead Space. You’ll have to rely on skill and strategy.

8. Does Dead Space Remake have multiple endings, and does that affect Impossible Mode?

   Yes, the remake has an alternate ending, but it doesn’t affect Impossible Mode directly. The ending you get depends on whether you collect all the Marker Fragments during your playthrough.

9. What’s the hardest part of Impossible Mode?

   Many players find the early game the most challenging, due to limited resources and weaker weapons. The Hunter encounters can also be particularly difficult.

10. Is Impossible Mode worth playing?

    Absolutely! If you’re a fan of survival horror and enjoy a serious challenge, Impossible Mode is an incredibly rewarding experience. Plus, the rewards are fantastic!

11. What difficulty should I play before attempting Impossible Mode?

    It’s highly recommended to play through the game on Hard difficulty first. This will allow you to learn the enemy patterns, map layouts, and resource locations.

12. Can I get the Burnished Suit and Hand Cannon if I use New Game Plus on Impossible?

    Yes! Using New Game Plus doesn’t disqualify you from earning the rewards for completing Impossible Mode.

13. How does the Dead Space Remake compare to the original Dead Space in terms of difficulty?

    The Dead Space Remake is generally considered more challenging than the original, even on lower difficulties. Impossible Mode is a true test of skill and endurance.

14. Are there any exploits that can make Impossible Mode easier?

    There are not many, but one useful tip is to use capacity upgrades as a free reload. Since capacity upgrades fully refill the magazine, it can be a good option when you’re low on ammo. You can also keep a close eye on the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org to find information on gaming strategies.

15. What kind of framerate and graphics settings should I use when playing Dead Space on impossible?

    When doing an impossible run, the most important thing is stability. Therefore, it’s recommended to use high or medium graphics settings as well as DLSS/FSR if your GPU supports it. Playing with a high framerate like 120 or 144 is also generally a benefit as long as the frametimes are stable and there’s no stuttering.

Final Thoughts

Impossible Mode in Dead Space Remake is not for the faint of heart. It’s a grueling, unforgiving challenge that will test your skills and patience to the limit. However, it’s also an incredibly rewarding experience that will leave you feeling like a true survivor. So, strap on your RIG, load up your Plasma Cutter, and prepare to face the impossible. The Ishimura awaits. Good luck, and may your dismemberment skills be sharp!