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Steam News1 June 20261mo ago

Free Hard Mode Update!

Ready to kick some alien butt? The Hard mode update is here! Already beaten Normal mode? Start a New Game+ and pick Hard mode! You'll take all your gun and shield upgrades into the Hard mode version of the game.

In this update3

Full notes

Full ChainStaff update

Read the full published notes in a cleaner layout. The original post stays linked below.

What changed

0 fixes3 additions2 changes0 removals
  • Events
  • Balance
  • Gameplay
changedAlready beaten Normal mode? Start a New Game+ and pick Hard mode! You'll take all your gun and shield upgrades into the Hard mode version of the game.Ready for a REAL CHALLENGE ? Start Hard mode from scratch! One shield, one gun, and your ChainStaff! It's pretty tough but very satisfying to beat.
changedAlready beaten Normal mode? Start a New Game+ and pick Hard mode! You'll take all your gun and shield upgrades into the Hard mode version of the game.New Enemy Attacks: All 10 levels have new enemy attacks to further challenge you. Previously simple flying enemies now shoot multiple shots in a spread. Rolling worms now stack on top of each other for a double-sized obstacle.
addedAlready beaten Normal mode? Start a New Game+ and pick Hard mode! You'll take all your gun and shield upgrades into the Hard mode version of the game.New Level Sections: Levels feature special hard mode sections: Test your swinging abilities to the max with new “all flying enemy” segments. Tougher mid-sized enemies now show up to attack in surprise areas. All soldiers and major upgrades are in the same locations to preserve speed run knowledge.
addedAlready beaten Normal mode? Start a New Game+ and pick Hard mode! You'll take all your gun and shield upgrades into the Hard mode version of the game.New Game+ Option: Already beat the game in Normal mode? Take all your gear with you into Hard mode for an edge against the alien forces. Or start Hard mode from scratch for a truly Brutal challenge.
addedNew Player Deaths!Here's a cool little thing. The new update has several new animated player deaths! I'll leave you find them, but they really spice up all the challenge of the new Hard mode.

ChainStaff changes

changedReady for a REAL CHALLENGE ? Start Hard mode from scratch! One shield, one gun, and your ChainStaff! It's pretty tough but very satisfying to beat.
changedNew Enemy Attacks: All 10 levels have new enemy attacks to further challenge you. Previously simple flying enemies now shoot multiple shots in a spread. Rolling worms now stack on top of each other for a double-sized obstacle.
addedNew Level Sections: Levels feature special hard mode sections: Test your swinging abilities to the max with new “all flying enemy” segments. Tougher mid-sized enemies now show up to attack in surprise areas. All soldiers and major upgrades are in the same locations to preserve speed run knowledge.
addedNew Game+ Option: Already beat the game in Normal mode? Take all your gear with you into Hard mode for an edge against the alien forces. Or start Hard mode from scratch for a truly Brutal challenge.
addedHere's a cool little thing. The new update has several new animated player deaths! I'll leave you find them, but they really spice up all the challenge of the new Hard mode.

Ready to kick some alien butt? The Hard mode update is here!

Already beaten Normal mode? Start a New Game+ and pick Hard mode! You'll take all your gun and shield upgrades into the Hard mode version of the game.

Ready for a REAL CHALLENGE? Start Hard mode from scratch! One shield, one gun, and your ChainStaff! It's pretty tough but very satisfying to beat.

What's in the free Hard Mode update?

Hard mode details

  • New Enemy AttacksAll 10 levels have new enemy attacks to further challenge you. Previously simple flying enemies now shoot multiple shots in a spread. Rolling worms now stack on top of each other for a double-sized obstacle.
  • New Level SectionsLevels feature special hard mode sections: Test your swinging abilities to the max with new “all flying enemy” segments. Tougher mid-sized enemies now show up to attack in surprise areas. All soldiers and major upgrades are in the same locations to preserve speed run knowledge.
  • Nastier boss fights: All bosses have extra hard mode attacks to force you to change up your moves.

  • New Game+ Option: Already beat the game in Normal mode? Take all your gear with you into Hard mode for an edge against the alien forces. Or start Hard mode from scratch for a truly Brutal challenge.

  • All Skill Levels Welcome: In addition to Hard and Normal modes, there is still an Easy mode to ease you into the world of ChainStaff. You can gain upgrades in this mode, increase your skills, and carry upgrades over to Normal and Hard modes.

New Player Deaths!

Here's a cool little thing. The new update has several new animated player deaths! I'll leave you find them, but they really spice up all the challenge of the new Hard mode.

ChainStaff Official Soundtrack Volume 1

In addition to the Hard mode update, the Official Soundtrack for ChainStaff is out now. Featuring 28 tracks from the game, this volume 1 is sure to please fans of classic rock and heavy metal. Available on all major music streaming platforms.

Source

Steam News / 1 June 2026

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