Effect
Permanently unlocks harder versions of existing stages. These high-difficulty stage variants would otherwise be inaccessible during normal runs, and they feature stronger enemies in exchange for higher-tier drops and rarer rewards. This relic is the key to endgame content escalation — it opens doors that stay open for every future run.
Location
Obtainable from a specific area in the mid-to-late game. Players planning to pursue endgame challenge content should prioritize securing this relic when it becomes available.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Low impact for casual or early-game play, but highly valuable for endgame-oriented players. Once you've maximized what normal-difficulty runs offer and want to push further, this relic becomes the gateway to the game's top-tier content. Certain rare gems and relics may only drop in harder stage variants, making this relic mandatory for completionists and players building the strongest possible decks.
Strategic Value
- Ensure your build is strong enough to clear harder variants before attempting them — going in underpowered wastes runs and resources
- High-difficulty stage variants often have exclusive drop tables; this relic is the only way to access those tables and obtain certain rare items
- Combine with Brave Story (XP-boost relic) to maximize experience gains from the tougher fights, compounding your growth rate
- Pairs poorly with Bomba Infernale (floor-skip relic) in philosophy — decide in advance whether you're pursuing challenge content or efficient grinding before committing to both
- Achievement hunters and completionists should treat this as a high-priority pickup since some unlocks require defeating specific harder-variant bosses