‘Uncharted 4’ Update: ‘Higher Stakes’ Hardcore Mode Will Test Players’ Patience, Commitment

Players looking to challenge themselves in "Uncharted 4" will love developer Naughty Dog's latest update. The game's recently released Hardcore mode will test players patience and commitment.

Naughty Dog's official patch notes describe Hardcore mode as an "intense new difficulty tier [that] introduces higher stakes, giving players only one chance to make it through all 50 waves." In this mode, the player's team will go back to the start if they were defeated.

According to the developer, Hardcore mode is "not for the faint of heart." Skill, close teamwork and cautious strategy are all required to succeed through Hardcore mode.

Aside from Hardcore mode, the latest "Uncharted 4" patch reintroduces Classic mode to the game's beta test playlist after popular demand. This mode brings players back to the core combat and movement of the basics. Also, there aren't any in-game store, Sidekicks and Mysticals. You can access Classic mode in the game's Multiplayer playlist menu.

Bug fixes and balance changes were added, too, along with a revamped Ranked season and qualifier system. The new Ranked season contains new rewards and better progression, along with a fresh set of Ranked weapon skins that go well with the Ranked Trucker Hats, Shades and Bandanas made available in past seasons. Players who reach Gold rank or higher will also get a special Ranked Huzzah taunt award.

Qualifiers now depend on points earned instead of matches won. Scoring points higher than the required mark will yield bonus points when you arrive at the next rank. Meanwhile, players who fail a qualifier series with negative points will get penalized with those same points.

The Master Rank System was also updated. The system now highlights players' average performance and they will get into Master Rank with a 200 match rating average. To maximize Match Rating, players' scores, kills, assists and revives should be excellent. Minimizing deaths will also help boost Match Rating, with a maximum of 1000 and a minimum of -1000.

"Uncharted 4" was recently recognized by an award-giving body. The game won an Outstanding Achievement in Character Animation at the 2017 Annie Awards, beating out "Titanfall 2," "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Legends" and "The Witcher 3," GameSpot reported.

The 1.20 update has a size of 388 MB. What do you think of the game's latest patch? Share your thoughts below!