Gameplay Mode

Modern Versions Only

There are two toggles in the modern user interface that control in what mode you will play your game:

  1. Classic Mode toggle
    • Off: Character resurrects at the starting altar or another checkpoint upon dying
    • On: Character dies permanently
  2. Casual Mode toggle
    • Off: Saved games are deleted upon loading (cannot load saved games multiple times)
    • On: Saved games are not deleted upon loading (can load saved games multiple times)

Thus, there are four different gameplay modes in the modern version of the game:

Name Letter Classic Mode Toggle Casual Mode Toggle
Modern Mode M Off Off
Classic Mode – On Off
Casual Mode C Off On
Casual-Classic Mode
(Reloadable Mode)
R On On

Additionally, one can also activate Wizard Mode (W) for debugging purposes.

Beginner Recommendation

If you are completely new to GnollHack and NetHack, it's recommended that you start playing the game in one of the following modes:

Mode Permanent Death Saved Game Loading
Casual Mode No1 Multiple times
Modern Mode No1 Only once
  • 1 The character resurrects at the starting altar upon death.

Recommendation for NetHack Veterans

If you are a seasoned NetHack veteran, it's recommended that you start playing the game in the follow mode:

Mode Permanent Death Saved Game Loading
Classic Mode Yes Only once