Challenge Mode unlocks after you clear Epilogue 3. Keep and continue that cleared save. The game loads the Challenge Mode version of Sil's House; set the available challenge options, prepare the Armory loadout, and leave through the door to begin.
Quick answer
- Clear Chapters 1–5 and Epilogues 1–3.
- Return to the title flow without replacing the cleared save.
- Select Continue on the Epilogue 3-cleared save.
- Confirm Sil's House shows the Challenge Mode state.
- Prepare the loadout and exit through the door.
Unlock requirements
| Requirement | Required state | How to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Story progress | Epilogue 3 cleared | The save must retain the final 1.0 story clear |
| Save selection | Continue the cleared save | Do not open an earlier or separate normal-story save |
| Entrance state | Challenge Mode Sil's House | The endgame preparation interface is available before leaving |
| Run start | Exit through the house door | The selected challenge setup applies to the new run |
Prepare before leaving Sil's House
Challenge Mode is the point where a coherent loadout matters more than an attractive list of bonuses. Equip Scissors whose input rhythm you can sustain under pressure, a Spell that covers its weak moment and a Special Skill with one clear job. Use the real-time DPS UI for comparisons, but read damage taken and clear consistency alongside the number.
- Broken Scissors route: confirm you can maintain contact long enough to build Sharpness.
- Magic Scissors route: confirm there is enough space to cross the first charge gauge and aim.
- Keep one fallback Imprint branch for runs where the preferred reward does not appear.
- Read the current 1.0 tooltip for previewed Relics before depending on detailed values.
Challenge Mode does not appear
| Symptom | Check | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Continue opens normal Sil's House | Save timestamp and cleared chapter | Load the exact save that cleared Epilogue 3 |
| Epilogue 3 is unavailable | Earlier chapter and Epilogue progression | Complete the remaining story route first |
| House is correct but the run does not start | Whether Sil left through the door | Finish preparation and use the house exit |
| Guide instructions mention a different unlock | Guide version | Discard Early Access instructions and use the 1.0 sequence |
What is confirmed
The unlock after Epilogue 3, continued cleared save, Challenge Mode Sil's House and door exit come from Team Tapas' 1.0 release notes. Individual difficulty options and balance can change; read the current screen before committing the run.
First Challenge Mode test
Begin with the stable story-clear loadout rather than changing every Armory slot. Select a manageable challenge setup, run a repeatable combat window and observe where the build breaks. Use the real-time DPS display, clear time and damage taken together. Then change one component or one difficulty choice.
For Broken Scissors, measure how often the mode forces contact breaks before full Sharpness. For Magic Scissors, measure how often increased pressure interrupts charge. The answer determines whether the next change should add damage, movement, control or recovery.
Record the endgame state
- Game version and save cleared through Epilogue 3.
- Visible Challenge Mode options selected before leaving the house.
- Armory loadout and current tooltips.
- Chapter/encounter, DPS window, clear time and damage taken.
- One changed variable for the next attempt.
This record turns a strong run into reusable player evidence. Without it, a high number cannot distinguish build power from an easier modifier, different encounter or lucky reward sequence.
First Challenge Mode comparison
Begin with the stable story-clear loadout rather than changing every Armory slot. Select a manageable challenge setup, run a repeatable combat window and observe where the build breaks. Use the real-time DPS display, clear time and damage taken together, then change one component or one difficulty choice.
For Broken Scissors, measure how often added pressure forces contact breaks before full Sharpness. For Magic Scissors, measure interrupted charges and missed release lines. The result tells you whether the next reward should add damage, movement, control or recovery.
Endgame record
Record version, Epilogue 3-cleared save, visible challenge options, Armory loadout, tooltips, encounter and one changed variable. This turns a strong run into reusable evidence instead of confusing modifier choice or reward luck with build strength.
Challenge Mode instructions use the official 1.0 sequence. If a later update changes the entrance or options, capture the version, cleared save and current house screen.
Frequently asked questions
How do I unlock Challenge Mode in Garden of Witches?
Clear Epilogue 3, keep that cleared save and choose Continue.
Where do I enter Challenge Mode?
Continuing the Epilogue 3-cleared save places Sil in the Challenge Mode version of her house. Prepare the build, then leave through the door.
Why is Challenge Mode not showing?
Most often the wrong save was loaded or Epilogue 3 has not been cleared on that save. Verify both before changing the installation.