Icarus Difficulty & Gameplay Rate Reference

Icarus does not have per-slider difficulty tuning like ARK. Difficulty is set via one of four fixed presets chosen when creating a prospect. Select a preset below to see the INI output and explanation.

ℹ️

Most gameplay rates (hunger drain, thirst, stamina) are not configurable on Icarus dedicated servers as of 2026. The difficulty system uses fixed presets. Only GlobalExperienceMultiplier is commonly exposed by hosting panels.

Select Difficulty Preset

⚔️

Normal

CreateProspect difficulty argument: 2

The default balanced experience. All rates are at 100%. Designed for the intended progression pace and creature threat level.

Player damage received

100%

Creature damage output

100%

Resource gather rate

100%

Difficulty Comparison

Setting Easy Normal Hard Hardcore
Player damage received 150% 100% 75% 50%
Creature damage output 50% 100% 150% 200%
Resource gather rate 200% 100% 75% 50%
Respawns Yes Yes Yes No

GlobalExperienceMultiplier

The one configurable rate most hosting panels expose. Adjusts how fast players gain XP relative to the default.

1.0x
0.1x (very slow) 5.0x (very fast)

Effect

Default leveling speed

ServerSettings.ini line:

GlobalExperienceMultiplier=1.0

Confirmed exposed by hosting panels: freakhosting.com, supercraft.host. If your panel doesn't show it, add the line manually to ServerSettings.ini under [/Script/Icarus.IcarusGameUserSettings].

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