I love daily challenge modes in games, especially roguelikes. Usually, these modes give players a level generated from a common seed, and give them one chance at scoring as many points as possible in that run. Hoplite ($3.99), the awesome hex-grid roguelike from Magma Fortress, has added in a new daily mode, but they’ve decided to do things in a dramatically different way that is specifically meant to challenge veterans.

The new Challenge mode is an entirely new mode. You’re given an incredibly difficult dungeon, albeit with only 3 floors. You start with a certain set of abilities, and must try to advance to the end without dying. You don’t have to kill every enemy, you just have to get to the end in one piece. You don’t just get to play once, you can try as many times as possible; you just get a new one to do each day. There’s also a pre-determined list of bonus challenges to take on if you want to mix things up.

This mode is quite fascinating, because it does do things differently from other roguelikes with daily modes. But hey, especially because the game’s been out for about a year and a half now, a mode that both encourages regular play and gives skilled players something new to do? I welcome that, though it’s quite the daunting task.