Underrail is a deep, tactical, old-school RPG that takes place in a vast underground world after the collapse of the surface. With its rich character progression, turn-based combat, and immersive setting, it has built a dedicated fanbase. One of the most frequently discussed topics among new and returning players is whether to play Underrail in Oddity mode or Classic mode. Both modes significantly affect how experience is gained, and this choice can influence your enjoyment, pacing, and overall strategy throughout the game. Understanding the key differences between Oddity and Classic XP modes is essential for getting the most out of your Underrail adventure.
Understanding Experience Systems in Underrail
What Is Classic Mode?
Classic mode follows a more traditional RPG format. You earn experience by killing enemies, completing quests, and progressing through the game. Every enemy you defeat grants XP, making combat not just necessary but also rewarding. If you come from other turn-based or old-school RPGs, this system will feel familiar and comfortable.
- Experience is gained from combat and quest completion.
- Killing enemies is the primary method to level up.
- Encourages exploration but often leads to grinding.
- Offers a straightforward progression path.
What Is Oddity Mode?
Oddity mode, on the other hand, changes the way you level up entirely. Instead of receiving XP from combat, you gain experience by collecting unique items called ‘oddities.’ These items are scattered across the world, dropped by enemies, hidden in containers, or locked behind specific puzzles or events. Each oddity grants a fixed amount of XP and can only be collected a limited number of times.
- XP comes exclusively from collecting oddities.
- Combat doesn’t reward XP directly.
- Encourages stealth, exploration, and alternative approaches.
- Creates a more immersive and thematic experience.
Which Mode Should You Choose?
Benefits of Playing Oddity Mode
Oddity mode is the default and recommended mode by the game’s developer. It supports the design philosophy of Underrail where surviving is often more important than killing. This mode encourages players to think creatively and rewards exploration, puzzle-solving, and careful planning rather than brute force.
Some advantages of Oddity mode include:
- Combat becomes a choice, not a necessity. You can sneak past or avoid fights.
- XP gain is more consistent across different playstyles (stealth, diplomacy, crafting).
- Encourages deeper exploration of each area to find oddities.
- Gives more freedom to play non-combat builds effectively.
This mode is especially rewarding for players who enjoy scavenging, reading lore, and investigating every corner of the map. It aligns well with the game’s atmosphere gritty, mysterious, and survival-driven.
Reasons to Choose Classic Mode
While Oddity mode is immersive, some players might prefer Classic mode’s more direct approach. If you enjoy clearing areas, defeating enemies, and leveling up steadily through combat, Classic mode may be more suited for your playstyle.
Benefits of Classic mode:
- More familiar for fans of traditional RPGs.
- Rewards aggressive or combat-heavy builds.
- Easier to track experience progress through enemies and quests.
- Useful for new players who want to focus on combat mechanics.
Classic mode offers a more linear sense of progression, which can feel more predictable and easier to control. However, it can also encourage grinding and repeated fights, which may detract from the narrative and exploration elements.
Impact on Gameplay and Builds
Oddity Mode Changes How You Approach the Game
Since enemies don’t reward XP directly, players are incentivized to avoid unnecessary combat. Stealth builds shine in Oddity mode, as sneaking past enemies without engaging is often the smarter choice. This opens the door for pacifist runs or dialogue-focused characters who don’t rely on brute strength.
In contrast, Classic mode pushes players toward combat-heavy builds like assault rifle users, melee fighters, or psi characters. Killing everything in sight becomes the default method of progression, which can make certain builds overpowered while limiting the viability of more nuanced approaches.
Oddity Mode Supports Roleplaying
If you want to immerse yourself in the role of a scavenger, explorer, or diplomat, Oddity mode aligns better with that experience. You’re rewarded for piecing together stories, solving environmental puzzles, and digging through old containers rather than racking up kill counts. This leads to a more narrative-driven journey through the underworld of Underrail.
Progression Curve and Balance
Oddity Mode Slows Early Progression
In the early stages of the game, Oddity mode can feel slow. You’ll be scavenging oddities one by one, and it may take time before you feel strong enough to face tough enemies. However, as the game progresses, the oddity XP system provides a more balanced curve you won’t outlevel content as easily, and the pacing feels tighter.
Classic Mode Can Lead to Overleveling
Because Classic mode rewards XP through combat, it’s easy to farm enemies or respawning zones to grind out levels. This can cause the player to become overpowered, making certain segments too easy. It may also reduce the feeling of danger that Underrail is known for.
If challenge and immersion are priorities for you, Oddity mode’s steadier leveling system offers a more authentic experience. If you just want to power through the story and fights, Classic mode allows faster progression at the cost of tension and balance.
Community Perspectives and Recommendations
The Underrail community is generally divided on this topic, though many experienced players recommend Oddity mode for first-time playthroughs. It better reflects the core design of the game and creates a more memorable experience. However, those coming from other hardcore RPGs might enjoy the familiarity of Classic mode first and then replay with Oddity for a fresh perspective.
Here’s a quick breakdown of which mode might be best for you:
- Choose Oddity mode if: You prefer exploration, stealth, and immersion. You enjoy games like Fallout 1/2 or want a unique Underrail experience.
- Choose Classic mode if: You love combat, min-maxing, and gaining XP through action. You want a more direct and aggressive playstyle.
Whether you choose Oddity or Classic in Underrail depends entirely on how you want to engage with the game’s mechanics and world. Oddity mode offers a thoughtful, immersive journey where survival, scavenging, and choice matter. Classic mode, while more traditional, delivers a fast-paced and rewarding combat-focused experience. Neither is wrong they simply cater to different kinds of players. If you’re unsure, consider trying both modes during the early sections to see which one clicks. In the dark, sprawling tunnels of Underrail, your playstyle will shape your survival and your story.