How To Make Saros as Hard as You Want

After defeating Bastion, you unlock Carosen modifiers, a difficulty mechanic in SOS. To lock in changes, the needle must be balanced (middle) or overloaded (right), meaning -3 or higher, not necessarily zero. Adding protections (easier runs) moves the needle left, while trials (harder runs) move it right. There are no benefits to being overloaded, only increased challenge. You can have six modifiers per side, with higher levels available for increased cost. Some modifiers contradict each other and unlock as you progress in the story. Recommended protections include Lucinite Magnetism (-1) to save resources, Overlord Restoration (-1) for full health on boss arrival, and Shield Power Enhancement (-2) to prevent shield drain. Pairing the latter with one of the others caps you at -3, allowing an easier run without trials. For trials, consider Lucenite Devaluation (+3) if not concerned with new skills; it only activates upon death. Houseion Removal (+6) provides major protections if Houseion isn't a focus. Corruption Enhancement (+2, +4, +7) reduces max health but boosts corrupted weapons, creating a "glass cannon" build. For a challenge without bullet hell, deactivate Second Chance with Growth Incapacitator. Artifact Destruction destroys a random artifact per biome, forcing build retooling. Damage Degradation and Armor Impairment reduce damage inflicted and increase damage taken, respectively, but require higher levels for a noticeable difference.