R.E.P.O. Difficulty Scaling Explained
Image Credit: semiwork, R.E.P.O.
When you start playing R.E.P.O., you think, “Hey, this is kind of funny.” Then Level 4 shows up and suddenly you’re carrying a chair through a maze while some monster chews on your leg. The game gets harder fast, and it doesn't really stop.
While there is no setting that allows you to customize the difficulty, here is some info on how difficulty ramps up, what to expect in each level, and how to not completely fall apart while doing your crimes.
How Many Levels Are There?
Read More: R.E.P.O. Beginner’s Guide
Nobody’s sure. We’ve seen players go as far as level 15, but the game hasn’t told us the limit yet. New levels might keep getting added, so there may never be a final one. It’s a mystery. Like your cart suddenly vanishing mid-run.
Level 1: Your Chill Tutorial
Difficulty: 2/10 (Pretty safe)
Map: McJannek Station, snowy and wide open
Goal: Around $8k–$10k, one extraction
Notes:
Rugrats are around, but you’ll live
Watch out for the Apex Predator—stay low
Don’t break your loot. That toaster is your paycheck.
Level 2: Things Start Getting Weird
Difficulty: 4/10 (Still manageable)
Goal: $9k–$12k, now with two extractions
What changes:
More enemies, and a second extraction you’ll need to hunt for
Tips:
Use cover
Stay near the cart
Headman appears and he does not play nice
Level 3: The Warm-Up is Over
Difficulty: 6.5/10 (You’ll feel it)
Goal: $22k, two extractions again
Bigger building, longer paths, harder enemies
Tips:
Go for expensive loot
Plan routes, don’t just sprint in
Shrink-launching becomes clutch
Level 4: Maze of Regret
Difficulty: 8/10 (Pretty rough)
Goal: ~$17k, three extractions
Map: Swiftbroom Academy—darker, tighter, more confusing
Tips:
Use the map or get lost forever
Pack the cart with care—no hanging loot
Stick close to your team, even if they’re annoying
Level 5: Everything is Out to Get You
Difficulty: 8.5/10 (Getting sweaty)
Goal: $17k–$22k, still three extractions
Tips:
Bring extra gear—things get intense
Cart handling becomes a real job
Start thinking like it’s endgame, even if it’s not
Level 6: The Endgame Mood Begins
Difficulty: 10/10 (Yikes)
Goal: ~$13k–$14k, now four extraction sites
Tips:
Upgrade stamina and get weapons early
Crouch more, run less
Resource management actually matters now
Level 7: Team Wipe: The Level
Difficulty: 10/10 (Don’t go solo)
Goal: Around $13k, four extractions
Tips:
Everyone needs to coordinate
Use map features to escape faster
Have a revive plan because someone will drop their head again
Level 8: Monster Buffet
Difficulty: 10/10 (No chill at all)
Goal: $13k, four extractions
Tips:
Bring all your skills, tools, and a therapist
Use every trick—crouch, launch, rotate big items
You will be chased. Accept it.
Level 9: You Probably Won’t Make It
Difficulty: 11+/10 (Good luck)
Goal: Around $26k, still four extractions
Tips:
Expect enemy spam
Don’t go anywhere alone
Use choke points and escape routes
Pray your teammates are still alive
How R.E.P.O. Gets Harder
Smarter, Meaner Monsters
Later levels throw tougher enemies at you—faster, stronger, and more annoying. Some steal loot. Some drag you off. None of them are fun at parties.
More Extraction Points = More Running
Starting with Level 2, you’ll need to do multiple extractions. Use one, it blows up. Find the next. It’s across the map, through a death hallway. You get the idea.
Confusing Maps
Maps get longer and more maze-like the further you go. Use the mini-map constantly. If you're not using it, you're wandering.
Shops Get Pricier
Service Station gear gets more expensive after each level. Buy smart and buy early. Don’t waste your money on five banana peels and no healing.
Final Blurb
R.E.P.O. starts out silly and slowly turns into a space survival test. The enemies ramp up, the maps stretch out, and your loot becomes both treasure and bait. If you can adapt, you’ll survive. If not… well, there's always Level 1.
Again.
