Guts & Blackpowder offers five distinct ways to fight �?four core modes and one difficulty modifier that transforms Endless into a high-stakes Franc printer. Each mode changes squad size requirements, map selection, reward structure, and optimal class loadouts. This guide explains Objective, Endless, Holdout, Siege, and Hardcore in detail, with cross-links to our Endless maps, Objective maps, and maps hub for arena-specific strategies.
Objective Mode
Objective is the campaign experience. Teams load into linear historical maps �?San Sebastian, Leipzig, London, and others listed on our Objective maps page �?and progress through checkpoints toward a final escape. Zombie types escalate as the team advances. Holdout phases interrupt progression with timed defense events. Francs award at checkpoints and upon completion.
Objective mode demands the broadest team composition. You need damage dealers for open engagements, a Surgeon for sustained healing across long maps, a Sapper for holdout barricades, and ideally a Musician for reload buffs during critical phases. Solo play is possible but punishing; groups of 8�?2 coordinated players handle intermediate maps comfortably.
Endless Mode
Endless strips away narrative progression in favor of pure survival. Teams spawn on compact arenas �?Old Church, Trenches, Courtyard, and more documented on the Endless maps guide �?and face escalating waves until everyone falls. Every fifth wave pays Francs and respawns dead players, creating a rhythm of prepare �? survive �?collect �?repeat.
Endless is the dominant Franc farming method. Wave scaling formulas increase spawn counts and introduce special zombie types at predictable intervals. Normal Endless suits learning; once teams reliably reach wave 10, Hardcore Endless becomes the optimal currency path. Recommended loadouts prioritize DPS weapons like the carbine and blunderbuss plus healing utilities from the utilities catalog.
Holdout Mode
Holdout focuses exclusively on timed defense. Teams fortify a position and survive zombie assaults until the timer expires or the team wipes. Holdout appears in two contexts: standalone lobbies on fortification-focused maps, and embedded phases within Objective campaigns where the team must defend a checkpoint before advancing.
Holdout rewards defensive class synergy. Sappers build barricades and deploy tar bottles. Seamen hold chokepoints with blunderbuss spread. Officers activate Charge during breach moments to push zombies back. Musicians keep reload buffs active for the firing line. Without a coordinated defensive setup, Holdout timers expire before completion �?study our team protection guide for positioning fundamentals.
Siege Mode
Siege replaces zombies with AI enemy soldiers assaulting a fortified position. Defenders use period-accurate muskets and fortifications to repel waves of attacking infantry and cavalry. There are no shamblers, runners, or infection mechanics �?Siege is pure Napoleonic line combat against human AI opponents.
Siege appeals to players who enjoy historical warfare without the horror overlay. Musket volley timing, bayonet charges, and Officer leadership abilities shine here. Franc rewards are lower than Endless farming, making Siege a recreational mode rather than a progression path. Team sizes of 10�?0 work best for the large fortification maps Siege uses.
Hardcore Modifier
Hardcore is not a standalone mode but a difficulty toggle for Endless lobbies. Enabling Hardcore doubles all Franc payouts while increasing zombie damage output. Grab attacks deal more health damage. Bomber explosions have larger kill radii. The margin for error shrinks dramatically.
Hardcore Endless on Trenches is the community-standard Franc farming route for experienced players. The doubled payout formula means wave 10 in Hardcore pays roughly what wave 20 pays in normal mode �?at significantly less time investment if your team survives. Prerequisites: upgraded shop gear, a dedicated Surgeon with full bandage stacks, and team communication through voice chat.
Mode Comparison Table
| Mode | Map Type | Primary Reward | Team Size | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Objective | Campaign maps | Completion Francs + checkpoints | 4�?0 | Varies by map |
| Endless | Arena maps | Wave 5/10/15 Franc payouts | 2�?0 | Escalating |
| Holdout | Fortification maps | Timer completion bonus | 4�?2 | Medium–Hard |
| Siege | Large fort maps | Modest completion bonus | 10�?0 | Medium |
| Hardcore | Endless arenas only | 2× Endless Franc payouts | 4�?2 recommended | Very Hard |
Choosing the Right Mode for Your Goals
- Learning the game? Start with Objective on Vardøhus Fortress, then normal Endless on Old Church.
- Farming Francs? Hardcore Endless on Trenches with a dedicated support team.
- Completing campaigns? Objective mode with walkthrough guides for each map.
- Pure combat fun? Siege mode for Napoleonic warfare without zombies.
- Testing defensive builds? Standalone Holdout lobbies with Sapper-heavy compositions.
Related Pages
- Maps hub �?overview of all battlefields.
- Endless maps and wave formulas �?arena details and scaling math.
- Objective campaign maps �?full map list with difficulty.
- Class build guides �?loadouts per mode.
- Francs farming guide �?optimize your mode rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular game mode in Guts & Blackpowder?
Endless mode is the most queued mode due to Franc farming efficiency. Objective mode is preferred for campaign progression and first-time map completion.
What does Hardcore mode change?
Hardcore doubles Franc payouts in Endless but increases zombie damage. It is a modifier, not a separate map �?see the Hardcore section below.
Is Siege mode against players or zombies?
Siege pits defenders against AI enemy soldiers in fortification assault scenarios. Zombies do not spawn in standard Siege lobbies.
Can Holdout happen outside Objective maps?
Holdout phases are primarily embedded within Objective campaigns as timed defense events. Standalone Holdout lobbies exist for specific fortification maps.
Which mode should beginners start with?
Start with Objective on Vardøhus Fortress, then try normal Endless on Old Church before attempting Hardcore.