Mega Man 11 offers four difficulty levels: Newcomer, Casual, Normal, and Superhero. The walkthrough in this guide is based on Normal difficulty, as are all of the settings and information provided in the weapon and enemy charts.
Newcomer difficulty drastically reduces enemy hit points and damage, guarantees item drops from all enemies, and provides substantial support in the form of unlimited 1UPs and protection from insta-death spikes and bottomless pits, among other things.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Superhero difficulty primarily increases enemy hit points, attack power, and boss behavior, but otherwise doesn’t notably change the game much from Normal.
Newcomer
• Special Weapons and Gear Gauge usage is reduced by 50 percent.
• Gear Gauge recovery time is reduced by 50 percent.
• Weapon Energy is completely refilled upon death.
• Enemy hit points are reduced by 50 percent.
• Enemy attack damage is reduced by 50 percent.
• Enemy Item Drop Rate is 100 percent.
• Dr. Light’s Lab Costs are reduced by 50 percent.
• Dr. Light’s Lab item/part unlock requirements are reduced by 50 percent.
• Start the game with the Energy Balancer.
• ∞ Items: 1UP, Pierce Protector, Super Guard, Beat Call.
Casual
• Special Weapons and Gear Gauge usage is reduced by 50 percent.
• Gear Gauge recovery time is reduced by 50 percent.
• Weapon Energy is completely refilled upon death.
• Enemy attack damage is reduced by 50 percent.
• Enemy Item Drop Rate is 60 percent.
• Starting 1UPs: 5.
Normal
• Weapon Energy does not recover upon death.
• Enemy Item Drop Rate is 40 percent.
• Starting 1UPs: 2.
Superhero
• Weapon Energy does not recover upon death.
• Enemy hit points are doubled.
• Enemy attack damage is increased by 50 percent.
• Enemy Item Drop Rate is 40 percent.
• Starting 1UPs: 2.
Superhero also increases the capabilities of the Robot Masters:
• Some attacks are stronger (e.g., Block Man drops more blocks).
• Movement or attack speed may be increased.
• Recovery times are faster, making them vulnerable for shorter periods.
• Power or Speed Gear can be used at any time.