Hardcore is the standard level of the 3 difficulty settings in Gears of War. In this mode enemies are accurate and have a considerable amount of health, however players can kill enemies far quicker than on the Insane difficulty level. This is considered to be the *True Gears Universe*.

Hardcore mode allows less for fighting in the open, and the damage that enemies inflict and the effort that it takes to destroy them is increased. Damage is now reasonable, as you can be killed instantly by an explosive weapon (ex. Torque Bow), and Melee are almost instant killers as well. This is recommended for more experienced players who have completed the main Campaign at least once on Casual(or at least feel comfortable enough to switch). First time co-op player will be just perfect in this difficulty.

Enemy health levels on HardcoreEdit

(Gears of War HP left and Gears of War 2 HP right)

• Drone - 550HP
• Bolter - 350HP
• Gunner - 700HP
• Grappler Drone - 500HP
• Grenadier - 550HP
• Flame Grenadier - 900HP
• Beast Rider - 900HP
• Sniper - 350HP
• Kantus - 2000HP
• Boomer - 2500HP
• Mauler - 2500HP
• Boomer - 2000HP
• Butcher - 2000HP
• Flame Boomer - 2000HP
• Grinder - 2500HP
• Bloodmount - 2500HP
• Theron Guard - 800HP-1350HP
• Palace Guard - 1500HP
• Wretch - 200HP
• Dark Wretch - 200HP
• Ticker - 50HP
• Nemacyte - 100HP
• Nemacyst - 25HP
• Seeder - 5000HP
• Berserker - 8500HP
• Corpser - 10000HP
• Reaver -1200HP (in air), 5700HP(on ground), 1000HP(Driver)
• Brumak - (Body) 5000HP, (arm weaponry) 300HP, (main gun) 500HP
• RAAM - 5500HP

Allied health levels on HardcoreEdit

(Gears of War HP on the left Gears of War 2 HP on the right)

• Marcus Fenix - 300HP-600HP
• Dominic Santiago - 300HP-600HP (AI 1200HP)
• Lieutenant Minh Young Kim - 450HP
• Anthony Carmine - 450HP
• Benjamin Carmine - 1800HP
• Augustus Cole - 450HP-1800HP
• Damon Baird - 450HP-1800HP
• JACK - N/A
• Victor Hoffman - 7000HP