Gunman Contracts Challenge Modes
| Mode | How it works | What you can set | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Takedown | Pick the enemy types and how many there are, then clear a closed area. The store page puts the ceiling at 30 enemies. | Enemy count, enemy types (including armoured), enemy weapons, difficulty | Store page, Gamertag VR |
| Last Stand | Survive endless waves of hostiles and disarm bombs between them for as long as you can. | Difficulty and modifiers | Store page, Gamertag VR |
The maps
The store page lists 5 challenge maps at launch. 6DOF Reviews describes each of them offering both modes with modifiers that raise or lower the difficulty, and Jammyhero says the maps are built from the big areas of the story contracts. Replaying a map is not identical every time: Jammyhero also noticed enemies and objects such as explosive barrels moving between runs.
Modifiers
You choose how many enemies spawn, what kind they are and what they carry. Armoured and heavily armoured enemies are in the mix, and difficulty runs from easy to hard. The same options appear in the Hive's full combat training, which is a good place to test a loadout before a scored run.
Why people keep playing them
With only three story contracts at launch, the challenge maps are where most of the replay time goes. 6DOF Reviews spent about two hours in them, and LunchAndVR plays them to climb the leaderboards and earn more credits for guns.
From the original mod
Last Stand is not new. The Half-Life: Alyx mods had a Last Stand survival mode where you held a circle against waves, with a choice of zones on the map, and community uploads of runs on hard still circulate.
Challenge modes FAQ
How many challenge maps are there?
5. The store page lists 5 challenge maps at launch, and each runs both modes.
Do challenge modes have leaderboards?
Yes. Every contract, skill game and challenge has a Steam leaderboard, split between VR and Non-VR players.
Was Last Stand in the Half-Life: Alyx mods?
Yes. The mods already had a Last Stand survival mode where you held a circle against waves, with a choice of zones on the map.