Challenge Mode

Challenge Mode is a reoccurring difficulty setting in Spark 1 and 2. The mode appears in both installments as the hardest difficulty option.

Spark's Challenge
In the first game, Spark's Challenge is unlocked after completing Fark's story, being the same levels as the latter, while replacing the faker with the titular protagonist. This mode is also available in the hard modes section, in which it is categorized as "the worst". In this mode, Spark only has one life point, with his vulnerable healthless state acting as a second hit. In the context of the story, Fark's non-canon story mode has been adapted into a VR game, and Spark sets up the pain meter to its highest setting, explaining the lack of vitality he has in-game. This is where the game properly teaches Spark's parry with a tutorial, as this is the first time it could be considered a mandatory mechanic, as Fark's exclusive boss fights require parrying to avoid their attacks.

The mode's icon is similar to Spark's story, except this time his portrait is surrounded with flames. Defeating this mode gives the player the Painless achievement and unlocks SPC Challenges. The description of the mode recommends Wishes Mode to be enabled, though it is feasible to complete the mode without it.

Challenge Mode
In the sequel, Challenge Mode returns again, only this time it is available from the start. The mode decreases Fark's vitality in the same nature as the first game, and reverts his parry back to the more strict version of the prequel. While this is the hardest mode in the game, Fark deals increased damage to compensate.

Defeating this mode gives the player the Game Complete On Challenge Mode! achievement.