What is ng+
Last updated: April 1, 2026
Key Facts
- NG+ enables players to replay a completed game with higher enemy difficulty and damage output
- Players typically retain character abilities, equipment, and resources from their first playthrough
- Many games feature multiple NG+ cycles (NG++, NG+++, etc.) with progressively harder challenges
- NG+ often includes new bosses, hidden areas, alternate story paths, or exclusive items unavailable in the original playthrough
- This feature extends game longevity by providing endgame content for engaged players seeking additional challenges
Overview
New Game+ (NG+) is a gameplay feature in video games that allows players to experience a completed game again with enhanced challenges and modifications. Rather than starting with a completely new character, NG+ typically allows players to carry over certain progression elements—such as character abilities, equipment, or story knowledge—while encountering increased difficulty and new content not available in the original playthrough.
How New Game+ Works
When players start a NG+ playthrough, they begin the game from the start but with access to their previously earned items, abilities, and character upgrades. Enemy difficulty increases significantly, with stronger enemies, more dangerous bosses, and different attack patterns. The game world may also contain new secrets, hidden bosses, or alternate story routes. This creates a more challenging experience for players who have already mastered the base game mechanics.
Common NG+ Features
- Increased Enemy Difficulty: Enemies deal more damage and possess greater health pools compared to the original game
- Retained Progression: Players keep most or all abilities, equipment, weapons, and accumulated resources
- New Content: Additional bosses, secret areas, items, or narrative elements become accessible
- Multiple Cycles: Some games allow NG++, NG+++, and beyond with progressively harder scaling
- Exclusive Rewards: Completing NG+ may unlock special items, achievements, or story conclusions
Popular Games with NG+
Many acclaimed games feature New Game+ functionality, including the Dark Souls series, Elden Ring, Persona series, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and numerous action RPGs. Each game implements NG+ differently, with unique difficulty scaling formulas, content variations, and progression systems.
Why Developers Include NG+
Developers implement NG+ to extend game longevity and provide engaged players with additional challenges after completing the main story. It gives returning players fresh reasons to explore familiar areas, discover secrets, and face enhanced bosses with new strategies.
Related Questions
What does NG+ stand for?
NG+ stands for 'New Game Plus,' a gameplay mode allowing players to replay completed games with increased difficulty and new content while retaining their previous progress and character abilities.
Can you play NG+ in all video games?
No, NG+ is not available in all games. It's primarily a feature in action RPGs, adventure games, and some strategy games. Many casual games and linear story-driven games do not include NG+ functionality.
Do you lose anything when starting NG+?
Generally no. NG+ typically allows players to keep most items and abilities. However, some games reset specific story-related items or quest progress while maintaining equipment and character upgrades.
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Sources
- Wikipedia - New Game PlusCC-BY-SA-4.0
- IGN - Dark Souls 3 New Game Plus GuideFair Use