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Half-Heart Mode (also called “Half Hearted Mode” in the GUI) is an extreme difficulty modifier that caps all players’ maximum health to 1 health point (0.5 hearts). Any damage is instantly fatal.

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Overview

This is the most dangerous game mode! Any source of damage will instantly kill all Soul Link players. Use extreme caution.
When Half-Heart Mode is enabled:
  • All players’ maximum health is set to 1.0 HP (0.5 hearts)
  • Any damage source instantly kills the player
  • Since health is shared in Soul Link, one death kills everyone
  • Healing items and effects have minimal impact

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How to Enable

  1. Run /chaos to open the Chaos Modes GUI
  2. Click on the Apple/Golden Apple icon (“Half Hearted Mode”)
    • Apple = Disabled
    • Golden Apple = Enabled
  3. Click the emerald “Confirm” button
  4. Start a new run with /start
The setting displays as “Half Hearted Mode” in the GUI with a Light Purple color (SettingsGui.java:205-206).

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Gameplay Impact

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Instant Death Scenarios

With only 0.5 hearts, the following are instantly fatal:
  • Any mob attack (even baby zombies)
  • Fall damage from any height over 1 block
  • Environmental damage (fire, lava, drowning)
  • Poison and Wither effects
  • Explosion damage
  • Thorns enchantment
  • Contact damage (cacti, sweet berry bushes)

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Strategy Tips

Recommended Strategies:
  • Avoid ALL combat - use shields and blocking
  • Never sprint-jump (fall damage risk)
  • Stay away from cliffs and ledges
  • Use water buckets for any descent
  • Avoid the Nether entirely (too many hazards)
  • One player should scout ahead while others wait in safety

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Dangerous Combinations

Half-Heart Mode becomes nearly impossible when combined with:
  • Shared Potions: Poison/Wither from one player kills everyone
  • Manhunt Mode: Hunters have a massive advantage
  • Hard Difficulty: More mob damage and spawn rates

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Implementation Details

The Half-Heart Mode setting is managed by:
  • Setting flag: Settings.isHalfHeartMode() (Settings.java:58-64)
  • GUI toggle: Slot 12 in Chaos GUI (SettingsGui.java:37)
  • Icon: Apple (disabled) / Golden Apple (enabled)
  • Tooltip: “Players have only 1 health point!” (SettingsGui.java:222-224)

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Code Reference

The half-heart health cap is applied when the setting is enabled: 
// Settings.java:18
private boolean halfHeartMode = false;

// Settings.java:58-64
public boolean isHalfHeartMode() {
    return halfHeartMode;
}

public void setHalfHeartMode(boolean halfHeartMode) {
    this.halfHeartMode = halfHeartMode;
}
The GUI displays the current state (SettingsGui.java:202-231):
  • Enabled: Golden Apple with green “ENABLED” status
  • Disabled: Apple with red “DISABLED” status
For Speedrunners: This mode is only recommended for experienced players who have mastered Soul Link mechanics. First-time attempts rarely succeed.

Shared Potions

Doubles the danger with shared poison effects

Difficulty Settings

Adjust base difficulty level

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