Normal vs. Expert vs. Time Attack: Which Mode Should You Start With?

This isn't a repeat of the Overview page -- it's a practical look at picking the right mode and planning your DLC purchases, based on official materials since the August 3 launch.

Start With Normal Mode Unless You Know the Series

Since Normal Mode's cats are confirmed to be detailed and theme-matched to each floor, it's the more approachable starting point for anyone new to Flats Full of Cats. Expert Mode's minimalist cat style is confirmed as a deliberate callback to earlier Devcats games specifically, so it rewards players already comfortable spotting cats without the extra visual detail to lean on.

Save Time Attack for After You Know the Apartments

Since Time Attack Mode is confirmed as entirely optional and replay-focused, treat it as a mode to return to once you already know an apartment's layout well -- going in cold against a timer is a much harder way to first experience a floor than necessary.

Buy DLC Floors Based on Theme, Not Completion Pressure

Since every floor is confirmed as fully independent, there's no structural reason to buy them in order or collect all nine -- pick whichever confirmed themes genuinely appeal to you, whether that's Gold & Candles' spirituality-and-royalty setting or any of the others.

Focus on the Base Game If You Want Achievements

Since Steam Achievements are confirmed to be tied exclusively to the free base version, complete that first floor thoroughly if working toward 100% matters to you -- the paid DLC floors won't add further achievements of their own.

See the full data: Flats Full of Cats Maps