diff --git a/src/features/snake-game/store/useGameStore.ts b/src/features/snake-game/store/useGameStore.ts
index 450e4b5..ab9b825 100644
--- a/src/features/snake-game/store/useGameStore.ts
+++ b/src/features/snake-game/store/useGameStore.ts
@@ -113,7 +113,7 @@ export const useGameStore = create<GameStore>((set, get) => ({
   directionQueue: [],
   food: generateRandomFood(INITIAL_SNAKE),
   gridSize: GRID_SIZE,
-  difficulty: 'easy' as Difficulty,
+  difficulty: 'normal' as Difficulty,
   mode: 'casual' as GameMode,
   leaderboard: getStoredLeaderboard(),
   combo: 0,