Hardcore Mode Guide

Hardcore Mode is a game setting that enables permadeath in Diablo 4 (D4). See what changes in Hardcore Mode, how to prepare for permadeath, as well as some tips to take on Hardcore Mode!

What is Hardcore Mode?

Features a Permadeath Mechanic

Hardcore Mode has permadeath enabled, meaning characters do not respawn if they lose all HP. This mode requires that you approach the game differently, but it offers a more intense and thrilling experience because every decision counts.

Hall of Fallen Heroes

Characters in Hardcore Mode who are level 10 or below and die are permanently lost, and you will have to start over from scratch. On the other hand, characters who reached level 11 and above are essentially booted off Hardcore Mode, forcing you to play in the Eternal Realm (world with non-Seasonal, non-Hardcore characters).

You can view a history of your Hardcore Mode accomplishments in the Hall of Fallen Heroes by selecting the Fallen Characters option in the Collections tab.

Character Death Penalty Explained

Preparation and Planning

Preparation and Planning Summary
Clear the Campaign in Normal Mode First Get Familiar with Your Class and Skills Gamble with the Purveyor for Early Equipment Always Have a Scroll of Escape Ready Craft Elixirs of Death at the Alchemist

Clear the Campaign in Normal Mode First

It is recommended that you finish the Campaign first in the Eternal Realm (non-Hardcore character) to get a feel of what you will be up against on your Hardcore Mode run. This will also allow you to use your mount from the get-go.

Campaign Walkthrough and All Main Quests

Start on World Tier 1

Starting out on World Tier 1 is strongly advised, especially if you are new to Hardcore Mode or Diablo 4 in general. The EXP bonuses given by World Tier 2 is not that significant to warrant facing tougher enemies from the outset of your Hardcore journey.

World Tiers Explained

Get Familiar with Your Class and Skills

It is important to know your character like the back of your hand when taking on enemies in Hardcore Mode. Try to learn how the Skills of your chosen class works, interactions, and even cooldowns to be prepared.

Best Class Tier List

Gamble with the Purveyor for Early Equipment

If you have cleared the Campaign beforehand, you may have some Obols in your account. Use your Obols to gamble for equipment to get an early power boost. This is also a safe way of getting Legendary Gear.

All Purveyor of Curiosities Features

Always Have a Scroll of Escape Ready

Scrolls of Escape are exclusive to Nightmare Mode, and start dropping when your character reaches Level 20. Bind your Scroll of Escape to a hotkey so you can escape when you are in a pinch. It even works when your Internet gets disconnected!

PC Controller Support and Button Mapping

Craft Elixirs of Death Evasion at the Alchemist

Elixirs of Death Evasion grant a buff for 30 minutes that will prevent your HP from dropping to zero once, and give immunity to all damage for 2 seconds. This buff should give you just enough time to react and get to safety. Elixirs of Death Evasion can be crafted at the Alchemist if you have the required materials.

All Alchemist Features

Combat and Leveling Tips

Combat and Leveling Tips Summary
Slow and Steady Wins the Race Learn Enemy Attack Patterns Have a Skill that Grants Unstoppable Play with a Party Fight Enemies Three Levels Above You at Most

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Try not to rush and dive into combat as soon as you see some enemies. Before engaging, always have an escape plan and maneuver yourself in favorable positions. You never know if an Elite with stacked Affixes will pop up and suddenly and send your character to the Hall of Fallen Heroes.

Combat Guide: How to Beat Hard Enemies

Learn Enemy Attack Patterns

It is a good idea to learn the behavior of enemies and bosses, especially if they have lethal attacks. By learning how enemies telegraph their attack, you can react accordingly and avoid an untimely death.

List of All Bosses

Have a Skill that Grants Unstoppable

Unstoppable is a positive Status Effect that removes Crowd Control effects on your character and grants immunity to it for a short duration. Unstoppable can be obtained as a Skill from most classes, as well as some items and Legendary Aspects.

One of the most common causes of Hardcore deaths is eating consecutive Crowd Control effects, so always be ready to hit the panic button when your movement is disabled.

Class Skills with Unstoppable

Classes	Skills
Barbarian	・Wrath of the Berserker ・Charge ・Rallying Cry (Enhanced Rallying Cry)
Druid	・Trample ・Earthen Bulwark (Enhanced Earthen Bulwark) ・Grizzly Rage (Prime Grizzly Rage)
Rogue	・Concealment ・Shadow Step ・Shadow Clone (Prime Shadow Clone)
Sorcerer	・Teleport

List of All Status Effects

Play with a Party

Playing with a full Party is not only more fun, but also recommended because of the bonus EXP gained. More importantly, party members can cover for each other's weaknesses and bail others out to safety.

Party Bonuses and Group Scaling Explained

Fight Enemies Three Levels Above You at Most

Defeating enemies above your level grants bonus EXP, but it is capped at 25% for enemies up to 3 levels higher than you. It is better to defeat multiple enemies that are around your level and keep moving, than spending minutes in one spot trying to take down one extremely tough monster.

EXP Multipliers for Level Differences

Combat Guide: How to Beat Hard Enemies

General Tips

General Tips Summary
Invest in Defenses Stash Important Items Do Not Play with Unstable Internet Be Wary of the Butcher

Invest in Defenses

You will need to lean more towards defensive upgrades for your gear in Hardcore Mode, and you should upgrade frequently. Keep an eye out for high defensive Affixes on your Chest and Leg armor when enchanting at the Occultist, and consider invetsing in potent defensive nodes on the Paragon Boards to help with survivability.

Paragon System Explained

Stash Important Items

If you happen to pick up gear that you would like to use in future playthroughs, it is a good idea to stash them just in case your character dies. All items held will be lost if your character dies, so save some equipment to give your next character a significant boost.

Can You Increase Inventory Size?

Do Not Play with Unstable Internet

Unstable network conditions and Internet problems are the bane of many Hardcore Mode players. If possible, use a wired Internet connection, rather than Wi-Fi. Try to resolve any Internet connectivity issues first before playing Hardcore Mode to save yourself from rage-inducing moments.

All Known Bugs and Error Codes

Look Out for the Butcher

If you are not confident in your ability to defeat the Butcher, it is best to tactically retreat and fight another day. The Butcher appears randomly in Dungeons regardless of your level.

You will be warned if the Butcher is coming for you when the music track changes, so try to play with the audio on when delving into Dungeons!

How to Defeat the Butcher and Rewards

Hardcore Mode Rewards

Titles and Achievements

Playing through Hardcore Mode will grant you exclusive Titles and Achievements for your efforts. Though these are a challenge to obtain, it is worth getting to show off your knowledge and mastery of the game's mechanics!

Trophies and Achievements Guide

Hardcore Mode Leaderboards

In a Developer Update video by Blizzard, they announced that Leaderboards will not be implemented until the third Season.

Leaderboards are competitive ladders where players are ranked based on their statistics and performance in various endgame activities in Diablo 4. Top players could receive exclusive cosmetic items as a reward.

Leaderboards Release Date and Overview

Diablo 4 Related Guides

Beginner Guides and Best Tips for Getting Started

Tips and Tricks