Hardcore Guide

Hardcore is a game mode that increases the difficulty of the campaign in Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2). Check out how to prepare for Hardcore, and some tips and tricks while playing in Hardcore!

Hardcore Preparations

Get Substantial Experience in Standard

Before attempting the Hardcore League, the player should spend a substantial amount of time playing in the Standard League to gain knowledge and experience of the game's mechanics. Gaining experience helps players know what mechanics, skills, items, equipment, enemies, bosses, and quests they can expect throughout their run.

A good criterion for knowing when players have enough experience is if they can reach the end-game and play its systems at least once or even twice.

Get Used to Controls and Combat Mechanics

A part of getting experience in the Standard League is getting used to the game's controls and combat mechanics. In a fast-paced ARPG like Path of Exile 2, it is recommended that players can confidently execute the appropriate movements and actions while in combat, as any hesitation or misinput can mean death, ending the run.

Plan Out Build and Game Progression

Players should also plan their builds for the run. This involves planning which class, equipment, and active and passive skills they should use at various points in the game (i.e., Early-game, Mid-game, and End-game).

Aside from build planning, players should also plan how they'll progress through the game. This involves balancing the risks and rewards of facing different optional bosses or sidequests and knowing when to accomplish these optional activities and main quests.

Use Classes and Builds With High Survivability

For players new to the Hardcore League, it is recommended to use classes and builds that capitalize on and have high levels of survivability. In early access, the Warrior class and his general builds are a good choice, as he offers high defense with a relatively decent amount of offensive power.

Warrior Class Overview and Ascendancies

Learn Enemy Patterns

Before diving into the Hardcore League, players may want to learn and get used to the attack patterns of enemies and bosses. Doing so helps lessen the damage received when fighting enemies and bosses and makes it easier for them to time their attacks effectively.

Hardcore Tips and Tricks While Playing

Play Slowly and With Extreme Caution

While Path of Exile 2 is a fast-paced game, players should opt to play the game slowly and practice extreme caution to avoid death in Hardcore League. To do this, players may want to do the following:

• Lure and fight individual enemies or small enemy clusters one at a time.
• Avoid aggroing and fighting huge clusters of enemies, separating them if possible.
• Practice and implement appropriate movement and character placement to avoid and mitigate damage.
• Use ranged attacks, abilities, or items to deal damage from a safe distance.

Use Defensive Items, Equipment, and Skills

To ensure high levels of survivability, players may want to capitalize on all sorts of defensive skills, equipment, and items. Some items and equipment, such as charms and shields, can prove very useful, giving players automatic debuff cleanses and an additional way to block and avoid damage.

Play With a Party

If players find it difficult to play alone, they may opt to play with a party. Doing so gives them benefits such as dividing enemy agro and increasing offensive power.

Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) Related Guides

Beginner's Guide

All Tips and Tricks Guides