What is Diablo 4 Hardcore mode? How to play, tips, rewards

Aakrit Sharma
Lillith in Diablo 4

Diablo 4 has continued the tradition by adding a Hardcore mode that compels players to be cautious about every step they take in the game. Here’s how you can play the Hardcore mode in Diablo 4 and get your name carved on a real-life Lillith statue.

Diablo is easily one of the most famous action-role-playing dungeon-crawler game series in history and Diablo 4 certainly plans to carry the franchise to greater heights with an expansive open world, a non-linear storyline, the return of Lillith, seasonal play elements like a Battle Pass, and a lot more.

Thanks to character classes, Diablo 4 can be a unique experience for every player as you can build them with complete freedom. There are separate world tiers that add to your world’s difficulty but the true game changer is the Hardcore mode.

In this Diablo 4 guide, we’ll reveal everything about the Hardcore mode and who should risk playing the game in it.

Ashava boss in Diablo 4
The first World Boss in Diablo 4 is called Ashava.

What is the Hardcore mode in Diablo 4?

The Hardcore mode in Diablo 4 is a unique game mode in which your characters die permanently. Based on their level, the characters face the following consequences upon death:

  • Character level under 10 – The character data is permanently removed from the game and it appears nowhere.
  • Character level above 10 – The character’s name appears in the Hall of the Fallen Heroes.

All changes in Diablo 4 Hardcore mode

Here’s every way in which the Hardcore mode in Diablo 4 is different from any other game mode:

  • Characters die instead of respawning in a nearby area.
  • Dying in the PvP Fields of Hatred permanently deletes your character.
  • Shared Gold and stash items do not exist.
  • Unique and better rewards for completing in-game challenges.

Long story short, the Hardcore mode in Diablo 4 is a high-risk, high-reward system that you can enjoy solo as well as in teams. Of course, planning your run as a team is much more convenient while a solo run will require you to be careful about everything.

A character holding a trident in Diablo 4
Hardcore characters cannot be revived in Diablo 4.

How to make a Hardcore character in Diablo 4

You can make a Hardcore character in Diablo 4 by ticking the checkbox that says Hardcore under Gameplay options in the character creation screen. You’re then given a warning about Hardcore rules and accepting it should let you begin the merciless journey.

What happens if my server disconnects in Diablo 4 Hardcore mode? Scroll of Escape explained

Scroll of Escape is a new rare item in Diablo 4 that will save Hardcore players from losing their character if the server disconnects. If your server disconnects, the game automatically consumes a Scroll of Escape (if you have one in your inventory) and respawns you in a random location which might avert the danger.

You can also use the Scroll of Escape manually to get out of sticky situations where your character might die. Having said that, the item is expected to be rare to maintain the challenging nature of the mode.

Tips to survive the Hardcore mode in Diablo 4

Here are some tips that players can use while trying their luck in Diablo 4 Hardcore mode:

  • Create multiple characters and use the disposable ones before the boss fights to get the relevant information.
  • Constantly add gear items to your storage as you level it up. This way, even if you die, the next Hardcore character will benefit from the gear you’ve submitted so far.
  • Always keep the Scrolls of Escape at your disposal.
  • Prioritize upgrading your consumables such as potions.
  • Level up quickly to access stronger gear.
  • Avoid Fields of Hatred if you’re not confident about your survival skills.
  • Invest your skill points in defensive and healing skills at the beginning to boost survivability.
A Barbarian in Diablo 4
Diablo games in the past also had a hardcore mode.

What is the Diablo 4 Hardcore race

The first 1000 players to reach max level (100) in Diablo 4 Hardcore mode will have their Battle Tag engraved on a physical statue of Lillith. This is the highly-anticipated Hardcore race that fans worldwide have been talking about for a long time.

To take part in the race, you need to complete the game and upload the proof on Twitter with the ‘#Diablo4Hardcore’ hashtag. You’ll have to mention your full Battle Tag, a picture or video proof of completion, and the Tempered Champion title.

Who won the Diablo 4 Hardcore race?

Content creator Souaib ‘cArn_’ Hanaf is the winner of the Diablo 4 Hardcore race as he is the first player in the world to reach level 100 with a hardcore character. The streamer teamed up with Path of Exile veterans Steelmage and Zizaran and streamer Nugiyen, and used a Whirlwind Barbarian build to clear all the challenges.

Well, this was everything to know about the Diablo 4 Hardcore mode and how you can use the Hardcore race to immortalize yourself as a Diablo pro. For more content on the game, you can check out:

How to preload Diablo 4 | Best Diablo 4 Druid builds | Best Diablo 4 Sorcerer builds | Diablo 4 skill tree builder | Is Diablo 4 coming to Nintendo Switch | How does Diablo 4 co-op campaign progression work | How to fast travel in Diablo 4 | Is Diablo 4 playable on the Steam Deck | How to salvage gear in Diablo 4

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About The Author

Aakrit is a games writer with over 2000 published articles for EssentiallySports, Sportskeeda, FortniteINTEL, and CharlieINTEL. Currently, he writes guides on Minecraft, Roblox, Pokemon games, Genshin Impact, and Brawlhalla. Aakrit loves playing shooter games and in his free time, you can find him queued up in Valorant, Fortnite, Apex Legends, or Halo Infinite. You can contact Aakrit at [email protected].