Image via Blizzard Entertainment
Diablo IV, like its predecessors, offers the player two different game modes at the start of the game: Normal and Hard. Those unfamiliar with the series may wonder what hardcore mode is and what it entails. This is a more enduring game mode that will test the player’s ability to survive the most difficult circumstances. Hardcore mode in Diablo IV is a challenge mode that will permanently kill the player’s character if they die. Of course, if you’re playing Diablo IV for the first time, I don’t recommend playing on hardcore. But you absolutely can, and you can even beat the game this way.
There are no additional rewards for beating the game with a hardcore character, only achievements. This means that Hardcore characters don’t get more Legendary drops, as this is tied to World level. Hardcore also doesn’t make the game significantly harder, other than a permanent penalty. If your character dies, they’re gone forever, including gear, facets, and anything else they might have unlocked other than cosmetics. This mode is really for those who are just looking for an extra challenge of not dying.
Otherwise, normal mode is exactly what you’d expect. Players can die indefinitely, with only the penalty of their equipment slowly failing. This is the general way to play the game and is definitely recommended for those who want to play Diablo first time.
Diablo IV available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and computer.
