Hardcore Mode - Revised Design (2024)

Thanks for the feedback, questions and comments on the upcoming 'Hardcore Mode.' After reviewing the original preview thread we've decided to post a new thread with additional details and answers to a few key questions:

Overview
- Hardcore Mode is a challenging way to enjoy Arcane Legends with a new (special) character!
- To experience Hardcore Mode you must first complete a quest from 'Nalyx' in Festerfang Outpost. He's not there yet but will be soon. Once you complete his quest you will be able to create new 'Hardcore Mode' characters on your account.
- Hardcore Mode characters start the game at Level 1 and advance through the classic Arcane Legends campaigns, quests and content.
- Hardcore characters cannot trade or stash items and if they die they cannot resurrect! For enduring these hardships, Hardcore Mode characters collect unique achievements, titles and banners to show their prowess.
- Hardcore characters are allowed to hang out in the same social spaces as 'normal' characters but they are only allowed to go on PVE adventures with other Hardcore characters. This means that the game will only put Hardcore characters into instances with other Hardcore characters. Likewise, 'normal' characters are put in normal instances with other 'normal' characters ;-)
- Hardcore characters are allowed to PvP against other Hardcore characters. Normal and Hardcore characters are not allowed to play together in standard PvP maps. There are two exceptions to this: Duels and Guild Battlegrounds. Hardcore characters can elect to 'duel' or enter a 'Guild Battleground.'

Rewards
- Reach Level 2 for the title: <<Mortal>>
- Reach Level 25 for <<The One and Only>> title and the Level 25 Hardcore Banner.
- Reach Level 50 for the gold <<Living Legend>> title and the Level 50 Hardcore Banner.
- An additional title and an amazing new banner will be reserved for Level 75.

Important details:

DEATH & RESTORATION
- The cornerstone of 'Hardcore Mode' is the finality of character death. Hardcore characters cannot resurrect when they die. If a Hardcore character falls in battle s/he is considered 'permanently dead,' and is removed from the Hardcore Mode leaderboard.
- Players have the option to use Platinum to restore a dead Hardcore mode character to Level 1 with all of the inventory items that the character had when they died. This is the only way to recover a dead Hardcore character.
- Restored Hardcore characters start at Level 1 no matter how far they got in the game before they died!
- Dead Hardcore characters remain in your character list until they are deleted or restored.
- Death in PvE and death in PvP have the same consequences for Hardcore characters.

TRADE & STASH
- Hardcore characters are economically isolated from their Arlorian brethren. They cannot use the huge advantages that come from trading equipment with other adventurers. They cannot spend their gold for powerful items at Auction. They cannot move items from other characters on the same account via the Stash.
- The Hardcore character's equipment is the product of strict individual effort! Relying upon looted items makes the Hardcore character experience very challenging - especially at higher levels.

On CONVERTING CHARACTERS
- Existing characters are considered 'Normal Mode' characters. These characters cannot be converted into 'Hardcore Mode.' Likewise, you cannot convert a 'Hardcore Mode' character into a normal one.
- The purpose of hardcore mode is to create a risky, exciting new context for advancing from Levels 1 to 71 (and beyond) and 'conversion' back and forth would defeat this.

On GEAR LOSS
- All of the items in your Hardcore character's inventory are lost when that character dies. This includes everything: vanity items, equipment items, crafting components, chests.
- Since Hardcore characters do not have access to trade, stash or Auction, the strategic management of inventory is more important than in the 'normal' character context.
- If you choose to restore a dead Hardcore Mode character, all of that character's items will also be restored. Upon restoration your character will be back at Level 1 so higher-level items will not be accessible until you meet the necessary requirements.

On ACHIEVEMENTS
- After reviewing feedback we have decided to separate the 'Hardcore' mode character achievements into their own category. These will be visible only to Hardcore characters and will not affect normal players' advancement.

On LEADERBOARDS
- Hardcore characters are removed from the Hardcore Leaderboard when they die.
- All relevant advancement counters (kills, AP's) are reset on death.

On PETS
- When a dead Hardcore character is restored, their Pets are brought back along with all of their equipment.
- Pet levels are all reset to 1. Purpose of this is to ensure that early game balance is not trivialized by high-level companions.

Looking forward to more questions and comments on this! Thanks again :-)

Originally Posted by Joe Webb

Sounds good, when can we expect this feature to be released?

We are testing the features right now. New Clients will likely be required. I don't have a good estimate but I would predict sometime before the end of November.

OP Updated with some basic rewards info.

Originally Posted by it's.just.sua

Quick question...Is there pvp in hardcore mode? Okay I lied...Another question...If there is then would the whole character reset thing apply to deaths in pvp as well?

Yes. Hardcore vs hardcore in standard PvP zones. Hardcore can PvP against normal characters in Duels and in Guild Battlegrounds. The whole character reset thing does apply in PvP as well.

OP updated with this info. Thanks!