Those of us spending the time and energy to level a character in World of Warcraft Hardcore might have a screw or two loose. A single misstep, pulling the wrong mob or trusting the wrong player, can lead to an early demise.
Here are a few World of Warcraft Hardcore tips and tricks to avoid losing all your progress and creating a new character for the eleventh time!
How to Survive in World of Warcraft Hardcore
Whether you have experience playing hardcore game modes in the likes of Diablo 4, or perhaps you’re just starting fresh after coming over from World of Warcraft Retail, WoW: Hardcore is an entirely new ballgame. It’s challenging yet rewarding, welcoming yet perplexing, and the community is among the best in the MMORPG genre. But a few tips never hurt, right?
Don’t Hesitate to Run Away
I initially started with World of Warcraft Retail, specifically around the time of Cataclysm, so my experience with Azeroth stems from a quality-of-life-filled game. As such, I found myself committed whenever I entered combat in Hardcore. I didn’t want to retreat, and therefore, I fell in battle a handful of times before I resigned myself to running away.
Do not be like me! There is zero shame in escaping from a fight with your character intact, returning when you’re higher level, or with your health and mana fully restored a short respite later.
But here’s a tip for when you do retreat. Do not attack the monster again, as it resets their leash timer, and they’ll continue chasing you. You want to disengage and move away altogether.
Stick With the Green
Playing Hardcore is a brand-new experience for many, which means playing slowly and methodically. Seriously, take your time.
An excellent way to get ahead and stay ahead is by completing green-level quests and mobs. Sure, they’re low-level and easy, but they offer experience and a chance to learn your class’ mechanics and playstyle.
We recommend sticking with safe leveling zones, like starting zones, for at least your first two areas. You’ll level up significantly during this time, hitting nearly level 20, before venturing into more dangerous zones, like yellow or orange.
Use Your Consumables
In most role-playing games, you hoard every item because you “might” need it later down the road. But in Hardcore, your road may wind up cut short. Like, really short. As such, I recommend using your consumables whenever possible.
A healing potion here, a damage buff there; it all adds up over time. If you use a buff to help you defeat a boss to complete a quest, you’re rewarded with experience, equipment, and items. As such, it all comes full circle.
If you genuinely require additional consumables, you can spend your gold wisely. Or, better yet, trade with other players, like your guild members.
Do not hoard!
Join a Guild
I know, right? Playing socially in an MMORPG? That’s ridiculous.
I spent much of my time playing Hardcore completely solo, and I’ll be the first to admit it was often a miserable experience. I was utterly alone, working through various zones, with no one to help complete quests, take down mini-bosses, or trade with. It hurt my progression.
But then, as is common in World of Warcraft, I was spammed with guild offers. And you know what? I took one up on their offer and joined. I was one of many to enlist with this guild randomly, but I finally had a small community to help me through Hardcore. They were welcoming, friendly, and extremely helpful.
One long-term member automatically offered to craft bags for new folks, and trust me when I say you want a bag. They’re coveted.
Save Your Gold
World of Warcraft Retail hands you gold like its candy. You always have an abundance to spend on consumables, mounts, and equipment. But Hardcore is the exact opposite. You will struggle to accumulate any amount of gold.
For starters, you can’t use the auction house, so you need to grind. You’ll spend gold on crucial skills, bag space, and your mount at level 40. You want a horse!
I recommend starting early. Save your gold as you’re leveling from your starting zone and beyond. You don’t need to buy a ton of items, as you’ll loot plenty and receive more as quest rewards, so hang onto your money for spells, skills, and the coveted mount. Before you know it, you’ll have essential items that help you progress to the end game.
By following these essential tips for World of Warcraft Hardcore, you’ll be better positioned to hit level 60 and become legendary!
For additional World of Warcraft guides, like the best class for beginners, trust in Prima Games to not lead you astray!
