The dust has settled, the storm has calmed, and I’m back! Sadly now I’m having a different issue that could prevent me from writing:I’m having a hard time not playing D3. I owe it to dying, to wiping out most of my gold reserves, and having to start somewhat fresh. It’s been refreshing( pun intended) and has me invested back into D3.



It wasn’t really my choice to die. I was messing around with my monk and loaded him up with some gear off the AH. My reserves took a hit but I figured I’d farm it back. The time away did not hone my skills and I wasn’t up to speed with the feel of the monk again. I got overwhelmed, and found myself staring at the screen announcing my demise. Thankfully I had already had a back up monk waiting in the wings at level 4.

The brief time I had with my monk was fun and I wanted to get back to that point. So I took up that lowly level four and set out into monster power 10 in order to hasten my leveling. I was surprised at how challenging it was and how much I was running for my life. While my life may have been in danger I was enjoying every second of it and reconnecting with what Hardcore can really offer. You can often get into a zone where you feel invincible but to be constantly reminded of your mortality can be a true motivator to get stronger, to get better, and to stay alive.

In tandem with the death went my gold reserves, so most of what i’ve cobbled together was from leftovers in my stash and things I’ve found. It was quite the throwback to not have an Ah to look to because it was out of my price range. As a result of my poverty I’m hardly cruising in Inferno currently but have enough for me to farm and slowly build back up what I lost, very slowly it seems. However, much like release i’m looking forward to each drop not only because it may be profitable but because it could be an upgrade for me as well. More often than not I find myself praying for an upgrade over something that will sell.

At the same time I do still Have 16 paragon WD just waiting while I play my monk. I like to have at least one high level waiting in the wings so I always can farm back up if things are ever really dire. However, the monk has caught my fancy and his quick strikes, and swirling cyclones are addicting, and I can’t imagine abandoning the class at any time in the near future.

Now I don’t think this is going to help all of you out there reconnect with Hardcore. Not everyone is willing to part with heir hard earned gold, or high level characters. I know I wouldn’t have done it willingly, but I’m thankful for it and I’m having more fun as a result. The push back to 60 helped me reconnect with the class, and the fact that I’m not breezing through with AH gear has me just as motivated to get better. I’m not an AH purist by any means but I was surprised by how being deprived of it has made the game more fun for me. So throw caution to the wind, take some risks, and die if you must. You just might enjoy the journey back.

One Life to Live covers the Hardcore play and life style in the Diablo community. It is written by Xanth and published weekly. Post your comments below, Follow me on Twitter @HCXanth or contact the author directly. For all the archived news about Diablo 3 hardcore check our Archives!