I’m new to Grim Dawn but i always prefer hard core mode in games like this. I also like to plan well ahead my build since well its hard core so there is not that much room to play around!
What would be your recommended builds atm for hardcore? i would like to not be a glasscannon and i hate ranged weapons like crossbows / guns. Any melee / caster build are cool with me except maybe those mines i keep reading about from demo. Also i would like to be able to one day do all the end game content.
The builds posted in the build compendium version IX under “beginner builds” are all suitable http://www.grimdawn.com/forums/showthread.php?t=79419. I think you should try the game in soft core first to learn about basic mechanics and such first.
When just starting a game, you can’t really talk about “builds.” Builds most ppl post and discuss are endgame builds. And they are usually equipped with endgame gear that’s only available after about hundreds of hours of farming and collecting. If you wanna play hc right from the start you might not even reach endgame with your first couple of characters. GD
is very difficult for beginners. You gotta have the know-how to survive and sc is the best place to get it.
But if you insist on hc, my personal recommendation is Warder (Soldier+Shaman), Tactician (Soldier+Inquisitor) or Death Knight (Soldier+Necro). Or wait for Forgotten Gods and try Warlord. Basically, soldier.
I would add vitality casters (I personally only played ritualist) to the list as vitality spells (siphon souls, devouring swarm, …) and devotions (bat, rattosh, …) often revolve around life steal and therefore make them exremely sturdy builds. Getting into the later stages of the game you will need quite a lot of reduced resistances as there will be some enemies that have a lot of vitality and life drain resistance.