Having just completed the HC Classless challenge (A true honor!), fellow community member @MagpieMcGraw proposed a great concept for my next challenge- To start a new game in Hardcore Ultimate. There are a couple self-imposed rules:
SSF/I cannot use Shared Stash (Aside from the Merit to unlock Ultimate. Additionally, Blueprints are allowed, but I will be clearing the shared stash of all crafting materials etc and storing them on a Mule character for the duration of this challenge).
No accessing earlier difficulties at any time.
No GDstash.
And so, in honor of one of my favorite characters from one of my favorite card games that plays just like an ARPG PvP battle, I shall begin this challenge tomorrow night. The build will be based on Rhinar, Reckless Rampage, who’s Armory Deck also happens to release tomorrow! Starting class will be a Shaman.
This sounds like the Gorstak challenge from the Grim Dawn Community League a few years back. The league had a mechanic where you could access Ultimate game mode without a Merit. Obviously you will have to use a Merit to even get to Ultimate in Vanilla game. Another aspect of Gorstak is that you can only use a single class – which, to me, borders on the ridiculous as far as challenge intensity. I have personally tried this in HC with single class and duo class and am happy to report that I died quite successfully both ways!!
Good point, i updated the original post to reflect the Merit. Also Blueprints are allowed, but ill be transferring all my crafting mats out prior to game start to prevent crafting using shared stash mats acquired on other characters.
Single class isnt a stipulation for this specific challenge however its one that can certainly be introduced. That could perhaps be the next challenge after this one haha.
I wasn’t sure if I should say anything before you start. But since you are very attached to your characters, and they all seem to be unique, I think I should warn you of the dangers ahead…
Play normally at first, kill Kyzogg, collect 5 scrap, and return to town. This will get you to level 24. You’ll have like 40 skill points to work with. Now you have to make a build that works. You need damage and healing.
Avoid optional bosses and dangerous domains until you are good and ready.
Vendors offer good gear around level 24. You’re looking for Resistant of Vitality and Resistant of Mending. Don’t neglect acid res.
You can’t get aether, chaos or vitality res early on. So beware any heroes with those elements. If you see a troll, be afraid, be very afraid.
Briarthorns are very dangerous due to their ground spells. Mosquitos are extremely dangerous due to their bleed damage.
Pull enemies one by one if you have to. That’s how you beat totems early on.
Don’t go for Viloth until you have unlocked the blacksmith. He can make aether shards for the devotion shrine.
I’ve only beaten this once, although I came close a few times. Here’s my winning character at the end. Based on the skill points, I think this is after campaign and before entering SR. Scarlet 100
Thank you for the tips! I plan to spend a long time in lower crossing. Like, a LONG time, grinding XP very very slowly until i get a comfortable feel for the danger level from just the regular Walking Dead
While its true i get attached to my characters, after doing the HC Classless challenge, I have learned how to roll with the punches. Im also far less attached to class characters, as progression is far easier due to like 4x as many Attribute points, and access to a ton of passive stats from skills. Here, though, i wont have access to Devotions as early…
Of course I dont want to die since these runs will be SSF/No shared stash so no access to a stockpile of components or consumables. But if it happens, it happens. Im a true believer in HC being the best way to learn how to “get good” as you are forced to learn what kills you, when, and how. A lot of that comprehension has already been absorbed throughout my HC Classless journey. That said, this is going to be a very different experience in several respects, but thats exciting!
Im really pumped to play tonight, ive never tried to play this way before and im really glad you brought it up. Im really glad this community is so engaging with this stuff, it makes it that much more hype to experience the journey, knowing i can discuss it with you and everyone here! I just cant wait to get home from work later and fire it up!!! Ive got a couple other builds planned in my mind if this one dies.
The way I play, if one character dies I wont bring that character back- theyre dead. Thats how I treat my HC characters. Im also someone who builds heavily into theme, which means most of my builds wind up kind of memey, but thats by design and usually a flavor choice. In other words, if Rhinar dies, thats it- No more Rhinar builds, hes out of the challenge.
