Larian Studios Forums Beyond Divinity (English) General hardcore difficulty - How hard is it really?

Just about to start my first game and trying to choose appropriate difficulty. Ive done a search on the board and there doesnt seem to be a lot of information, anecdotal or otherwise, about how hard hardcore actually is. I like playing with a decent difficulty that presents strong challenge. Have no problems with pausing or semi-frequent reloads. However, dont want to start and find later that I cant get past certain point cuz of difficulty.

Any input from someone that has actually tried out hardcore and tactical would be much appreciated.

Tactical is already pretty hard IMO. Lot harder than the normal setting on almost all other RPGs. Although I'm unsure which is really the "normal" setting on BD: action or tactical...

I'm playing on tactical, and based on how easy I find it I don't think hardcore would be too difficult. I'm carrying around so many potions I don't know what to do with them, and since they can be used instantly in a tough fight it's fairly easy going. Only the traps are tough.

I have experimented with Tactical and Easy. I found the beginning *very* difficult in Tactical: it's hard to be "tactical" when you have no skills and only 1 or 2 potions. Once you get past this point and especially if you visit the Battlegrounds, it's quite OK but still fairly hard.

Bear in mind loot drops are random, so that may enter the equation. Playing Easy (sorry, I'm at work - can't remember if that's the right name), I was 2 levels higher and at least 50% more potions towards the end of Act 1. Two levels is significant: that's another 2 skill points and 10 ability points.

I currently have hundreds of potions but some of the battles are requiring multiple potions per monster to defeat, so I'll chew through them quickly. I obviously need to visit the Battlegrounds and level up.

So...be prepared to be frustrated on Tactical early on but it's not too bad after that. If you like the "action" part of an action-RPG, I would choose an easier option. That's too much from me so I'll leave it there. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />