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hard-core

hard-core

1 7.9
A game mode where death means permanent loss of progress
  • adjective
  • /ˈhɑrdˌkɔr/
  • Jargon
translation icon : exigente
  • You're talking about a hard-core match, which was what you just sat through, and then what Zak's gonna be doing, which ain't gonna be the same match.

Examples

  • But in the meantime, I need to make sure you can handle cutting hard-core.

    Finding Bliss (2009)

  • This means a good chance that hard-core gamers won't get the titles and game features they used to due to restrictions.

    Blog text (7)

  • Then there is "hard-core" mode, which is "hard" mode with the terrifying penalty of deleting your world should you perish.

    Blog text (27)

  • Okerlund: ALSO HERE TONIGHT IN A HARD-CORE MATCH, SID VICIOUS IS GONNA BE LOCKING UP WITH STING.

    Ready to Rumble (2000)

  • The game features a hard-core mode that permanently deletes your character if you die.

  • Players in hard-core mode face the challenge of completing the game without any save points.

  • In hard-core gaming, failure can mean losing all your progress permanently, making it a true test of skill.

Synonyms

hard
vshard-core
∞ 1.1

Needing a lot of effort and often strict or severe

is a game mode that adds permanent loss of progress on defeat
tough
vshard-core
∞ 2.6

Hard to do or understand and needing a lot of effort

is more unforgiving by disabling saves or causing permanent progress loss

Antonyms

forgiving
64 3.1

Ready to stop feeling angry after someone hurts you

casual
19 2.8

Happening only sometimes and not regularly

How Demanding

hard-core
  • Jargon
1 7.9
brutal
142 4.2
hard
∞ 1.1
challenging
183 4.4
normal
∞ 1.0
casual
19 2.8

Surface Forms

hard-core positive
hardcore positive

Morphology

hard-core = hard + core (transparent) = hard + core

Applied to game modes, 'hard' (difficult) + 'core' (central/intense) yields a meaning ('very demanding') that learners can readily infer.

Etymology

Hard-core combines hard and core, meaning the most 'difficult' or serious part at the centre. That is why a 'hard-core' game mode is for the most serious players and is very tough, often making you lose progress for good.