High Level Honour Mode Run A Challenge For The Honourless
Hey guys!
So, I'm thinking about diving into a new run, and I'm kinda torn between a few things. I'm looking at a high-level playthrough, maybe even trying out Honour Mode, but honestly, I'm a bit of a chicken when it comes to the latter. I've never actually completed Honour Mode, hence the "honourless" part in the title, haha. I'm hoping to tap into your collective wisdom and get some advice before I commit to this potentially soul-crushing endeavor. I need to be convinced I can actually do this and not rage-quit halfway through! I’m thinking about combining the thrill of a high-level challenge with the brutal difficulty of Honour Mode, but I’m also realistic about my (lack of) Honour Mode experience. I’m basically looking for a way to ease myself into it, or at least understand what I’m getting myself into. What are the biggest differences I should expect? Are there any specific builds or strategies that are particularly effective in Honour Mode? I’ve heard things about pre-buffing and specific party compositions, but I’d love to get some more detailed insights. I also want to know what to expect from the high-level aspect. How does the game change when you're starting at a higher level? Does it make Honour Mode easier or harder in the long run? Are there any challenges or encounters that become trivial, or do new ones emerge? I’m really trying to weigh the pros and cons here. The idea of conquering Honour Mode is definitely appealing, but I also don’t want to spend hours banging my head against a wall. Maybe starting with a high-level character will give me the edge I need, or maybe it’ll just make the fall even harder when things inevitably go wrong.
My Concerns About Honour Mode
One of my biggest concerns about Honour Mode is the permadeath aspect. The idea of losing all my progress because of one stupid mistake is terrifying! I'm the kind of player who likes to experiment and sometimes take risks, and that doesn't exactly mesh well with permadeath. I need to mentally prepare myself for that possibility, or maybe find some coping mechanisms for when (not if!) it happens. Has anyone else struggled with this? How did you overcome the fear of losing everything? Did you develop any strategies for minimizing risk, or did you just embrace the chaos? I'm also curious about specific encounters that are notorious in Honour Mode. Are there any particular boss fights or areas that I should be especially wary of? Are there any specific strategies or tactics that are essential for surviving these encounters? I've heard horror stories about certain fights one-shotting entire parties, and I'd like to be as prepared as possible. Gear is another thing I'm thinking about. Does gear acquisition become significantly harder in Honour Mode? Are there any specific items or pieces of equipment that are particularly valuable or essential? I'm also wondering about the overall pace of the game. Does Honour Mode force you to play more slowly and cautiously? Does it encourage you to explore every nook and cranny for resources and experience? I'm used to playing at a relatively brisk pace, but I suspect that might not be the best approach in Honour Mode. I need to be more methodical and deliberate, which is a bit of a change for me. It's making me feel like I need a spreadsheet just to keep track of all the things I need to consider!
The Appeal of a High-Level Start
On the other hand, the allure of starting at a high level is pretty strong. The idea of jumping straight into the action with a fully-fledged character and access to powerful abilities is definitely exciting. I imagine it would allow me to experiment with different builds and playstyles right from the start, without having to grind through the early levels. I think it will give me the chance to really enjoy the combat and the story without feeling underpowered. But what level should I aim for? Is there a sweet spot where I get the benefits of a high-level character without completely trivializing the early game? I don't want to make things too easy, but I also don't want to feel like I'm starting from scratch. There's a fine line there, and I'm not sure where it is. How does starting at a high level affect the story and the pacing of the game? Does it change the way you approach quests and encounters? Do certain quests become irrelevant or too easy? I also wonder if a high-level start would make me overconfident. Would it lull me into a false sense of security and make me more likely to make mistakes? I could see myself getting cocky and then getting wiped out by a surprise encounter. That's definitely something I need to be mindful of. But still, the thought of wielding powerful magic and devastating abilities from the get-go is hard to resist. It's like skipping the tutorial and going straight to the boss fight. The potential for epic moments and creative gameplay is huge.
Balancing Difficulty and Fun
Ultimately, I'm trying to find a balance between difficulty and fun. I want a challenge, but I don't want to be miserable. I want to test my skills, but I don't want to spend hours repeating the same encounter. I want to experience the satisfaction of overcoming a difficult challenge, but I don't want to feel like I'm just grinding my way through the game. Is it even possible to achieve this balance in Honour Mode, especially with a high-level start? I'm starting to think I need a flowchart to map out all the possible outcomes and scenarios. Maybe I should just flip a coin and let fate decide. But seriously, I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Have any of you attempted a high-level Honour Mode run? What were your biggest challenges and triumphs? What advice would you give to someone who's considering it? I’m looking for inspiration, guidance, and maybe a little bit of reassurance. Tell me your stories, share your strategies, and help me decide if I'm crazy enough to actually do this. Maybe with your help, I can finally shed the "honourless" title and become a true Honour Mode champion!
I'm open to any and all suggestions, from build recommendations to tactical tips to general words of encouragement. Let's discuss! Maybe together, we can figure out the perfect recipe for a challenging but rewarding playthrough. And who knows, maybe I'll even document my journey and share my experiences with you guys. It could be a disaster, or it could be epic. Either way, it'll be interesting!
So, what do you think? Should I go for it? Or should I stick to something a little less insane? Let me know in the comments!
