
Players can also create a hardcore character. By doing this, the character retains all abilities and items between each difficulty and can replay on a lower difficulty at any time. The player can choose to play again from the beginning at the next level of difficulty once the game expires. In higher difficulties, monsters are stronger and more resistant to the elements, and the player receives a penalty to their own resistance to the elements, in addition to losing both gold and experience when dying. In addition to the four acts, there are three levels of sequential difficulty: Normal, Nightmare, and Hell. Items dropped by monsters upon death, their attributes, and most areas of the game are randomly generated. A powerful monster awaits the player at the end of each act. Players also have the option of hiring one of several computer-controlled mercenaries that follow the player and attack nearby enemies. The combat is in real- time and is shown from an isometric perspective. Players fight monsters through open natural spaces and dungeons to level up their character and get better items (weapons, armor).
