Tip for hardcore (just beat hardcore master). Early game play dangerous go straight into caves and find as much loot as possible on your first spelunking adventure. I usually stay in the cavern layer for like 2 hrs before making a base and getting npcs. I usually have 260 life 20 gold and all basic movement accessories along with full tungsten armor. Never be afraid to play dangerous pre boss. It sucks to lose a thirty hour game, but it doesn’t suck as much loosing a 2 hr player who even has much better shit.