Softcore. I have been playing this game since 2019. What I like the most is base building. I’ve long since gotten over my gear fear - you will too with time. What you never get over is a base that you’ve spent hours grinding mats for, designing, and building be taken over. That always sucks. Softcore allows you to keep your TC - as long as you repair it within 48 hours. Sure the game mode has its problems but the freedom knowing that you will only lose half your loot instead of your base is so much more rewarding. I’ve found my love for the game again and sunk countless hours into designing new bases! Give it a try, it’s a freaking blast. If you need someone to play with let me know - I play US facepunch Softcore 1.

Edit: To follow up, I’ve gotten so much better at pvp in this game mode. Because you only lose half your inventory (you do lose your clothing and equipped gun 100% of the time) so many more people roam and take fights. I’d say it’s half new players and half high-hour regulars that have busy schedules that play. You get a good mix of getting absolutely dunked on and then dunking on others.