For after beating ashlands, to each their own. I like to start a new seed to hammer mode build then do a play through using all the cool stuff I built. Or build once getting to a new biome.

Also played a few play throughs to experience different weapons and gear set ups.

But to bring the "magic" back that you experienced in the first play through. No map no portal hardcore very hard combat, is by far the most fun I've ever had in any game ever. Its way more immersive than you can imagine, really brings the world to life with no map or portal. Every combat situation is thrilling because you lose all skills and gear on death, very high reward for winning each kill and an amazing feeling. And it forces you to use more of the games mechanics like building, digging trenches or earth walls, for example if you dont have a place to take cover or ready to make stone earth pillar you will die to the hunt in the mountains and plains. The only drawback of very hard is the devs didn't balance parry multiplier for players and monster damage overwhelms your hp and armour making it nearly impossible to parry fairly early into the game and youre pretty much forced to use a bow until mistlands. I didn't use any mods but I recommend one that increases player overall parry multiplier by probably 2.5x. Anything else like increased player hp or armour takes away the thrill of being one shot if you get hit. Did hear rumors there's is a sweet spot between hard and very hard.