Template:2007 page Ironman Mode and Hardcore Ironman Mode are account-types that are not allowed to interact with other players in any way, with a few exceptions. The modes were released on 13 October 2014.
Both modes can only be activated through the character creation screen, which is selectable from the dropdown menu above the character preview. They can be toggled off at any point the player wishes, but they cannot be turned back on after that. To activate Ironman or Hardcore Ironman modes, players must right-click the "Randomise" option, select "Advanced" in the account creation menu, and then be presented with several confirmations that they wish to create that account type. Players must open the Jar of divine light to remove hardcore status from Ironman mode. Players must read the Book of diplomacy to remove Ironman mode from their accounts entirely. Both items are sold by Mr Ex.
Ironmen are not able to use the Grand Exchange, gain experience in certain multiplayer situations, or stake at the Duel Arena. They are also not able to trade, with the exception of receiving/buying Bonds (not selling) and certain quest specific items such as the Shield of Arrav. There is no way for an Ironman account to buy and/or use Treasure Hunter. Players who choose to activate Hardcore Ironman Mode, in addition, have only one "life". As soon as they die, their account is permanently locked, unless they have purchased the ability to convert to a regular Ironman account upon death, namely the Jar of divine light. There is also an option to buy an extra life (divine coin) at total levels 1000 and 1600 for 100,000 and 10,000,000 coins, respectively. This is so that people who have already progressed far into the game are able to avoid losing their accounts from lag, bugs, etc.
Ironmen players cannot fight Barrows - Rise of the Six and Vorago, as they must be fought in a group.
Hardcore Ironmen that have died may still access the in-game lobby, and death does not affect the Old School RuneScape game in any way.
Examining a tradeable item on an Ironman Mode account displays the high alchemy price instead of its Grand Exchange Value. The Price checker also displays this.
Ironmen are identifiable by a silver chat badge and title of "Ironman [Name] / Ironwoman [Name]" or "[Name] the Ironman / [Name] the Ironwoman", and Hardcore Ironman accounts have a red chat badge (shaped as a skull) and the title of "Hardcore Ironman [Name] / Hardcore Ironwoman [Name]" or "[Name] the Hardcore Ironman / [Name] the Hardcore Ironwoman".
There are two new highscores added as a result. One highscore table is for all Ironman accounts, while the other is solely for Hardcore Ironman accounts. When a Hardcore Ironman account gets deleted or downgraded, that account is not removed from the Hardcore highscores, but their highest scores at the time of deletion or downgrading are kept, unable to change them further.
Hardcore death notification
Global announcements were broadcast for various firsts, including the first hardcore death, the first to 500 and 1000 total level, and the first to complete various quests. There are also global announcements for hardcore deaths of accounts with at least a 750 total level and whenever a player becomes the first to reach level 99 in a skill. For a list of first players to 99, see Skill mastery#Ironman.
Players in Ironman mode can only pick up their own drops from the ground. For example, if another player kills a chicken, any players in Ironmode who attempts to pick it up get a chatbox message telling them that they can not pick that up in Ironman mode. But non-ironman players can pick up the drops from Ironman players. You can enter the trade screen when in Ironman mode or while trading someone in Ironman mode, but neither player is able to place any items or cash as you receive the chatbox message saying that the person you are trading is an Ironman.
Deaths that do not end Hardcore Ironmen
Deaths don't end hardcore if they are counted as "safe death" in the regular game. Examples include:
- PvP portals near the Fist of Guthix
- Falling off the pathway in Demon Slayer
- Dying to Agoroth or a Crassian warrior during A Shadow Over Ashdale
- Dying inside a Dungeoneering floor
- Getting hit with a dragonkin fireball in Missing, Presumed Death
- Dying in the mansion in Broken Home
- Dying in the 4th stage of Koschei the deathless during The Fremennik Trials
- Dying against TokHaar-Hok during The Brink of Extinction
- Any death while having a Sign of life equipped
Beta
On 30 September 2014, around 130 players were selected to participate in the Ironman Mode Beta after receiving a message on 26 September, while others were also selected from certain competitions.
These accounts have usernames in the format "irontrial<Number>" ranging from 1 to 130, however all players received a bond and most changed their name.
When Ironman Mode was officially released, the beta accounts could still be played, but they would not appear on the Hiscores.
Trivia
- There is currently a glitch where revenant dropped armours (corrupt dragon/ancient warrior's), when degraded, will refund the player with the grand exchange price and not the high alch price. This is currently being fixed.
- Ironman mode disallows the use of "Accept-aid", preventing barricade heals or other assistive methods.
- When a Hardcore Ironman dies, a global broadcast is released through the chat box. After an update, this was updated to include the cause of death. This was also included in the hiscores.