# The Grind Was Insane: Hardcore Gamer Achieves Paragon 300 in Diablo 4 in Just 120 Hours
Following the launch of *Vessel of Hatred* and the commencement of *Season 6*, Diablo 4 players faced a new endeavor: attaining the new highest Paragon level of 300. For many, this aspiration appeared nearly unattainable due to the immense time and commitment needed. Nonetheless, one intrepid soul from Sanctuary, Reddit user **WisdomX_307504**, undertook this colossal challenge—and accomplished it in *Hardcore Mode*, where a single death equates to losing everything.
## The Path to Paragon 300
In Diablo 4, the effort to reach Paragon 300 is no trivial task. Even in the regular game mode, players must accumulate an “insane” quantity of experience points (XP) to hit the ceiling. However, in Hardcore Mode, the stakes escalate dramatically. A player’s death results in the loss of all progress on that character, necessitating a fresh start. Despite these dangers, **WisdomX_307504** succeeded in reaching Paragon 300 in only 120 hours of gameplay, a remarkable achievement that has stunned the Diablo 4 community.
### “I Need to Touch Grass First”
Upon reaching Paragon 300, WisdomX posted a screenshot of this significant milestone on Reddit, whimsically commenting, “I need to touch grass first.” This expression, commonly found in gaming circles, highlights the necessity to step away from the screen and re-engage with the real world after an intense gaming period. Given the commitment needed to hit Paragon 300, it’s understandable that WisdomX felt a need to unwind.
You can check out the original post [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/diablo4/comments/1gdbmg6/finally_hit_paragon_300_in_hardcore/).
### What is Hardcore Mode?
For those who may not know, Diablo 4’s Hardcore Mode presents a game experience where the risks are incredibly high. If your character dies, you forfeit all progress, including gear, levels, and Paragon points. This mode is not suited for the faint-hearted, as dozens—or even hundreds—of hours of progress can vanish in a heartbeat. Every battle, dungeon, and encounter presents a critical life-or-death challenge.
### How Did He Achieve It?
Attaining Paragon 300 in Hardcore Mode demands not only skill but also a carefully devised strategy. WisdomX mentioned that the cornerstone of his success was the newly introduced **Spiritborn class** from the *Vessel of Hatred* expansion. Specifically, he employed the **Evade build**, which, while recently nerfed, still stands as one of the strongest and most dependable builds available in the game.
However, succeeding wasn’t only about utilizing a powerful build. WisdomX stressed that the journey to Paragon 300 was “insane” and required a build that was both effective and enjoyable to use for lengthy sessions. The Evade build offered both, enabling him to remain focused and engaged throughout the arduous grind.
Interestingly, WisdomX shared that he didn’t purchase any gear from fellow players. Instead, he gathered all of his equipment personally, maximizing his XP gain along the journey.
### The Reward for Achieving Paragon 300
Blizzard has bestowed exclusive in-game prizes on players who complete the Paragon 300 challenge. In addition to earning a new title, players receive a distinctive mount shaped like a **white and black tabby cat**. Accompanying the mount, they also obtain a **blue soulstone trophy** to showcase on their mount, a fitting tribute to such an extraordinary accomplishment.
## How Much XP is “Insane”?
The XP necessary to reach Paragon 300 is astonishing, with requirements soaring into the billions. However, what’s particularly intriguing is how the XP needs adjust as players advance through the Paragon tiers. According to another post by WisdomX, the XP curve isn’t as steep as it was in *Diablo 2*, but it’s still significantly demanding.
You can view the cumulative XP chart shared by WisdomX [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/diablo4/comments/1gb1zxw/psa_paragon_level_cumulative_xp_chart_from_0300/).
### The XP Curve
By the time players attain **Paragon 243**, they have gathered merely **10%** of the cumulative XP needed to reach Paragon 300. The XP required from **level 0 to 284** matches the XP needed from **level 285 to 300**. Therefore, the final stretch of the grind is agonizingly slow, with the XP bar scarcely advancing.
Seasoned Diablo players may