WoW Classic Hardcore Overview
Quest in Multiple Starting Zones
Level From 1-7 in Two Starting Areas
One of the easiest ways to get ahead of the leveling curve in Hardcore is to reach level 5 in your normal starting zone and then head over to a different starting area and complete all of the quests there as well. This should allow your character to reach level 7 before venturing out into the wider zone. For example, Humans beginning their journey in Northshire Abbey can complete all of the available quests, and then take the Deeprun Tram to Ironforge, run to Coldridge Valley, and complete all of the quests in the Dwarf/Gnome starting area.
Similarly, Orcs and Trolls can journey to the Deathknell in Tirisfal Glades by taking the Zeppelin in Durotar after completing all of their quests in the Valley of Trials. In fact, only Night Elves and Tauren will struggle with this leveling method, as they can't easily access additional starting areas from their secluded starting zones.
Quest in Multiple 1-10 Zones
After completing the two Starting zones and reaching level 7, you should be much more comfortable taking on level 5 quests at the next hub. For Horde players, this would mean completing quests in both Tirisfal Glades and Durotar, and for Alliance players, Elwynn Forest and Dun Morogh.
Again, this option is more difficult for Tauren and Night Elves, as they will have to make their way through the higher-level zones of the Barrens and Wetlands, respectively, to reach another of their faction's starting zones.
Focus on Green Quests
While traveling between two starting zones, always try to complete the lowest-level quests that will still reward experience. As long as your character is less than 6 levels higher than the quest you're on, you will receive full experience.
Foxdog recommends not even moving to the next 10-20 leveling zone until you've reached level 15 on your character. This will ensure that the quests can be completed safely, enemies will deal less damage, and you will deal more damage to them.
Learn the Dangers of Each Zone
Many zones have Elites or high-level enemies that are much higher than the rest of the enemies in the zone. It's good to be aware of where these dangerous enemies can spawn and what their patrolling routes are like. Some examples include:
Somnus in Swamp of Sorrows
Teremus the Devourer in Blasted Lands
Volchan in Burning Steppes
Devilsaurs in Un'Goro Crater
Some addons, such as UnitScan Hardcore, can give you an alert when a dangerous or high-level enemy is nearby. In addition to these individual threats, caves in general can be quite dangerous, so enter at your own risk!
Luck
In addition to the above tips, Foxdog also mentions that playing solo can actually help mitigate your risk of dying even more. While he does admit that solo self-found is a lonely mode, and that dungeons are one of the most exciting parts of playing Hardcore, playing solo means not having to rely on anyone else to heal you, or dealing with someone who pulls extra mobs.
Luck also plays a part in server stability or disconnections, although those seem to be less frequent than when the game mode was first released. Foxdog also admits that close calls happen all the time, and sometimes luck is the only thing keeping you from having to go again.
