Hardcore Mode? What Is This?

Hello, Im a returning player, who is asking himself, what the **** are these new modes when in class select (Hardcore, Ironman, Craftsman, Hunted)

Question 1: Is there a benefit from these? And if so, which ones?

Question 2: If not, why would you play on those?

Question 3: How do you switch between them? Can you do that all the time, or is it class based or how?

I appreciate everyone who could help me, thank you so much in advance.

 

Hardcore, ironman, and craftsman pretty much give no benefits aside from bragging rights (well you get to put normal items in your ingredient pouch with ironman). Whereas hunted mode gives a 50% combat XP + 50% gathering XP bonus.

As I said above, it's basically for a challenge/bragging rights. You also get a badge next to your name when you chat on that class.

You can activate these challenge modes in the class selection menu. But you cannot deactivate them after on that class.

I'm too lazy to type out the definitions for all these challenges so just https://wynncraft.gamepedia.com/Special_Gamemodes

 

Hardcore - you drop most items on death, icon turns grey (challenge failed)
Ironman - you can't trade, use bank or pick up items from other players. On the bright side you can use pouch as second inventory
Craftsman - you can only use crafted stuff
Hunted - other players within ~10lv range can kill you; most items drop on death. You get +50% XP bonus in combat and gathering

 

ironman mode is fun