diff --git a/.claude/settings.local.json b/.claude/settings.local.json
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..2df5e3e3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.claude/settings.local.json
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+{
+  "permissions": {
+    "allow": [
+      "Bash(find . -name \"*LevelData*\" -o -name \"*level.dat*\" 2>/dev/null | head -20)",
+      "Bash(grep -n \"isHardcore\\\\|m_isHardcore\" Minecraft.World/LoginPacket.* Minecraft.Client/PlayerList.cpp)",
+      "Bash(find \"C:\\\\Users\\\\rexma\\\\Documents\\\\Minecraft\\\\itsRevela\" -name \"*.resx\" -path \"*/Common/Media/*\" ! -path \"*/x64/*\" ! -path \"*/de-DE/*\" ! -path \"*/es-ES/*\" ! -path \"*/fr-FR/*\" ! -path \"*/it-IT/*\" ! -path \"*/ja-JP/*\" ! -path \"*/ko-KR/*\" ! -path \"*/pt-BR/*\" ! -path \"*/pt-PT/*\" ! -path \"*/zh-CHT/*\" -type f 2>/dev/null | head -20)",
+      "Bash(find /c/Users/rexma/Documents/Minecraft/itsRevela -name \"*.cpp\" -type f | xargs grep -l \"SetSaveUniqueFilename\" | grep -v \"Stubs\\\\|4JLibs\")",
+      "Bash(find /c/Users/rexma/Documents/Minecraft/itsRevela/Minecraft.Client/Windows64 -name \"*[Ss]torage*\" -type f 2>/dev/null | head -20)",
+      "Bash(find \"C:\\\\Users\\\\rexma\\\\Documents\\\\Minecraft\\\\itsRevela\" -name \"*.cpp\" -o -name \"*.h\" | xargs grep -l \"GameHDD\" 2>/dev/null)",
+      "Bash(find \"C:\\\\Users\\\\rexma\\\\Documents\\\\Minecraft\\\\itsRevela\\\\Minecraft.Client\\\\Windows64\" -name \"*.cpp\" -type f 2>/dev/null | head -20)",
+      "Bash(find \"C:\\\\Users\\\\rexma\\\\Documents\\\\Minecraft\\\\itsRevela\" -name \"*Storage*.cpp\" -o -name \"*Storage*.h\" 2>/dev/null | grep -i windows)",
+      "Bash(find \"C:\\\\Users\\\\rexma\\\\Documents\\\\Minecraft\\\\itsRevela\\\\Minecraft.Client\\\\Windows64\" -name \"*.cpp\" | xargs grep -l \"SaveSaveData\\\\|SetSaveUniqueFilename\" 2>/dev/null)",
+      "Bash(find /c/Users/rexma/Documents/Minecraft/itsRevela -type f -name \"*.h\" | xargs grep -l \"StorageManager\\\\|ResetSaveData\\\\|ReturnSavesInfo\\\\|GetSavesInfo\" | head -10)",
+      "Bash(grep -rn \"SetSaveUniqueFilename\\\\\\(\" Minecraft.Client --include=\"*.cpp\" --include=\"*.h\" 2>/dev/null | grep -v \"^[^:]*Extrax64Stubs.cpp\" | grep -v \"^[^:]*\\\\.h-\")",
+      "Bash(find /c/Users/rexma/Documents/Minecraft/itsRevela -name \"*.h\" | xargs grep -l \"SetCurrentSaveFolderName\\\\|GetCurrentSaveFolderName\" 2>/dev/null)",
+      "Bash(find \"C:\\\\Users\\\\rexma\\\\Documents\\\\Minecraft\\\\itsRevela\\\\Minecraft.Client\" -name \"*.h\" -o -name \"*.cpp\" 2>/dev/null | xargs grep -l \"LaunchMoreOptionsMenuParams\" | head -5)"
+    ]
+  }
+}
diff --git a/Minecraft.Client/ClientConnection.cpp b/Minecraft.Client/ClientConnection.cpp
index ba40b43e..fa87f6ce 100644
--- a/Minecraft.Client/ClientConnection.cpp
+++ b/Minecraft.Client/ClientConnection.cpp
@@ -294,7 +294,7 @@ void ClientConnection::handleLogin(shared_ptr<LoginPacket> packet)
 		Level *dimensionLevel = minecraft->getLevel( packet->dimension );
 		if( dimensionLevel == nullptr )
 		{
-			level = new MultiPlayerLevel(this, new LevelSettings(packet->seed, GameType::byId(packet->gameType), false, false, packet->m_newSeaLevel, packet->m_pLevelType, packet->m_xzSize, packet->m_hellScale), packet->dimension, packet->difficulty);
+			level = new MultiPlayerLevel(this, new LevelSettings(packet->seed, GameType::byId(packet->gameType), false, packet->m_isHardcore, packet->m_newSeaLevel, packet->m_pLevelType, packet->m_xzSize, packet->m_hellScale), packet->dimension, packet->difficulty);
 
 			// 4J Stu - We want to share the SavedDataStorage between levels
 			int otherDimensionId = packet->dimension == 0 ? -1 : 0;
@@ -363,7 +363,7 @@ void ClientConnection::handleLogin(shared_ptr<LoginPacket> packet)
 				activeLevel = minecraft->getLevel(otherDimensionId);
 			}
 
-			MultiPlayerLevel *dimensionLevel = new MultiPlayerLevel(this, new LevelSettings(packet->seed, GameType::byId(packet->gameType), false, false, packet->m_newSeaLevel, packet->m_pLevelType, packet->m_xzSize, packet->m_hellScale), packet->dimension, packet->difficulty);
+			MultiPlayerLevel *dimensionLevel = new MultiPlayerLevel(this, new LevelSettings(packet->seed, GameType::byId(packet->gameType), false, packet->m_isHardcore, packet->m_newSeaLevel, packet->m_pLevelType, packet->m_xzSize, packet->m_hellScale), packet->dimension, packet->difficulty);
 
 			dimensionLevel->savedDataStorage = activeLevel->savedDataStorage;
 
@@ -2798,7 +2798,7 @@ void ClientConnection::handleRespawn(shared_ptr<RespawnPacket> packet)
 		MultiPlayerLevel *dimensionLevel = (MultiPlayerLevel *)minecraft->getLevel( packet->dimension );
 		if( dimensionLevel == nullptr )
 		{
-			dimensionLevel = new MultiPlayerLevel(this, new LevelSettings(packet->mapSeed, packet->playerGameType, false, minecraft->level->getLevelData()->isHardcore(), packet->m_newSeaLevel, packet->m_pLevelType, packet->m_xzSize, packet->m_hellScale), packet->dimension, packet->difficulty);
+			dimensionLevel = new MultiPlayerLevel(this, new LevelSettings(packet->mapSeed, packet->playerGameType, false, packet->m_isHardcore, packet->m_newSeaLevel, packet->m_pLevelType, packet->m_xzSize, packet->m_hellScale), packet->dimension, packet->difficulty);
 
 			// 4J Stu - We want to shared the savedDataStorage between both levels
 			//if( dimensionLevel->savedDataStorage != nullptr )
diff --git a/Minecraft.Client/Common/App_Defines.h b/Minecraft.Client/Common/App_Defines.h
index 7e96896c..332e1e73 100644
--- a/Minecraft.Client/Common/App_Defines.h
+++ b/Minecraft.Client/Common/App_Defines.h
@@ -45,6 +45,7 @@
 #define GAME_HOST_OPTION_BITMASK_DOTILEDROPS		0x08000000
 #define GAME_HOST_OPTION_BITMASK_NATURALREGEN		0x10000000
 #define GAME_HOST_OPTION_BITMASK_DODAYLIGHTCYCLE	0x20000000
+#define GAME_HOST_OPTION_BITMASK_HARDCORE		0x40000000 // 4J Added - for hardcore mode
 #define GAME_HOST_OPTION_BITMASK_ALL				0xFFFFFFFF
 
 #define GAME_HOST_OPTION_BITMASK_WORLDSIZE_BITSHIFT	20
diff --git a/Minecraft.Client/Common/App_enums.h b/Minecraft.Client/Common/App_enums.h
index 15a17978..696374ec 100644
--- a/Minecraft.Client/Common/App_enums.h
+++ b/Minecraft.Client/Common/App_enums.h
@@ -648,6 +648,7 @@ enum eGameHostOption
 	eGameHostOption_DoTileDrops,
 	eGameHostOption_NaturalRegeneration,
 	eGameHostOption_DoDaylightCycle,
+	eGameHostOption_Hardcore, // 4J Added - for hardcore mode
 };
 
 // 4J-PB - If any new DLC items are added to the TMSFiles, this array needs updated
diff --git a/Minecraft.Client/Common/Consoles_App.cpp b/Minecraft.Client/Common/Consoles_App.cpp
index c3a623d5..47b8ea19 100644
--- a/Minecraft.Client/Common/Consoles_App.cpp
+++ b/Minecraft.Client/Common/Consoles_App.cpp
@@ -8063,6 +8063,16 @@ void CMinecraftApp::SetGameHostOption(unsigned int &uiHostSettings, eGameHostOpt
 		uiHostSettings&=~GAME_HOST_OPTION_BITMASK_WORLDSIZE;
 		uiHostSettings|=(GAME_HOST_OPTION_BITMASK_WORLDSIZE & (uiVal<<GAME_HOST_OPTION_BITMASK_WORLDSIZE_BITSHIFT));
 		break;
+	case eGameHostOption_Hardcore: // 4J Added - for hardcore mode
+		if(uiVal!=0)
+		{
+			uiHostSettings |= GAME_HOST_OPTION_BITMASK_HARDCORE;
+		}
+		else
+		{
+			uiHostSettings &= ~GAME_HOST_OPTION_BITMASK_HARDCORE;
+		}
+		break;
 	case eGameHostOption_All:
 		uiHostSettings=uiVal;
 		break;
@@ -8164,6 +8174,9 @@ unsigned int CMinecraftApp::GetGameHostOption(unsigned int uiHostSettings, eGame
 	case eGameHostOption_DoDaylightCycle:
 		return !(uiHostSettings&GAME_HOST_OPTION_BITMASK_DODAYLIGHTCYCLE);
 		break;
+	case eGameHostOption_Hardcore: // 4J Added - for hardcore mode
+		return (uiHostSettings&GAME_HOST_OPTION_BITMASK_HARDCORE) ? 1 : 0;
+		break;
 	}
 
 	return false;
diff --git a/Minecraft.Client/Common/Consoles_App.h b/Minecraft.Client/Common/Consoles_App.h
index 0c1c261e..9512894b 100644
--- a/Minecraft.Client/Common/Consoles_App.h
+++ b/Minecraft.Client/Common/Consoles_App.h
@@ -805,6 +805,10 @@ public:
 	void SetCorruptSaveDeleted(bool bVal) {m_bCorruptSaveDeleted=bVal;}
 	bool GetCorruptSaveDeleted(void) {return m_bCorruptSaveDeleted;}
 
+	// 4J Added: Store save folder name for hardcore world deletion on Win64
+	void SetCurrentSaveFolderName(const wstring& name) { m_currentSaveFolderName = name; }
+	const wstring& GetCurrentSaveFolderName() const { return m_currentSaveFolderName; }
+
 	void EnterSaveNotificationSection();
 	void LeaveSaveNotificationSection();
 private:
@@ -826,6 +830,7 @@ private:
 	CRITICAL_SECTION csAdditionalSkinBoxes;
 	CRITICAL_SECTION csAnimOverrideBitmask;
 	bool m_bCorruptSaveDeleted;
+	wstring m_currentSaveFolderName; // 4J Added: for hardcore world deletion on Win64
 
 	DWORD m_dwAdditionalModelParts[XUSER_MAX_COUNT];
 
diff --git a/Minecraft.Client/Common/UI/IUIScene_PauseMenu.cpp b/Minecraft.Client/Common/UI/IUIScene_PauseMenu.cpp
index e88ed08c..af72db12 100644
--- a/Minecraft.Client/Common/UI/IUIScene_PauseMenu.cpp
+++ b/Minecraft.Client/Common/UI/IUIScene_PauseMenu.cpp
@@ -410,11 +410,72 @@ int IUIScene_PauseMenu::ExitWorldThreadProc( void* lpParameter )
 	return S_OK;
 }
 
+#ifdef _WINDOWS64
+static bool Win64_DeleteSaveDirectory(const wchar_t* wPath)
+{
+	wchar_t wSearch[MAX_PATH];
+	swprintf_s(wSearch, MAX_PATH, L"%s\\*", wPath);
+	WIN32_FIND_DATAW fd;
+	HANDLE hFind = FindFirstFileW(wSearch, &fd);
+	if (hFind != INVALID_HANDLE_VALUE)
+	{
+		do
+		{
+			if (wcscmp(fd.cFileName, L".") == 0 || wcscmp(fd.cFileName, L"..") == 0) continue;
+			wchar_t wChild[MAX_PATH];
+			swprintf_s(wChild, MAX_PATH, L"%s\\%s", wPath, fd.cFileName);
+			if (fd.dwFileAttributes & FILE_ATTRIBUTE_DIRECTORY)
+				Win64_DeleteSaveDirectory(wChild);
+			else
+				DeleteFileW(wChild);
+		} while (FindNextFileW(hFind, &fd));
+		FindClose(hFind);
+	}
+	return RemoveDirectoryW(wPath) != 0;
+}
+#endif // _WINDOWS64
+
 // This function performs the meat of exiting from a level. It should be called from a thread other than the main thread.
 void IUIScene_PauseMenu::_ExitWorld(LPVOID lpParameter)
 {
 	Minecraft *pMinecraft=Minecraft::GetInstance();
 
+	// 4J Added: Capture hardcore delete info before the server is destroyed
+#ifdef _WINDOWS64
+	bool shouldDeleteHardcoreWorld = false;
+	wstring hardcoreSaveFolderName;
+	if (MinecraftServer::getInstance() != nullptr && MinecraftServer::getInstance()->getDeleteWorldOnExit())
+	{
+		shouldDeleteHardcoreWorld = true;
+		// Try 1: Use the save folder name stored by UIScene_LoadMenu::StartGameFromSave (works for existing saves)
+		hardcoreSaveFolderName = app.GetCurrentSaveFolderName();
+		if (!hardcoreSaveFolderName.empty())
+		{
+			app.DebugPrintf("Hardcore mode: save folder from app = '%ls'\n", hardcoreSaveFolderName.c_str());
+		}
+		// Try 2: StorageManager (may work for new saves after first autosave)
+		if (hardcoreSaveFolderName.empty())
+		{
+			char szSaveFolder[MAX_SAVEFILENAME_LENGTH] = {};
+			StorageManager.GetSaveUniqueFilename(szSaveFolder);
+			if (szSaveFolder[0] != '\0')
+			{
+				wchar_t wSaveFolder[MAX_SAVEFILENAME_LENGTH] = {};
+				mbstowcs(wSaveFolder, szSaveFolder, MAX_SAVEFILENAME_LENGTH - 1);
+				hardcoreSaveFolderName = wSaveFolder;
+				app.DebugPrintf("Hardcore mode: save folder from StorageManager = '%s'\n", szSaveFolder);
+			}
+		}
+		// Try 3: Stored during loadLevel
+		if (hardcoreSaveFolderName.empty())
+		{
+			hardcoreSaveFolderName = MinecraftServer::getInstance()->getSaveFolderName();
+			app.DebugPrintf("Hardcore mode: save folder from server = '%ls'\n", hardcoreSaveFolderName.c_str());
+		}
+		MinecraftServer::getInstance()->setDeleteWorldOnExit(false);
+	}
+#endif
+
 	int exitReasonStringId = pMinecraft->progressRenderer->getCurrentTitle();
 	int exitReasonTitleId = IDS_CONNECTION_LOST;
 
@@ -625,6 +686,17 @@ void IUIScene_PauseMenu::_ExitWorld(LPVOID lpParameter)
 	{
 		Sleep(1);
 	}
+	// 4J Added: Hardcore mode — delete world save data now that the server is fully stopped
+#ifdef _WINDOWS64
+	if (shouldDeleteHardcoreWorld && !hardcoreSaveFolderName.empty())
+	{
+		wchar_t wFolderPath[MAX_PATH] = {};
+		swprintf_s(wFolderPath, MAX_PATH, L"Windows64\\GameHDD\\%s", hardcoreSaveFolderName.c_str());
+		app.DebugPrintf("Hardcore mode: Deleting world save folder '%ls'\n", wFolderPath);
+		Win64_DeleteSaveDirectory(wFolderPath);
+	}
+#endif
+
 	pMinecraft->setLevel(nullptr,exitReasonStringId,nullptr,saveStats);
 
 	TelemetryManager->Flush();
diff --git a/Minecraft.Client/Common/UI/UIScene_CreateWorldMenu.cpp b/Minecraft.Client/Common/UI/UIScene_CreateWorldMenu.cpp
index ef72ec16..8eb74739 100644
--- a/Minecraft.Client/Common/UI/UIScene_CreateWorldMenu.cpp
+++ b/Minecraft.Client/Common/UI/UIScene_CreateWorldMenu.cpp
@@ -26,6 +26,8 @@
 #define GAME_CREATE_ONLINE_TIMER_ID 0
 #define GAME_CREATE_ONLINE_TIMER_TIME 100
 
+static bool s_bHardcore = false; // 4J Added: tracks when difficulty slider is at Hardcore position (file-scope to avoid header layout changes)
+
 int UIScene_CreateWorldMenu::m_iDifficultyTitleSettingA[4]=
 {
 	IDS_DIFFICULTY_TITLE_PEACEFUL,
@@ -59,8 +61,9 @@ UIScene_CreateWorldMenu::UIScene_CreateWorldMenu(int iPad, void *initData, UILay
 
 	WCHAR TempString[256];
 	swprintf( (WCHAR *)TempString, 256, L"%ls: %ls", app.GetString( IDS_SLIDER_DIFFICULTY ),app.GetString(m_iDifficultyTitleSettingA[app.GetGameSettings(m_iPad,eGameSetting_Difficulty)]));
-	m_sliderDifficulty.init(TempString,eControl_Difficulty,0,3,app.GetGameSettings(m_iPad,eGameSetting_Difficulty));
+	m_sliderDifficulty.init(TempString,eControl_Difficulty,0,4,app.GetGameSettings(m_iPad,eGameSetting_Difficulty));
 
+	s_bHardcore = false;
 	m_MoreOptionsParams.bGenerateOptions=TRUE;
 	m_MoreOptionsParams.bStructures=TRUE;
 	m_MoreOptionsParams.bFlatWorld=FALSE;
@@ -654,8 +657,13 @@ void UIScene_CreateWorldMenu::handleSliderMove(F64 sliderId, F64 currentValue)
 	case eControl_Difficulty:
 		m_sliderDifficulty.handleSliderMove(value);
 
-		app.SetGameSettings(m_iPad,eGameSetting_Difficulty,value);
-		swprintf( (WCHAR *)TempString, 256, L"%ls: %ls", app.GetString( IDS_SLIDER_DIFFICULTY ),app.GetString(m_iDifficultyTitleSettingA[value]));
+		// 4J Added: Difficulty value 4 = Hardcore (store actual difficulty as Hard, track hardcore separately)
+		s_bHardcore = (value >= 4);
+		app.SetGameSettings(m_iPad, eGameSetting_Difficulty, s_bHardcore ? 3 : value);
+		if (value >= 4)
+			swprintf( (WCHAR *)TempString, 256, L"%ls: %ls", app.GetString( IDS_SLIDER_DIFFICULTY ), L"Hardcore");
+		else
+			swprintf( (WCHAR *)TempString, 256, L"%ls: %ls", app.GetString( IDS_SLIDER_DIFFICULTY ),app.GetString(m_iDifficultyTitleSettingA[value]));
 		m_sliderDifficulty.setLabel(TempString);
 		break;
 	}
@@ -823,7 +831,7 @@ void UIScene_CreateWorldMenu::checkStateAndStartGame()
 			// 4J Stu - This is a bit messy and is due to the library incorrectly returning false for IsSignedInLive if the npAvailability isn't SCE_OK
 			UINT uiIDA[1];
 			uiIDA[0]=IDS_OK;
-			ui.RequestErrorMessage(IDS_ONLINE_SERVICE_TITLE, IDS_CONTENT_RESTRICTION, uiIDA, 1, iPadNotSignedInLive);
+			ui.RequestAlertMessage(IDS_ONLINE_SERVICE_TITLE, IDS_CONTENT_RESTRICTION, uiIDA, 1, iPadNotSignedInLive);
 		}
 		else
 		{
@@ -1113,6 +1121,10 @@ void UIScene_CreateWorldMenu::CreateGame(UIScene_CreateWorldMenu* pClass, DWORD
 	StorageManager.ResetSaveData();
 	// Make our next save default to the name of the level
 	StorageManager.SetSaveTitle((wchar_t *)wWorldName.c_str());
+#ifdef _WINDOWS64
+	// New world — save folder doesn't exist yet, clear for now (will be set after first autosave)
+	app.SetCurrentSaveFolderName(L"");
+#endif
 
 	wstring wSeed;
 	if(!pClass->m_MoreOptionsParams.seed.empty() )
@@ -1179,7 +1191,9 @@ void UIScene_CreateWorldMenu::CreateGame(UIScene_CreateWorldMenu* pClass, DWORD
 	Minecraft *pMinecraft = Minecraft::GetInstance();
 	pMinecraft->skins->selectTexturePackById(pClass->m_MoreOptionsParams.dwTexturePack);
 
-	app.SetGameHostOption(eGameHostOption_Difficulty,Minecraft::GetInstance()->options->difficulty);
+	// 4J Added: If hardcore was selected on difficulty slider, set difficulty to Hard and enable hardcore flag
+	app.SetGameHostOption(eGameHostOption_Difficulty, Minecraft::GetInstance()->options->difficulty);
+	app.SetGameHostOption(eGameHostOption_Hardcore, s_bHardcore ? 1 : 0);
 	app.SetGameHostOption(eGameHostOption_FriendsOfFriends,pClass->m_MoreOptionsParams.bAllowFriendsOfFriends);
 	app.SetGameHostOption(eGameHostOption_Gamertags,app.GetGameSettings(pClass->m_iPad,eGameSetting_GamertagsVisible)?1:0);
 
diff --git a/Minecraft.Client/Common/UI/UIScene_DeathMenu.cpp b/Minecraft.Client/Common/UI/UIScene_DeathMenu.cpp
index a4dbe8a8..76bc6e6c 100644
--- a/Minecraft.Client/Common/UI/UIScene_DeathMenu.cpp
+++ b/Minecraft.Client/Common/UI/UIScene_DeathMenu.cpp
@@ -3,24 +3,43 @@
 #include "UIScene_DeathMenu.h"
 #include "IUIScene_PauseMenu.h"
 #include "..\..\Minecraft.h"
+#include "..\..\MultiPlayerLevel.h"
 #include "..\..\MultiplayerLocalPlayer.h"
+#include "..\..\MinecraftServer.h"
+#include "..\..\..\Minecraft.World\net.minecraft.world.level.storage.h"
 
 UIScene_DeathMenu::UIScene_DeathMenu(int iPad, void *initData, UILayer *parentLayer) : UIScene(iPad, parentLayer)
 {
 	// Setup all the Iggy references we need for this scene
 	initialiseMovie();
 
-	m_buttonRespawn.init(app.GetString(IDS_RESPAWN),eControl_Respawn);
 	m_buttonExitGame.init(app.GetString(IDS_EXIT_GAME),eControl_ExitGame);
 
 	m_labelTitle.setLabel(app.GetString(IDS_YOU_DIED));
 
+	// 4J Added: In hardcore mode, disable respawn and show hardcore death message
+	Minecraft *pMC = Minecraft::GetInstance();
+	bool isHardcore = false;
+	if (pMC != nullptr && pMC->level != nullptr)
+	{
+		isHardcore = pMC->level->getLevelData()->isHardcore();
+	}
+
+	if (isHardcore)
+	{
+		m_buttonRespawn.init(app.GetString(IDS_HARDCORE_DEATH_MESSAGE), eControl_Respawn);
+		m_buttonRespawn.setVisible(false);
+	}
+	else
+	{
+		m_buttonRespawn.init(app.GetString(IDS_RESPAWN), eControl_Respawn);
+	}
+
 	m_bIgnoreInput = false;
 
-	Minecraft *pMinecraft = Minecraft::GetInstance();
-	if(pMinecraft != nullptr && pMinecraft->localgameModes[iPad] != nullptr )
+	if(pMC != nullptr && pMC->localgameModes[iPad] != nullptr )
 	{
-		TutorialMode *gameMode = static_cast<TutorialMode *>(pMinecraft->localgameModes[iPad]);
+		TutorialMode *gameMode = static_cast<TutorialMode *>(pMC->localgameModes[iPad]);
 
 		// This just allows it to be shown
 		gameMode->getTutorial()->showTutorialPopup(false);
@@ -84,8 +103,16 @@ void UIScene_DeathMenu::handlePress(F64 controlId, F64 childId)
 	switch(static_cast<int>(controlId))
 	{
 	case eControl_Respawn:
-		m_bIgnoreInput = true;
-		app.SetAction(m_iPad,eAppAction_Respawn);
+		{
+			// 4J Added: Safeguard - don't respawn in hardcore mode
+			Minecraft *pMC = Minecraft::GetInstance();
+			if (pMC != nullptr && pMC->level != nullptr && pMC->level->getLevelData()->isHardcore())
+			{
+				break;
+			}
+			m_bIgnoreInput = true;
+			app.SetAction(m_iPad,eAppAction_Respawn);
+		}
 #ifdef _DURANGO
 		//InputManager.SetEnabledGtcButtons(_360_GTC_MENU|_360_GTC_PAUSE|_360_GTC_VIEW);
 #endif
@@ -109,7 +136,16 @@ void UIScene_DeathMenu::handlePress(F64 controlId, F64 childId)
 						playTime = static_cast<int>(pMinecraft->localplayers[m_iPad]->getSessionTimer());
 					}
 					TelemetryManager->RecordLevelExit(m_iPad, eSen_LevelExitStatus_Failed);
-					
+
+					// 4J Added: Hardcore mode — skip save dialog, exit without saving, delete world
+					if (pMinecraft->level != nullptr && pMinecraft->level->getLevelData()->isHardcore() && g_NetworkManager.IsHost())
+					{
+						MinecraftServer::getInstance()->setSaveOnExit(false);
+						MinecraftServer::getInstance()->setDeleteWorldOnExit(true);
+						app.SetAction(m_iPad, eAppAction_ExitWorld);
+						break;
+					}
+
 #if defined (_XBOX_ONE) || defined(__ORBIS__)
 					if(g_NetworkManager.IsHost() && StorageManager.GetSaveDisabled())
 					{
diff --git a/Minecraft.Client/Common/UI/UIScene_LoadMenu.cpp b/Minecraft.Client/Common/UI/UIScene_LoadMenu.cpp
index d61a7902..b6d9ffe4 100644
--- a/Minecraft.Client/Common/UI/UIScene_LoadMenu.cpp
+++ b/Minecraft.Client/Common/UI/UIScene_LoadMenu.cpp
@@ -24,12 +24,13 @@
 #define CHECKFORAVAILABLETEXTUREPACKS_TIMER_TIME 50
 #endif
 
-int UIScene_LoadMenu::m_iDifficultyTitleSettingA[4]=
+int UIScene_LoadMenu::m_iDifficultyTitleSettingA[5]=
 {
 	IDS_DIFFICULTY_TITLE_PEACEFUL,
 	IDS_DIFFICULTY_TITLE_EASY,
 	IDS_DIFFICULTY_TITLE_NORMAL,
-	IDS_DIFFICULTY_TITLE_HARD
+	IDS_DIFFICULTY_TITLE_HARD,
+	IDS_GAMEMODE_HARDCORE
 };
 
 int UIScene_LoadMenu::LoadSaveDataThumbnailReturned(LPVOID lpParam,PBYTE pbThumbnail,DWORD dwThumbnailBytes)
@@ -110,6 +111,7 @@ UIScene_LoadMenu::UIScene_LoadMenu(int iPad, void *initData, UILayer *parentLaye
 	m_bThumbnailGetFailed = false;
 	m_seed = 0;
 	m_bIsCorrupt = false;
+	m_bHardcore = false;
 
 	m_bMultiplayerAllowed = ProfileManager.IsSignedInLive( m_iPad ) && ProfileManager.AllowedToPlayMultiplayer(m_iPad);
 	// 4J-PB - read the settings for the online flag. We'll only save this setting if the user changed it.
@@ -257,6 +259,30 @@ UIScene_LoadMenu::UIScene_LoadMenu(int iPad, void *initData, UILayer *parentLaye
 			m_levelName = wstring(wSaveName);
 			m_labelGameName.init(m_levelName);
 		}
+		if (params->saveDetails != nullptr)
+		{
+			// Set thumbnail name from save filename (needed for texture display in tick)
+			wchar_t wFilename[MAX_SAVEFILENAME_LENGTH];
+			ZeroMemory(wFilename, sizeof(wFilename));
+			mbstowcs(wFilename, params->saveDetails->UTF8SaveFilename, MAX_SAVEFILENAME_LENGTH - 1);
+			m_thumbnailName = wFilename;
+
+			if (params->saveDetails->pbThumbnailData && params->saveDetails->dwThumbnailSize > 0)
+			{
+				m_pbThumbnailData = params->saveDetails->pbThumbnailData;
+				m_uiThumbnailSize = params->saveDetails->dwThumbnailSize;
+				m_bSaveThumbnailReady = true;
+				m_bRetrievingSaveThumbnail = false;
+			}
+
+			m_bHardcore = params->saveDetails->isHardcore;
+			if (m_bHardcore)
+			{
+				WCHAR TempString[256];
+				swprintf((WCHAR *)TempString, 256, L"%ls: %ls", app.GetString(IDS_SLIDER_DIFFICULTY), L"Hardcore");
+				m_sliderDifficulty.init(TempString, eControl_Difficulty, 0, 4, 4);
+			}
+		}
 #endif
 	}
 
@@ -546,6 +572,14 @@ void UIScene_LoadMenu::tick()
 			{
 				m_MoreOptionsParams.bAllowFriendsOfFriends = TRUE;
 			}
+
+			m_bHardcore = app.GetGameHostOption(uiHostOptions, eGameHostOption_Hardcore) > 0;
+			if (m_bHardcore)
+			{
+				WCHAR TempString[256];
+				swprintf( (WCHAR *)TempString, 256, L"%ls: %ls", app.GetString( IDS_SLIDER_DIFFICULTY ), L"Hardcore");
+				m_sliderDifficulty.init(TempString, eControl_Difficulty, 0, 4, 4);
+			}
 		}
 
 		Minecraft *pMinecraft = Minecraft::GetInstance();
@@ -950,10 +984,15 @@ void UIScene_LoadMenu::handleSliderMove(F64 sliderId, F64 currentValue)
 	switch(static_cast<int>(sliderId))
 	{
 	case eControl_Difficulty:
+		if (m_bHardcore)
+		{
+			m_sliderDifficulty.handleSliderMove(4);
+			break;
+		}
 		m_sliderDifficulty.handleSliderMove(value);
 
 		app.SetGameSettings(m_iPad,eGameSetting_Difficulty,value);
-		swprintf( (WCHAR *)TempString, 256, L"%ls: %ls", app.GetString( IDS_SLIDER_DIFFICULTY ),app.GetString(m_iDifficultyTitleSettingA[value]));		
+		swprintf( (WCHAR *)TempString, 256, L"%ls: %ls", app.GetString( IDS_SLIDER_DIFFICULTY ),app.GetString(m_iDifficultyTitleSettingA[value]));
 		m_sliderDifficulty.setLabel(TempString);
 		break;
 	}
@@ -1167,7 +1206,7 @@ void UIScene_LoadMenu::LaunchGame(void)
 #if TO_BE_IMPLEMENTED
 			if(eLoadStatus==C4JStorage::ELoadGame_DeviceRemoved)
 			{
-				// disable saving 
+				// disable saving
 				StorageManager.SetSaveDisabled(true);
 				StorageManager.SetSaveDeviceSelected(m_iPad,false);
 				UINT uiIDA[1];
@@ -1580,6 +1619,24 @@ void UIScene_LoadMenu::StartGameFromSave(UIScene_LoadMenu* pClass, DWORD dwLocal
 
 	PSAVE_DETAILS pSaveDetails=StorageManager.ReturnSavesInfo();
 
+#ifdef _WINDOWS64
+	// 4J Added: Store save folder name for potential hardcore world deletion
+	app.DebugPrintf("StartGameFromSave: pSaveDetails=%p, levelGen=%p, saveInfoIndex=%d\n", pSaveDetails, pClass->m_levelGen, pClass->m_iSaveGameInfoIndex);
+	if (pSaveDetails != nullptr && pClass->m_levelGen == nullptr)
+	{
+		app.DebugPrintf("StartGameFromSave: UTF8SaveFilename='%s'\n", pSaveDetails->SaveInfoA[(int)pClass->m_iSaveGameInfoIndex].UTF8SaveFilename);
+		wchar_t wFolder[MAX_SAVEFILENAME_LENGTH] = {};
+		mbstowcs(wFolder, pSaveDetails->SaveInfoA[(int)pClass->m_iSaveGameInfoIndex].UTF8SaveFilename, MAX_SAVEFILENAME_LENGTH - 1);
+		app.SetCurrentSaveFolderName(wFolder);
+		app.DebugPrintf("StartGameFromSave: stored folder name '%ls'\n", wFolder);
+	}
+	else
+	{
+		app.DebugPrintf("StartGameFromSave: no save details or is levelGen, clearing folder name\n");
+		app.SetCurrentSaveFolderName(L"");
+	}
+#endif
+
 	NetworkGameInitData *param = new NetworkGameInitData();
 	param->seed = pClass->m_seed;
 	param->saveData = nullptr;	
@@ -1612,6 +1669,7 @@ void UIScene_LoadMenu::StartGameFromSave(UIScene_LoadMenu* pClass, DWORD dwLocal
 	app.SetGameHostOption(eGameHostOption_DoTileDrops, pClass->m_MoreOptionsParams.bDoTileDrops);
 	app.SetGameHostOption(eGameHostOption_NaturalRegeneration, pClass->m_MoreOptionsParams.bNaturalRegeneration);
 	app.SetGameHostOption(eGameHostOption_DoDaylightCycle, pClass->m_MoreOptionsParams.bDoDaylightCycle);
+	app.SetGameHostOption(eGameHostOption_Hardcore, pClass->m_bHardcore ? 1 : 0);
 
 #ifdef _LARGE_WORLDS
 	app.SetGameHostOption(eGameHostOption_WorldSize, pClass->m_MoreOptionsParams.worldSize+1 );  // 0 is GAME_HOST_OPTION_WORLDSIZE_UNKNOWN
diff --git a/Minecraft.Client/Common/UI/UIScene_LoadMenu.h b/Minecraft.Client/Common/UI/UIScene_LoadMenu.h
index 53d66d55..91a6adc0 100644
--- a/Minecraft.Client/Common/UI/UIScene_LoadMenu.h
+++ b/Minecraft.Client/Common/UI/UIScene_LoadMenu.h
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ private:
 		eControl_OnlineGame,
 	};
 
-	static int m_iDifficultyTitleSettingA[4];
+	static int m_iDifficultyTitleSettingA[5];
 
 	UIControl m_controlMainPanel;
 	UIControl_Label m_labelGameName, m_labelSeed, m_labelCreatedMode;
@@ -71,6 +71,7 @@ private:
 	wstring m_thumbnailName;
 
 	bool m_bRebuildTouchBoxes;
+	bool m_bHardcore;
 public:
 	UIScene_LoadMenu(int iPad, void *initData, UILayer *parentLayer);
 
diff --git a/Minecraft.Client/Common/UI/UIScene_LoadOrJoinMenu.cpp b/Minecraft.Client/Common/UI/UIScene_LoadOrJoinMenu.cpp
index d73148f5..88f042b6 100644
--- a/Minecraft.Client/Common/UI/UIScene_LoadOrJoinMenu.cpp
+++ b/Minecraft.Client/Common/UI/UIScene_LoadOrJoinMenu.cpp
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@
 #include "..\..\..\Minecraft.World\NbtIo.h"
 #include "..\..\..\Minecraft.World\compression.h"
 
-static wstring ReadLevelNameFromSaveFile(const wstring& filePath)
+static wstring ReadLevelNameFromSaveFile(const wstring& filePath, bool *outHardcore = nullptr)
 {
     // Check for a worldname.txt sidecar written by the rename feature first
     size_t slashPos = filePath.rfind(L'\\');
@@ -124,7 +124,11 @@ static wstring ReadLevelNameFromSaveFile(const wstring& filePath)
                         {
                             CompoundTag *dataTag = root->getCompound(L"Data");
                             if (dataTag != nullptr)
+                            {
                                 result = dataTag->getString(L"LevelName");
+                                if (outHardcore)
+                                    *outHardcore = dataTag->getBoolean(L"hardcore");
+                            }
                             delete root;
                         }
                     }
@@ -775,7 +779,9 @@ void UIScene_LoadOrJoinMenu::tick()
                         ZeroMemory(wFilename, sizeof(wFilename));
                         mbstowcs(wFilename, m_pSaveDetails->SaveInfoA[origIdx].UTF8SaveFilename, MAX_SAVEFILENAME_LENGTH - 1);
                         wstring filePath = wstring(L"Windows64\\GameHDD\\") + wstring(wFilename) + wstring(L"\\saveData.ms");
-                        wstring levelName = ReadLevelNameFromSaveFile(filePath);
+                        bool saveHardcore = false;
+                        wstring levelName = ReadLevelNameFromSaveFile(filePath, &saveHardcore);
+                        m_saveDetails[i].isHardcore = saveHardcore;
                         if (!levelName.empty())
                         {
                             m_buttonListSaves.addItem(levelName, wstring(L""));
diff --git a/Minecraft.Client/Common/UI/UIStructs.h b/Minecraft.Client/Common/UI/UIStructs.h
index 99c3d7bd..e5902b95 100644
--- a/Minecraft.Client/Common/UI/UIStructs.h
+++ b/Minecraft.Client/Common/UI/UIStructs.h
@@ -247,11 +247,14 @@ typedef struct _SaveListDetails
 #endif
 #endif
 
+	bool isHardcore;
+
 	_SaveListDetails()
 	{
 		saveId = 0;
 		pbThumbnailData = nullptr;
 		dwThumbnailSize = 0;
+		isHardcore = false;
 #ifdef _DURANGO
 		ZeroMemory(UTF16SaveName,sizeof(wchar_t)*128);
 		ZeroMemory(UTF16SaveFilename,sizeof(wchar_t)*MAX_SAVEFILENAME_LENGTH);
diff --git a/Minecraft.Client/Common/XUI/XUI_Death.cpp b/Minecraft.Client/Common/XUI/XUI_Death.cpp
index 1788ceff..58feb216 100644
--- a/Minecraft.Client/Common/XUI/XUI_Death.cpp
+++ b/Minecraft.Client/Common/XUI/XUI_Death.cpp
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@
 #include "..\..\..\Minecraft.World\Entity.h"
 #include "..\..\..\Minecraft.Client\MultiplayerLocalPlayer.h"
 #include "..\..\..\Minecraft.World\Level.h"
+#include "..\..\..\Minecraft.World\net.minecraft.world.level.storage.h"
 #include "..\..\..\Minecraft.World\ChunkSource.h"
 #include "..\..\..\Minecraft.Client\ProgressRenderer.h"
 #include "..\..\..\Minecraft.Client\GameRenderer.h"
@@ -18,6 +19,7 @@
 #include "..\..\..\Minecraft.World\Pos.h"
 #include "..\..\..\Minecraft.World\Dimension.h"
 #include "..\..\Minecraft.h"
+#include "..\..\MinecraftServer.h"
 #include "..\..\Options.h"
 #include "..\..\LocalPlayer.h"
 #include "..\..\..\Minecraft.World\compression.h"
@@ -37,9 +39,26 @@ HRESULT CScene_Death::OnInit( XUIMessageInit* pInitData, BOOL& bHandled )
 	}
 	
 	XuiControlSetText(m_Title,app.GetString(IDS_YOU_DIED));
-	XuiControlSetText(m_Buttons[BUTTON_DEATH_RESPAWN],app.GetString(IDS_RESPAWN));
 	XuiControlSetText(m_Buttons[BUTTON_DEATH_EXITGAME],app.GetString(IDS_EXIT_GAME));
 
+	// 4J Added: In hardcore mode, disable respawn and show hardcore death message
+	Minecraft *pMinecraft = Minecraft::GetInstance();
+	bool isHardcore = false;
+	if (pMinecraft != nullptr && pMinecraft->level != nullptr)
+	{
+		isHardcore = pMinecraft->level->getLevelData()->isHardcore();
+	}
+
+	if (isHardcore)
+	{
+		XuiControlSetText(m_Buttons[BUTTON_DEATH_RESPAWN], app.GetString(IDS_HARDCORE_DEATH_MESSAGE));
+		XuiElementSetShow(m_Buttons[BUTTON_DEATH_RESPAWN], FALSE);
+	}
+	else
+	{
+		XuiControlSetText(m_Buttons[BUTTON_DEATH_RESPAWN], app.GetString(IDS_RESPAWN));
+	}
+
 	// Display the tooltips
 	ui.SetTooltips( m_iPad, IDS_TOOLTIPS_SELECT);
 
@@ -110,7 +129,16 @@ HRESULT CScene_Death::OnNotifyPressEx(HXUIOBJ hObjPressed, XUINotifyPress* pNoti
 						playTime = static_cast<int>(pMinecraft->localplayers[pNotifyPressData->UserIndex]->getSessionTimer());
 					}
 					TelemetryManager->RecordLevelExit(pNotifyPressData->UserIndex, eSen_LevelExitStatus_Failed);
-					
+
+					// 4J Added: Hardcore mode — skip save dialog, exit without saving, delete world
+					if (pMinecraft->level != nullptr && pMinecraft->level->getLevelData()->isHardcore() && g_NetworkManager.IsHost())
+					{
+						MinecraftServer::getInstance()->setSaveOnExit(false);
+						MinecraftServer::getInstance()->setDeleteWorldOnExit(true);
+						app.SetAction(pNotifyPressData->UserIndex, eAppAction_ExitWorld);
+						break;
+					}
+
 					if(StorageManager.GetSaveDisabled())
 					{
 						uiIDA[0]=IDS_CONFIRM_CANCEL;
@@ -172,6 +200,12 @@ HRESULT CScene_Death::OnNotifyPressEx(HXUIOBJ hObjPressed, XUINotifyPress* pNoti
 		break;
 	case BUTTON_DEATH_RESPAWN:
 		{
+			// 4J Added: Safeguard - don't respawn in hardcore mode
+			Minecraft *pMC = Minecraft::GetInstance();
+			if (pMC != nullptr && pMC->level != nullptr && pMC->level->getLevelData()->isHardcore())
+			{
+				break;
+			}
 			m_bIgnoreInput = true;
 			app.SetAction(pNotifyPressData->UserIndex,eAppAction_Respawn);
 		}
diff --git a/Minecraft.Client/Gui.cpp b/Minecraft.Client/Gui.cpp
index d538dd4b..c35ea256 100644
--- a/Minecraft.Client/Gui.cpp
+++ b/Minecraft.Client/Gui.cpp
@@ -1031,7 +1031,7 @@ void Gui::render(float a, bool mouseFree, int xMouse, int yMouse)
                 }
             }
 
-            lines.push_back(L""; // Add a spacer line
+            lines.push_back(L""); // Add a spacer line
             for (int i = eTerrainFeature_Stronghold; i <= static_cast<int>(eTerrainFeature_Ravine); i++)
             {
                 lines.push_back(wfeature[i]);
diff --git a/Minecraft.Client/MinecraftServer.cpp b/Minecraft.Client/MinecraftServer.cpp
index 2cf6930a..d74af72f 100644
--- a/Minecraft.Client/MinecraftServer.cpp
+++ b/Minecraft.Client/MinecraftServer.cpp
@@ -561,6 +561,7 @@ MinecraftServer::MinecraftServer()
 	m_serverPausedEvent = new C4JThread::Event;
 
 	m_saveOnExit = false;
+	m_deleteWorldOnExit = false;
 	m_suspending = false;
 
 	m_ugcPlayersVersion = 0;
@@ -881,6 +882,15 @@ bool MinecraftServer::loadLevel(LevelStorageSource *storageSource, const wstring
 	//    }
 	ProgressRenderer *mcprogress = Minecraft::GetInstance()->progressRenderer;
 
+	// 4J Added - store save folder name for potential hardcore world deletion
+	{
+		char szSaveFolder[MAX_SAVEFILENAME_LENGTH] = {};
+		StorageManager.GetSaveUniqueFilename(szSaveFolder);
+		wchar_t wSaveFolder[MAX_SAVEFILENAME_LENGTH] = {};
+		mbstowcs(wSaveFolder, szSaveFolder, MAX_SAVEFILENAME_LENGTH - 1);
+		m_saveFolderName = wSaveFolder;
+	}
+
 	// 4J TODO - free levels here if there are already some?
 	levels = ServerLevelArray(3);
 
@@ -1636,7 +1646,7 @@ bool MinecraftServer::isNetherEnabled()
 
 bool MinecraftServer::isHardcore()
 {
-	return false;
+	return app.GetGameHostOption(eGameHostOption_Hardcore) > 0;
 }
 
 int MinecraftServer::getOperatorUserPermissionLevel()
diff --git a/Minecraft.Client/MinecraftServer.h b/Minecraft.Client/MinecraftServer.h
index a33888bc..d9b33e4a 100644
--- a/Minecraft.Client/MinecraftServer.h
+++ b/Minecraft.Client/MinecraftServer.h
@@ -262,6 +262,8 @@ private:
 private:
 	// 4J Added
 	bool m_saveOnExit;
+	bool m_deleteWorldOnExit; // 4J Added - for hardcore mode world deletion
+	wstring m_saveFolderName; // 4J Added - stored for hardcore world deletion
 	bool m_suspending;
 
 public:
@@ -275,6 +277,9 @@ public:
 	void chunkPacketManagement_PostTick();
 
 	void setSaveOnExit(bool save) { m_saveOnExit = save; s_bSaveOnExitAnswered = true; }
+	void setDeleteWorldOnExit(bool del) { m_deleteWorldOnExit = del; }
+	bool getDeleteWorldOnExit() const { return m_deleteWorldOnExit; }
+	const wstring& getSaveFolderName() const { return m_saveFolderName; }
 	void Suspend();
 	bool IsSuspending();
 
diff --git a/Minecraft.Client/PlayerConnection.h b/Minecraft.Client/PlayerConnection.h
index ff6093a3..b71a375a 100644
--- a/Minecraft.Client/PlayerConnection.h
+++ b/Minecraft.Client/PlayerConnection.h
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 #include "ConsoleInputSource.h"
 #include "..\Minecraft.World\PacketListener.h"
 #include "..\Minecraft.World\JavaIntHash.h"
+#include <atomic>
 
 class MinecraftServer;
 class Connection;
@@ -125,8 +126,8 @@ public:
 
 	void setShowOnMaps(bool bVal);
 
-	void setWasKicked() { m_bWasKicked = true; }
-	bool getWasKicked() { return m_bWasKicked; }
+	void setWasKicked() { m_bWasKicked.store(true); }
+	bool getWasKicked() { return m_bWasKicked.load(); }
 
 	// 4J Added
 	bool hasClientTickedOnce() { return m_bHasClientTickedOnce; }
@@ -135,5 +136,5 @@ private:
 	bool m_bCloseOnTick;
 	vector<wstring> m_texturesRequested;
 
-	bool m_bWasKicked;
+	std::atomic<bool> m_bWasKicked{false};
 };
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/Minecraft.Client/PlayerList.cpp b/Minecraft.Client/PlayerList.cpp
index 645e3fb5..bff68c85 100644
--- a/Minecraft.Client/PlayerList.cpp
+++ b/Minecraft.Client/PlayerList.cpp
@@ -62,6 +62,7 @@ PlayerList::PlayerList(MinecraftServer *server)
 	int rawMax = server->settings->getInt(L"max-players", 8);
 	maxPlayers = static_cast<unsigned int>(Mth::clamp(rawMax, 1, MINECRAFT_NET_MAX_PLAYERS));
 	doWhiteList = false;
+	InitializeCriticalSection(&m_banCS);
 	InitializeCriticalSection(&m_kickPlayersCS);
 	InitializeCriticalSection(&m_closePlayersCS);
 }
@@ -75,6 +76,7 @@ PlayerList::~PlayerList()
 		player->gameMode = nullptr;
 	}
 
+	DeleteCriticalSection(&m_banCS);
 	DeleteCriticalSection(&m_kickPlayersCS);
 	DeleteCriticalSection(&m_closePlayersCS);
 }
@@ -266,7 +268,8 @@ bool PlayerList::placeNewPlayer(Connection *connection, shared_ptr<ServerPlayer>
 	                                                     static_cast<BYTE>(playerIndex), level->useNewSeaLevel(),
 	                                                     player->getAllPlayerGamePrivileges(),
 	                                                     level->getLevelData()->getXZSize(),
-	                                                     level->getLevelData()->getHellScale()));
+	                                                     level->getLevelData()->getHellScale(),
+	                                                     level->getLevelData()->isHardcore()));
 	playerConnection->send(std::make_shared<SetSpawnPositionPacket>(spawnPos->x, spawnPos->y, spawnPos->z));
 	playerConnection->send(std::make_shared<PlayerAbilitiesPacket>(&player->abilities));
 	playerConnection->send(std::make_shared<SetCarriedItemPacket>(player->inventory->selected));
@@ -697,6 +700,13 @@ shared_ptr<ServerPlayer> PlayerList::respawn(shared_ptr<ServerPlayer> serverPlay
 	// necessary)
 	updatePlayerGameMode(player, serverPlayer, level);
 
+	// 4J Added: Hardcore mode — force Adventure mode on respawn
+	if (server->getLevel(0)->getLevelData()->isHardcore())
+	{
+		player->gameMode->setGameModeForPlayer(GameType::ADVENTURE);
+		player->connection->send(std::make_shared<GameEventPacket>(GameEventPacket::CHANGE_GAME_MODE, GameType::ADVENTURE->getId()));
+	}
+
 	if(serverPlayer->wonGame && targetDimension == oldDimension && serverPlayer->getHealth() > 0)
 	{
 		// If the player is still alive and respawning to the same dimension, they are just being added back from someone else viewing the Win screen
@@ -734,7 +744,7 @@ shared_ptr<ServerPlayer> PlayerList::respawn(shared_ptr<ServerPlayer> serverPlay
 
 	player->connection->send( std::make_shared<RespawnPacket>( static_cast<char>(player->dimension), player->level->getSeed(), player->level->getMaxBuildHeight(),
 		player->gameMode->getGameModeForPlayer(), level->difficulty, level->getLevelData()->getGenerator(),
-		player->level->useNewSeaLevel(), player->entityId, level->getLevelData()->getXZSize(), level->getLevelData()->getHellScale() ) );
+		player->level->useNewSeaLevel(), player->entityId, level->getLevelData()->getXZSize(), level->getLevelData()->getHellScale(), level->getLevelData()->isHardcore() ) );
 	player->connection->teleport(player->x, player->y, player->z, player->yRot, player->xRot);
 	player->connection->send( std::make_shared<SetExperiencePacket>( player->experienceProgress, player->totalExperience, player->experienceLevel) );
 
@@ -851,7 +861,7 @@ void PlayerList::toggleDimension(shared_ptr<ServerPlayer> player, int targetDime
 
 	player->connection->send(std::make_shared<RespawnPacket>(static_cast<char>(player->dimension), newLevel->getSeed(), newLevel->getMaxBuildHeight(),
                                                              player->gameMode->getGameModeForPlayer(), newLevel->difficulty, newLevel->getLevelData()->getGenerator(),
-                                                             newLevel->useNewSeaLevel(), player->entityId, newLevel->getLevelData()->getXZSize(), newLevel->getLevelData()->getHellScale()));
+                                                             newLevel->useNewSeaLevel(), player->entityId, newLevel->getLevelData()->getXZSize(), newLevel->getLevelData()->getHellScale(), newLevel->getLevelData()->isHardcore()));
 
 	oldLevel->removeEntityImmediately(player);
 	player->removed = false;
@@ -1665,6 +1675,7 @@ bool PlayerList::isXuidBanned(PlayerUID xuid)
 
 	bool banned = false;
 
+	EnterCriticalSection(&m_banCS);
 	for(PlayerUID it : m_bannedXuids)
 	{
 		if( ProfileManager.AreXUIDSEqual( xuid, it ) )
@@ -1673,10 +1684,39 @@ bool PlayerList::isXuidBanned(PlayerUID xuid)
 			break;
 		}
 	}
+	LeaveCriticalSection(&m_banCS);
 
 	return banned;
 }
 
+void PlayerList::banXuid(PlayerUID xuid)
+{
+	// 4J Added - for hardcore mode ban-on-death
+	// Ban a player's XUID. Used when a player dies in a hardcore multiplayer world.
+	if(xuid == INVALID_XUID) return;
+
+	EnterCriticalSection(&m_banCS);
+
+	// Check if already banned
+	bool alreadyBanned = false;
+	for(PlayerUID it : m_bannedXuids)
+	{
+		if( ProfileManager.AreXUIDSEqual( xuid, it ) )
+		{
+			alreadyBanned = true;
+			break;
+		}
+	}
+
+	if(!alreadyBanned)
+	{
+		m_bannedXuids.push_back(xuid);
+		app.DebugPrintf("PlayerList::banXuid - Player XUID banned for hardcore death\n");
+	}
+
+	LeaveCriticalSection(&m_banCS);
+}
+
 // AP added for Vita so the range can be increased once the level starts
 void PlayerList::setViewDistance(int newViewDistance)
 {
diff --git a/Minecraft.Client/PlayerList.h b/Minecraft.Client/PlayerList.h
index a4ae9c5d..0892634a 100644
--- a/Minecraft.Client/PlayerList.h
+++ b/Minecraft.Client/PlayerList.h
@@ -31,6 +31,7 @@ private:
 
 	// 4J Added
 	vector<PlayerUID> m_bannedXuids;
+	CRITICAL_SECTION m_banCS; // 4J Added - protects m_bannedXuids for concurrent access
 	deque<BYTE> m_smallIdsToKick;
 	CRITICAL_SECTION m_kickPlayersCS;
 	deque<BYTE> m_smallIdsToClose;
@@ -135,6 +136,7 @@ public:
 	void closePlayerConnectionBySmallId(BYTE networkSmallId);
 	void queueSmallIdForRecycle(BYTE smallId);
 	bool isXuidBanned(PlayerUID xuid);
+	void banXuid(PlayerUID xuid);  // 4J Added - for hardcore mode ban-on-death
 	// AP added for Vita so the range can be increased once the level starts
 	void setViewDistance(int newViewDistance);
 };
diff --git a/Minecraft.Client/SelectWorldScreen.cpp b/Minecraft.Client/SelectWorldScreen.cpp
index c6d417c5..213bf8df 100644
--- a/Minecraft.Client/SelectWorldScreen.cpp
+++ b/Minecraft.Client/SelectWorldScreen.cpp
@@ -303,6 +303,12 @@ void SelectWorldScreen::WorldSelectionList::renderItem(int i, int x, int y, int
         info = parent->conversionLang + L" " + info;
     }
 
+    // 4J Added: Show [Hardcore] badge for hardcore worlds
+    if (levelSummary->isHardcore())
+    {
+        name = name + L" [Hardcore]";
+    }
+
     parent->drawString(parent->font, name, x + 2, y + 1, 0xffffff);
     parent->drawString(parent->font, id, x + 2, y + 12, 0x808080);
     parent->drawString(parent->font, info, x + 2, y + 12 + 10, 0x808080);
diff --git a/Minecraft.Client/ServerPlayer.cpp b/Minecraft.Client/ServerPlayer.cpp
index c7ff4fda..94de3906 100644
--- a/Minecraft.Client/ServerPlayer.cpp
+++ b/Minecraft.Client/ServerPlayer.cpp
@@ -564,6 +564,12 @@ void ServerPlayer::die(DamageSource *source)
 {
 	server->getPlayers()->broadcastAll(getCombatTracker()->getDeathMessagePacket());
 
+	// 4J Added: Hardcore mode — switch to Adventure mode on death (can look but not break/place blocks)
+	if (level->getLevelData()->isHardcore())
+	{
+		setGameMode(GameType::ADVENTURE);
+	}
+
 	if (!level->getGameRules()->getBoolean(GameRules::RULE_KEEPINVENTORY))
 	{
 		inventory->dropAll();
@@ -1604,9 +1610,9 @@ bool ServerPlayer::hasPermission(EGameCommand command)
 //
 //	// 4J - Don't need
 //	//if (server.isSingleplayer() && server.getSingleplayerName().equals(name))
-//	//{
+///	//{
 //	//	server.setDifficulty(packet.getDifficulty());
-//	//}
+///	//}
 //}
 
 int ServerPlayer::getViewDistance()
diff --git a/Minecraft.Client/Windows64Media/strings.h b/Minecraft.Client/Windows64Media/strings.h
index 63e3a7f4..47331556 100644
--- a/Minecraft.Client/Windows64Media/strings.h
+++ b/Minecraft.Client/Windows64Media/strings.h
@@ -2289,3 +2289,11 @@
 #define IDS_RICHPRESENCESTATE_BREWING                          2283
 #define IDS_RICHPRESENCESTATE_ANVIL                            2284
 #define IDS_RICHPRESENCESTATE_TRADING                          2285
+#define IDS_GAMEMODE_HARDCORE                                  2286
+#define IDS_HARDCORE                                           2287
+#define IDS_HARDCORE_TOOLTIP                                   2288
+#define IDS_HARDCORE_WARNING_TITLE                             2289
+#define IDS_HARDCORE_WARNING_TEXT                              2290
+#define IDS_HARDCORE_DEATH_MESSAGE                             2291
+#define IDS_LABEL_HARDCORE                                     2292
+#define IDS_GAMEOPTION_HARDCORE                                2293
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/Minecraft.World/ConsoleSaveFileOriginal.cpp b/Minecraft.World/ConsoleSaveFileOriginal.cpp
index 8a7d1f9e..4207aba4 100644
--- a/Minecraft.World/ConsoleSaveFileOriginal.cpp
+++ b/Minecraft.World/ConsoleSaveFileOriginal.cpp
@@ -838,6 +838,51 @@ int ConsoleSaveFileOriginal::SaveSaveDataCallback(LPVOID lpParam,bool bRes)
 {
 	ConsoleSaveFile *pClass=static_cast<ConsoleSaveFile *>(lpParam);
 
+#ifdef _WINDOWS64
+	// 4J Added: After save completes, capture the save folder name for hardcore world deletion
+	if (bRes && app.GetCurrentSaveFolderName().empty())
+	{
+		// Try 1: Ask the library for the folder name
+		char szSaveFolder[MAX_SAVEFILENAME_LENGTH] = {};
+		if (StorageManager.GetSaveUniqueFilename(szSaveFolder) && szSaveFolder[0] != '\0')
+		{
+			wchar_t wFolder[MAX_SAVEFILENAME_LENGTH] = {};
+			mbstowcs(wFolder, szSaveFolder, MAX_SAVEFILENAME_LENGTH - 1);
+			app.SetCurrentSaveFolderName(wFolder);
+			app.DebugPrintf("SaveSaveDataCallback: captured save folder '%s'\n", szSaveFolder);
+		}
+		// Try 2: Scan GameHDD for the newest folder — right after save, it's guaranteed to be ours
+		if (app.GetCurrentSaveFolderName().empty())
+		{
+			WIN32_FIND_DATAW fd;
+			HANDLE hFind = FindFirstFileW(L"Windows64\\GameHDD\\*", &fd);
+			if (hFind != INVALID_HANDLE_VALUE)
+			{
+				FILETIME newestTime = {};
+				wchar_t newestFolder[MAX_PATH] = {};
+				do
+				{
+					if ((fd.dwFileAttributes & FILE_ATTRIBUTE_DIRECTORY) &&
+						wcscmp(fd.cFileName, L".") != 0 && wcscmp(fd.cFileName, L"..") != 0)
+					{
+						if (CompareFileTime(&fd.ftLastWriteTime, &newestTime) > 0)
+						{
+							newestTime = fd.ftLastWriteTime;
+							wcscpy_s(newestFolder, MAX_PATH, fd.cFileName);
+						}
+					}
+				} while (FindNextFileW(hFind, &fd));
+				FindClose(hFind);
+				if (newestFolder[0] != L'\0')
+				{
+					app.SetCurrentSaveFolderName(newestFolder);
+					app.DebugPrintf("SaveSaveDataCallback: captured save folder via scan '%ls'\n", newestFolder);
+				}
+			}
+		}
+	}
+#endif
+
 	return 0;
 }
 
diff --git a/Minecraft.World/DisconnectPacket.h b/Minecraft.World/DisconnectPacket.h
index 3c96a429..b6648ddf 100644
--- a/Minecraft.World/DisconnectPacket.h
+++ b/Minecraft.World/DisconnectPacket.h
@@ -50,6 +50,7 @@ public:
 #ifdef _XBOX_ONE
 		eDisconnect_ExitedGame,
 #endif
+		eDisconnect_HardcoreDeath,  // 4J Added - for hardcore mode multiplayer ban-on-death
 	};
 
 	// 4J Stu - The reason was a string, but we need to send a non-locale specific reason
@@ -71,3 +72,4 @@ public:
 };
 
 
+
diff --git a/Minecraft.World/LoginPacket.cpp b/Minecraft.World/LoginPacket.cpp
index 79cdfbae..74b6d8da 100644
--- a/Minecraft.World/LoginPacket.cpp
+++ b/Minecraft.World/LoginPacket.cpp
@@ -34,6 +34,7 @@ LoginPacket::LoginPacket()
 	m_uiGamePrivileges = 0;
 	m_xzSize = LEVEL_MAX_WIDTH;
 	m_hellScale = HELL_LEVEL_MAX_SCALE;
+	m_isHardcore = false;
 }
 
 // Client -> Server
@@ -63,10 +64,11 @@ LoginPacket::LoginPacket(const wstring& userName, int clientVersion, PlayerUID o
 	m_uiGamePrivileges = 0;
 	m_xzSize = LEVEL_MAX_WIDTH;
 	m_hellScale = HELL_LEVEL_MAX_SCALE;
+	m_isHardcore = false;
 }
 
 // Server -> Client
-LoginPacket::LoginPacket(const wstring& userName, int clientVersion, LevelType *pLevelType, int64_t seed, int gameType, char dimension, BYTE mapHeight, BYTE maxPlayers, char difficulty, INT multiplayerInstanceId, BYTE playerIndex, bool newSeaLevel, unsigned int uiGamePrivileges, int xzSize, int hellScale)
+LoginPacket::LoginPacket(const wstring& userName, int clientVersion, LevelType *pLevelType, int64_t seed, int gameType, char dimension, BYTE mapHeight, BYTE maxPlayers, char difficulty, INT multiplayerInstanceId, BYTE playerIndex, bool newSeaLevel, unsigned int uiGamePrivileges, int xzSize, int hellScale, bool isHardcore)
 {
 	this->userName = userName;
 	this->clientVersion = clientVersion;
@@ -92,6 +94,7 @@ LoginPacket::LoginPacket(const wstring& userName, int clientVersion, LevelType *
 	m_uiGamePrivileges = uiGamePrivileges;
 	m_xzSize = xzSize;
 	m_hellScale = hellScale;
+	m_isHardcore = isHardcore;
 }
 
 void LoginPacket::read(DataInputStream *dis) //throws IOException
@@ -127,6 +130,7 @@ void LoginPacket::read(DataInputStream *dis) //throws IOException
 	m_xzSize = dis->readShort();
 	m_hellScale = dis->read();
 #endif
+	m_isHardcore = dis->readBoolean();
 	app.DebugPrintf("LoginPacket::read - Difficulty = %d\n",difficulty);
 
 }
@@ -164,6 +168,7 @@ void LoginPacket::write(DataOutputStream *dos) //throws IOException
 	dos->writeShort(m_xzSize);
 	dos->write(m_hellScale);
 #endif
+	dos->writeBoolean(m_isHardcore);
 }
 
 void LoginPacket::handle(PacketListener *listener)
@@ -179,5 +184,5 @@ int LoginPacket::getEstimatedSize()
 		length = static_cast<int>(m_pLevelType->getGeneratorName().length());
 	}
 
-	return static_cast<int>(sizeof(int) + userName.length() + 4 + 6 + sizeof(int64_t) + sizeof(char) + sizeof(int) + (2 * sizeof(PlayerUID)) + 1 + sizeof(char) + sizeof(BYTE) + sizeof(bool) + sizeof(bool) + length + sizeof(unsigned int));
+	return static_cast<int>(sizeof(int) + userName.length() + 4 + 6 + sizeof(int64_t) + sizeof(char) + sizeof(int) + (2 * sizeof(PlayerUID)) + 1 + sizeof(char) + sizeof(BYTE) + sizeof(bool) + sizeof(bool) + length + sizeof(unsigned int) + sizeof(bool));
 }
diff --git a/Minecraft.World/LoginPacket.h b/Minecraft.World/LoginPacket.h
index 02a62b60..e168ef79 100644
--- a/Minecraft.World/LoginPacket.h
+++ b/Minecraft.World/LoginPacket.h
@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@ public:
 	unsigned int m_uiGamePrivileges;
 	int m_xzSize; // 4J Added
 	int m_hellScale; // 4J Added
+	bool m_isHardcore; // 4J Added - for hardcore mode
 
 	// 1.8.2
 	int gameType;
@@ -31,7 +32,7 @@ public:
 	BYTE maxPlayers;
 
 	LoginPacket();
-	LoginPacket(const wstring& userName, int clientVersion, LevelType *pLevelType, int64_t seed, int gameType, char dimension, BYTE mapHeight, BYTE maxPlayers, char difficulty, INT m_multiplayerInstanceId, BYTE playerIndex, bool newSeaLevel, unsigned int uiGamePrivileges, int xzSize, int hellScale); // Server -> Client
+	LoginPacket(const wstring& userName, int clientVersion, LevelType *pLevelType, int64_t seed, int gameType, char dimension, BYTE mapHeight, BYTE maxPlayers, char difficulty, INT m_multiplayerInstanceId, BYTE playerIndex, bool newSeaLevel, unsigned int uiGamePrivileges, int xzSize, int hellScale, bool isHardcore = false); // Server -> Client
 	LoginPacket(const wstring& userName, int clientVersion, PlayerUID offlineXuid, PlayerUID onlineXuid, bool friendsOnlyUGC, DWORD ugcPlayersVersion, DWORD skinId, DWORD capeId, bool isGuest); // Client -> Server
 
 	virtual void read(DataInputStream *dis);
diff --git a/Minecraft.World/RespawnPacket.cpp b/Minecraft.World/RespawnPacket.cpp
index 6dbebfac..174dd720 100644
--- a/Minecraft.World/RespawnPacket.cpp
+++ b/Minecraft.World/RespawnPacket.cpp
@@ -17,9 +17,10 @@ RespawnPacket::RespawnPacket()
 	m_newEntityId = 0;
 	m_xzSize = LEVEL_MAX_WIDTH;
 	m_hellScale = HELL_LEVEL_MAX_SCALE;
+	m_isHardcore = false;
 }
 
-RespawnPacket::RespawnPacket(char dimension, int64_t mapSeed, int mapHeight, GameType *playerGameType, char difficulty, LevelType *pLevelType, bool newSeaLevel, int newEntityId, int xzSize, int hellScale)
+RespawnPacket::RespawnPacket(char dimension, int64_t mapSeed, int mapHeight, GameType *playerGameType, char difficulty, LevelType *pLevelType, bool newSeaLevel, int newEntityId, int xzSize, int hellScale, bool isHardcore)
 {
 	this->dimension = dimension;
 	this->mapSeed = mapSeed;
@@ -31,6 +32,7 @@ RespawnPacket::RespawnPacket(char dimension, int64_t mapSeed, int mapHeight, Gam
 	this->m_newEntityId = newEntityId;
 	m_xzSize = xzSize;
 	m_hellScale = hellScale;
+	m_isHardcore = isHardcore;
 	app.DebugPrintf("RespawnPacket - Difficulty = %d\n",difficulty);
 
 }
@@ -59,6 +61,7 @@ void RespawnPacket::read(DataInputStream *dis) //throws IOException
 	m_xzSize = dis->readShort();
 	m_hellScale = dis->read();
 #endif
+	m_isHardcore = dis->readBoolean();
 	app.DebugPrintf("RespawnPacket::read - Difficulty = %d\n",difficulty);
 
 }
@@ -84,6 +87,7 @@ void RespawnPacket::write(DataOutputStream *dos) //throws IOException
 	dos->writeShort(m_xzSize);
 	dos->write(m_hellScale);
 #endif
+	dos->writeBoolean(m_isHardcore);
 }
 
 int RespawnPacket::getEstimatedSize()
@@ -93,5 +97,5 @@ int RespawnPacket::getEstimatedSize()
 	{
 		length = static_cast<int>(m_pLevelType->getGeneratorName().length());
 	}
-	return 13+length;
+	return 14+length;
 }
diff --git a/Minecraft.World/RespawnPacket.h b/Minecraft.World/RespawnPacket.h
index dc815994..bcc72592 100644
--- a/Minecraft.World/RespawnPacket.h
+++ b/Minecraft.World/RespawnPacket.h
@@ -19,9 +19,10 @@ public:
 	int m_newEntityId;
 	int m_xzSize; // 4J Added
 	int m_hellScale; // 4J Added
+	bool m_isHardcore; // 4J Added - for hardcore mode
 
 	RespawnPacket();
-	RespawnPacket(char dimension, int64_t mapSeed, int mapHeight, GameType *playerGameType, char difficulty, LevelType *pLevelType, bool newSeaLevel, int newEntityId, int xzSize, int hellScale);
+	RespawnPacket(char dimension, int64_t mapSeed, int mapHeight, GameType *playerGameType, char difficulty, LevelType *pLevelType, bool newSeaLevel, int newEntityId, int xzSize, int hellScale, bool isHardcore = false);
 
 	virtual void handle(PacketListener *listener);
 	virtual void read(DataInputStream *dis);