Hard-core mode.

There is this special mode in video games called "Hardcore" which usually means if your character dies, you lose all your accumulated wealth, skill points, items, you literally have to start the game from zero.

In games like Path of Exile or Diablo 2, it's notoriously difficult, since you can spend an ENTIRE MONTH accumulating items, wealth, experience for a specific character, figuring out solutions how to make the character thrive, investing yourself emotionally, and then you can suddenly make one stupid mistake, get one shotted and it's all over. Back to zero.

Hardcore players are seen with great respect among other players and for most, playing in such a way is unimaginable because the stress is just too much to handle

Well, literally ALL OF HUMAN BEINGS ON EARTH live life in "Hardcore mode". Some believe in an after life, or a rebirth, or a continuation of the soul, reincarnation etc, but nobody knows with absolute certainty.

And while it's difficult to invest a month, two or even six into Path of Exile playing Hardcore mode, imagine playing 45 years and having a loving family?

Granted living life may be a bit less risky than getting one shotted by a long range stealth boss outside of the map view but that's another story :p