HermitCraft S9#21: Decked Out - Phase 8: Tryhard Mode 

Pulling out the dual wield netherite hoe on Scar was hilarious

I'm just imagining Etho, pallid and frail from battling his cold, mustering up the last of his strength to make this video essay on why he hates the level 2 pillar with a bulleted list of every reason why it sucks

I like to imagine if we didn't have post-commentary, we'd just have Etho sniffing and sneezing like a warden for extra ambience

Etho being surprised by Etho's greed was amazing 😂

Post commentary etho is such a rare treat, I do like this style of episode tbh.

This is basically a Decked Out podcast hosted by Etho. I love it.

21:52 Even while ill and silent, Etho is still the master of comedy

Since you asked for feedback, this episode was amazing. I do quite enjoy this style of post commentary, some play by play comments on what you are doing or thinking and some rambling about decked out and whatever else. No issues whatsoever if you do this again for next episode. Regarding questions about Decked Out 2, I was wondering what your personal favorite things about both Decked Out 1 and Decked Out 2 were, and what changes from 1 to 2 you liked the most.

The Scar vs. Etho Hoe-down was hilarious. When you brought out 2 hoes, and Scar was flabbergasted, lol

Etho: "Get your snacks!" Etho in Decked Out: "Get your berries!" I really enjoyed this style episode. I'd love to see Phase 9 presented this way.

Etho explaining how treasure is basically Hazard/clank block and embers was mind boggling to me! I knew treasure was great, but he put into perspective how OP it really is.

Etho being the DO champion AND the TCG champion is probably his biggest flex

When Etho finally posts!!! We're so glad you're back and feeling better!!

i love when he forget what he was doing in the runs and the commentary is him questioning himself what he was doing 😂 1:17:10

I would love to see a video of etho getting a tour of the decked out redstone, It would be interesting to hear what sort of questions he asks

Can we just give this man a hand for doing this even when he is sick.

Etho flexing but a small taste of his Decked Out power. Even Doc, the GOAT of grinding himself was amazed at this grind.

Idk about everyone else but the main thing i liked about DO was a chance to listen to Etho (and other hermits) thought proccess like a peak behind the curtins so this commentary hits that on the head.

It's really nice that Scar was there between runs. I don't know if he was doing it because Etho was very sick at the time, but I really appreciate him being there to goof around like that.

11:55 It's so easy to see even with silent Etho how excited he was for nailing that jump :D

I love how silent etho bring angry is him shaking his mouse lol

You know… this previous phase our champion took quite the beating. Many proclaimed him as “washed up”. Some humorously, others serious. Some radical thinkers began idolizing a new rising star, the dungeoneer Cubfan. Proclaiming HIM to be the future champion of this dungeon. A time of turmoil and chaos amongst the populace. Discussions were widespread, and plenty of rumors circulated. Yet, deep in a Canadian forest, tucked away in a small cabin lashed and crackling with ice and snow. A pleased Etho smiled. As he entered the dungeon for this new phase, he counted his deck of cards, he learned a lot from these previous phases. But that doesn’t matter now, it’s the final sprint before the dungeon crumbles for good. There’s no more time left for experimentation and exploring. As he raises his head in focus, eyes locked at the aging dungeon door, frozen shard cracking to pieces from the grip of his hand, The Champion of this dungeon proclaimed: “let the game truly begin.”

37:52 Etho: Best card by far, you already know what it is already Me yelling at the screen like a kid watching Dora: LOOT N' SCOOT! Etho: Bounding Strides "My Disappointment Is Immeasurable And My Day Is Ruined".png 😭💀

I feel that every year around this time Etho gets sick and talks about how he hasn't been sick in years😂 Love you Etho keep up the amazing work!

So glad you're feeling better Questions: 1. If you could experience Decked Out 2 again for the first time what would you advise yourself to do differently? 2. Would you ever consider helping Tango build Decked Out 3? 3. What was your favorite prank/addition to the game?

I love the little dance Etho does at 11:57 after figuring out the jump! I know you don’t consider yourself good at parkour Etho but that was great :)

Etho, questions for next phase video: 1) what cards do you think were missing or would have good if they were added to the game? 2) what about legendary cards, what could they have added to the game if there were like 3-4 more phases for them? 3) any plans to free Rusty?

Decked Out Question: If Tango had asked you to design a room, possibly with a trap or some other redstone that he could hook into the hazard or clank systems, would it have ruined the experience for you as a player knowing everything there is to know about that one room?

21:55 scar’s utter confusion when Etho pulled out the second hoe LMAO

This is basically Etho preparing us for the world download, I love it!

I was totally fine with this style of DO video; in fact, my blood pressure and heart rate both appreciated it as well! ;) Questions for phase 9 video: - Did you (or anyone else, for that matter) ever see if there was a secret at the bottom of either of those two lava pits in L1 Catacombs? - Have you explored on top of the Mushrooms in L2? - I know Ravagers can _boop_ you through the L2 trapdoor bridge surface, but can they _see_ you through there if they haven't seen you before that? - Where's that witch we always hear in L2 Stalagmites? - Have you ever fallen in the ember reward trapdoor hole like Doc did?

Etho, thank you for all the content you have provided us! You do you. Try to pay no mind to the viewers who demand you to upload as soon as possible.

Glad you are feeling better, Etho!

You could even say Etho went sicko mode on the dungeon. My question would be "What do you think about how disappointed Tango was with how little 'deckbuilding' went on during DO?" He talks about this in his What went wrong in DO stream but it's basically along the lines of most people just chucked the cards they could buy in their deck and ran with it

I think the commentary went well with your gameplay 😊 I love the one run where you can't stop questioning your run 😂

I really needed this today. I got 3 hours of sleep last night and have been cleaning for 6 hours and probably have another 6 to go (moving). But listening to this will make things a little better. Glad you're feeling better Etho! Edit: I have successfully moved, and the video definitely helped with the stress!

Hearing that 'Hello everybody' on a hermitcraft video made me smile, it's been a while since I've heard that here, it took me by surprise! Glad to hear you're getting better Etho! You're a trooper getting in all those runs!!

Any day I get to listen to Etho ramble is a good day

You rambling is like listening to a solo podcast with you and it’s amazing. You’re a huge nerd, and getting a glimpse into a nerds brain is always a blast! I love hearing your perspective and opinions of different topics, and have even used some of the knowledge you’ve shared in my career, multiple times, with great results. I think this post-commentary thing is a perfect opportunity to lean into the rambling! I’m all ears!

Spoilers and timestamps for all runs below Run 1 (L3) (0:00:00, Escaped 36+11, 5 Tomes) Run 2 (L4) (0:05:03, Escaped 38+7, 5 Tomes) Talk on why Deadly runs and about embers and tomes 10 Embers = 1, 27 Embers = 3, 40 Embers = 5 0:09:55 Talk about having removed Reckless Charges and Adrenaline Rush Run 3 (L3) (0:13:17, Dead) Run 4 (L3) (0:16:14, Escaped 30+1, 3 Tomes) Extended talk about Phase 7 troubles escaping Level 2 Run 5 (L3) (0:22:06, Escaped 30+11, 5 Tomes) Continued talk, additionally about solved games Run 6 (L4) (0:29:10, Escaped 46+1, 5 Tomes) Run 7 (L3) (0:36:12, Escaped 34+10, 5 Tomes) 0:37:40 Top 5 Decked Out Cards Run 8 (L3) (0:41:44, Escaped 38+14, 6 Tomes) Run 9 (L3) (0:52:46, Dead) Run 10 (L4) (0:56:53, Escaped 38+6, 5 Tomes) Run 11 (L3) (1:04:02, Escaped 30+5, 3 Tomes) Using Store-bought Keys Run 12 (L3) (1:08:33, Escaped 36+6*, 5 Tomes bought 3 Tomes) Run 13 (L3) (1:12:46, Escaped 38+5*, 5 Tomes bought 4 Tomes) Run 14 (L3) (1:18:52, Escaped 30+6*, 3 Tomes bought 3 Tomes) Run 15 (L3) (1:23:05, Escaped 32+4, 3 Tomes) Run 16 (L3) (1:27:16, Escaped 36+6, 5 Tomes) Run 17 (L3) (1:32:34, Dead) 1:32:49 Results for Phase 8 (63 Tomes (adds up)) Hey Etho, the post-commentary was a little bit difficult to hear during Level 3 and slightly lacking for the later runs but otherwise quite informative. Hope you get better soon!

Ive been checking everyday for a Secret life video or Hermitcraft. Super happy right now

bounding being top tier means tango did a really good job designing the dungeon around having good jump boost paths, which is a really hard thing to do and it seems he did a great job

Decked out questions: 1. What hazard or clank obstacles to you find the hardest to deal with? 2. If you could add something to the dungeon what would it be and why? Glad you are feeling better! I have also been sick for the past little while.

damn after that devastating last phase its really nice to just see full focus no talking etho take it one step at a time and dominate

I like the post commentary. I think doing phase 9 post commentary with tango could be really cool

As for your Meta ramble at about 20:00 - I find the most enjoyment in a game when it's new and nobody knows what's happening. There's a lot more "woah, that's a neat game interaction or mechanics combo that I've never seen" and a lot less "that's not how [Pro Player or Streamer] does it, so this means you're actively trying to make me lose my game".

Post commentary was actually really interesting. Especially when talking about Decked Out strategies and etc.

Loved the episode! The post-commentary is actually done so well. Allows you to focus, even though you were under the weather, and after you explain your thinking while also highlighting some cool moments. Can’t wait for the next one. Hope you’re well now Etho!

Absolutely crushing it even while sick. What a King. Great job Etho!

question for next video: what was it like to be such an early powerhouse/frontrunner? was there added stress when suddenly all of the conversation was around "how to beat etho"? would love to see you do runs with other hermits where you show them some pro tips. also love the rambling voice over commentary and glad you're feeling better!

I love this. It’s like Ethos watching the episode with us! Love the reactions.

When I saw Doc tweet that you were doing silent runs, I had a feeling you might go for a commentary video like this and I’m so excited it happened! I mentioned this before but I love hearing your thoughts, especially over something you’re quite passionate about. Etho on a podcast when? :D Thank you for giving us this episode despite all the challenges throughout the phase. Hope you’re feeling much much better now! And mini-spoiler in case people don’t know yet but huge congrats on the W!!!

I like live runs but I absolutely loved this episode of hearing your strategies and thoughts about the game. A mix is both is probably best, but I won’t be unhappy to see another episode in this style for Phase 9. Glad to have you back Etho

1:22:05 is basically just missing a "B" at the end to be the happy birthday song out of randomly triggering note block noise effects. But instead/ it plays a "Bb" an octave up. So close. Could be interpreted as a "G minor" version of happy birthday. The tritone from Bb to E outlines the b7 & 3rd of a C major chord. So technically I just proved it's my birthday so please give me some happy birthday wishes

Post commentary worked great for these later phase runs, I enjoy hearing your strategy thoughts. the surprise and learning runs of earlier phases are better suited for the live commentary. This was a nice change. Glad you are feeling better!!

Just when you’re looking for a video, Etho delivers

The deep level of understanding etho has for games and gameplay, surprises me every time. Everything he says makes so much sense. Probably wouldn’t have seen it if he hadn’t mentioned it 😂

i normally spread out the deacked out episodes across days, but for some reason, i couldn't help but watch this one in a single sitting, i don't know why but i enjoyed commentary decked out even more than normal! thanks for this, hope you're feeling much better already

As much as I love getting to hear your on-the-fly reactions as the run goes, this post-commentary style was super interesting. I feel like I’ve learned a lot more about the game by hearing you talk about the things that you’re thinking about (but don’t have the time/mental space to say) live during a run.

I think what sets etho apart in games like this is his strategic approaches. He’s not the greatest parkourist, and sometimes gets shaky hands, but he always makes the most optimal decisions in the dungeon

Hey Etho, I really enjoyed this episode. It was change from the other phases videos, we got a lot more different insight into how you played DO, etc. Hope you do something similar for phase 9. Here are a few questions: Will you run DO2 anymore, maybe free Rusty? What would you like to see in DO3 if Tango ever decides to take on that challenge?

Your videos have meant so much to me over the past 10+ years of watching, from the LP world to MindCrack to HermitCraft. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication ❤️

I enjoyed the parts where you talked more on the meta of the decked out experience during the low parts (like the card rankings or swimming under the shrieker). I think that would be really nice to learn those things before we all move past Decked Out'

What you said about wiki pages being the killers of games is so true! I wish my friends understood that...

Actually really like the post-commentary on the runs. Glad you are doing better :)

49:00 The funny part about the wardens distractability when a player is nearby is the devs announced they’d retuned them so that wouldn’t happen so much. I, personally, haven’t noticed any difference. Either the very next update changed it back to the way it was originally, or whatever change they thought they’d made just didn’t “take”. 1:29:33 😂 Some of those fires are on stairs the wardens can take, but players can’t. 😂 That warden came out of that staircase.

*21:51* I love how even when he can't talk, Etho still manages to generate some of the funniest Hermitcraft moments ever. He's like ''Oh you've got a netherite hoe too? *Checkmate!''*

Post run commentary is good, it's interesting to hear your thoughts without the distraction of doing the run. I like the idea of answering viewer questions for the final phase runs. Don't know if it's possible logistically but would be really cool if you could get Tango to join you for commentary, you could both ask each other questions (viewer and your own), maybe do a part one/part two on both of your channels?

Congrats on the win Etho, proud you were able to do anything while sick 🎉🎉 I hope in S10 of Hermitcraft you put together a minigame of your own!! Maybe something connected to your base so you don’t get overwhelmed with projects?

Super glad to hear you’re feeling better Etho. I also got sick for the first time in years around the same time you did, so it’s good to hear you’re getting better too. I can think of few questions: 1) What was your favorite phase and why? 2) Do you enjoy the beginning where you experience everything for the first time, or the end where you’re mastering the levels more? 3) What was your least favorite hazard trap?

I need a commentary from Tango on all the Etho strata he reveals this episode

I remember at the beginning of decked out I was thinking "just the one level is so difficult. I don't know how theyll ever be good enough to do good runs on 2 levels" and now you're doing seamless runs on 4. it's so cool to see the development of gameplay techniques here.

Nice post-commentary Etho! We would rather have a video with post commentary than no video at all so that isn't a very difficult choice. Question for next video: Will you be doing any personal challenges when the decked out tournament is over? If so, which?

I really enjoyed the voice over commentary! It was fun to hear you react to your own gameplay and also hear so much about your thoughts/experiences as a Decked Out player. Glad you’re feeling better!

Im not normally a big fan of post commentary however Etho brings his unique energy and makes just about everything he does entertaining.

i was quite weirded out by the post commentary but then it just became a sort oof calmer version of the usual live commentary

I love the post commentary. It makes the runs a lot less stressful to watch because you're so chill lol

This style of editing along with the post-commentary worked out really well! I do miss the live reactions, planning, and greedy decisions, but, well, at least we get to see their consequences play out. I'd be interested to hear some of your thoughts on how Decked Out 2 worked out as a game, maybe you could even invite Tango for two contrasting and complementary perspectives? Some specific questions: How do you feel about the different playstyles and goals in the game? In some earlier phases, you talked about potentially looking for eggs and other secrets, but you ended up focusing more on the competition and deckbuilding goals instead of discovery and mystery aspects, especially toward the end with level 4. Speaking of level 4, do you think it would have been worth it for competitive runs in the end? Maybe if it had become available earlier? Or if the difficulty of the lower levels and max clank hadn't been buffed up over time? Were there some paths that ended up being much more dangerous or safe than they seem designed to be? Seems like it could apply to level 2 in particular. Did the shop system work out well? Especially with regards to the most expensive and rare cards? You never got the chance to get the speedrunner card, for instance.

cub is such a nice person. you two are each others biggest rivals at this point and still he has nothing but support for every win of yours!

The post commentary is good, it lets there be a consistent thread of conversation even with the highly edited format

Tryhard time!! I know what's coming after watching some of Tango's streams, I can't wait! Post-Video: Also, I loved this post-commentary style, hearing you talk about your strategies and how they evolved and the reasoning behind them was so interesting I loved it

I love the post commentary! I could listen to you ramble all day Etho! Glad to hear you are feeling better! So questions for phase 9: What would you change strategy wise if you started over DO2 knowing all you know? Is there anything you would have added to the game? Also any stories we haven't heard or seen yet would be great too! Thanks Ergo :P

So sorry you have been sick, I watched Tango's perspective so i knew some of what was going on. The commentary was great! Any time you need to do a voice over is fine with me. I'm just glad you were well enough to get the video out and share it with us. Thanks. Have a great day and can't wait for the next one.

Etho post commentary is therapy Loved this ep a lot, the runs felt very calm 😊

I liked the post-commentary style! It was nice hearing more in depth tips and your thoughts about decked out that's harder to get while you're fully focused on the run. And for a question for next time: if you could create your own card for decked out, what would it be? How would you balance it? Edit: woo! Congrats on the win!!!

Aw man, I’m so happy you did silent runs sucks that you were feeling terrible. Glad you’re better now 🥳

16:00 that camera jerk of panic hahaha

What a cozy evening listening to Etho talk to us about Decked Out for an hour and a half. 10/10 would recommend.

Thanks for the episode, sorry you have been sick. The post-commentary runs were actually a really nice change. The audio of the commentary gets drowned out by the loud in-game sound, but I am grateful for the upload!

i dig the post commentary style too! Including tango to chat about decked out in general would be awesome!

Brilliantly done Etho! I very much enjoyed your commentary ! I look forward to phase 9! Glad to hear your are feeling better! 👍 I got to say as I was watching you and Gems and Pearl I found myself on the edge of my seat and nearly Gallo g off it at times 😆😆😆 ! Tango as done an amazing job 👍 You all have done fantastic!

The idea of a victory cleenix is really funny to me, lol

The post commentary style was great for these runs and will be for phase 9 as well. It's nice to hear your takes on the game after all this time and to see the gameplay reflect those thoughts in real time. Could easily watch a 2+ hour video like this. Keep up the great work and hope you're on the upswing!

Dude every time I’m looking for a video to watch, Etho somehow pulls through

Great job this episode Etho, so sorry you've been sick, that's always really rough! Looking forward to some possible Q&A next episode: Here are some questions if any of them interest you: -What is one structural design (moving pillars/adding tunnels etc) that you would change in DO and why? -What Hermit surprised you most this season, in their playthrough of DO? -If there ever were to be a DO3 what would be something that would make you excited to play? What variation would you add? -When Tango gives his behind the scenes redstone tour what part are you most interested in seeing? -Tango has complained many times about the Vex's or the Wardens not doing their job as intended, if you could design a minecraft mob that would be in DO what would you design, what abilities and AI would they have?

The commentary was really interesting because we get to know a lot of cool fun facts of Decked Out as well as Etho's strategy that he otherwise is (I think) too occupied to give. We do lose things like live reactions, but I think it is a fun trade off. Plus, having Etho being perplexed by his own actions and greed is super funny and amazing XDDDDDDDDD

You putting these videos out late just means that D.O. stays alive for a while longer. Loved this series and honestly thought Cub was going be try Harding as well. But nonetheless, shout out to Sick Etho for crushing these runs!

I’ve loved all your DO videos Etho. Glad you’re feeling better. Post commentary is just as enjoyable. I enjoy the different tangents you go on being able to talk about the runs more relaxed.

You're not alone in the sickness. Everyone is getting it including me. I feel ya bro.

Hi Etho! The post commentary for the runs was great! It was really cool to hear some of your insight towards strategies you used. There were times in the video where the game audio was a bit loud over your voice but besides that I think it worked really well.