Softcore mode

Softcore mode is one of three character difficulty modes in Terraria. Softcore mode is selected by default on character creation, and is considered the easiest game mode, as there are no consequences from death apart from dropping half of your Coins; your character's main inventory will remain intact, as are both maximum health and mana.

Softcore mode is recommended for beginner players, although even those who consider themselves "experts" may find that this mode can be helpful in the form of a back-up character or storage space. It is also recommended for players who intend to fully enjoy the adventure aspects of the game without often having to "start over" due to lost items.

Softcore mode comes in below Mediumcore and Hardcore modes in the character difficulty scale. It is unrelated to "Hardmode", which applies to a World rather than a Character.