Hey, I remember when the hardcore mode came out and it was really exciting. The only real problem with it was that there were barely any random encounters, which where my favourite part of the game in the first playthrough. Some battles and bandit assaults, but no knights, mercenaries or even a riddler. Is this still a thing, since its a major turnoff for me even though I otherwise love the hc mode. Considering giving the game a shot once more.
No there are a lot more random encounters but they are still only on roads and in camps. I found two poachers so far one tried to sell me meat and the other one just tried to kill me. My most frequent encounter is the ruffians encounter with him commiting some crime and then trying pin it on me or lie his way out.