It is very much that way in d2 as well, but I cannot play that softcore. I’ll try it here and see how it feels

Can anyone explain to me how maps work? At the end of each catacomb run there is a map, but when I click it the map disappears and it is not in my inventory. Are they stored somewhere else and I am just missing it??

Thanks!

It should be in the inventory for items (below the equipment inventory)

Here's an example:

you're allowed 8 on sc and 8 on hc
so go both

People that made characters a long time ago still get to keep that massive amount of character slots on both hardcore and softcore.
Correct? Huge luxury if so. Initially I had those sweet numbers on my old softcore characters. But I decided to delete most of them.
i do wish I had played Hardcore Ladder Slasher from day one. I'd probably be so far ahead it's not even funny. Better late than never.

yes
all 16 on hc here

yes
all 16 on hc here

but for making fg it's way better to go to sc

Hardcore is more intense. Keeps me engaged and on my toes. Sometimes I play while yawning away and barely keeping my eyes open.
I need to just go rest when I'm feeling super tired. Forum Gold is fun but it's easy come, easy go. I do plan to save up this time around.

That is where I expected them to be but I have none on either character

Maybe I am not clicking the maps fast enough and they're disappearing...

If you already have a full inventory of items it is almost impossible to pick the maps up before they disappear.

you have them, they're clearly on your character here:
https://forums.d2jsp.org/user.php?c=3&i=1391341&p=563512

they go below where your equipment goes, in the small boxes where it says items/use.