How to get to the 8 Bit Realm

You need to be wearing the Filthy Hippy Disguise, which is a set with the filthy knitted dread sack and the filthy corduroys. Both of these items are dropped by hippies in the Hippy Camp.

Another option is the War Hippy Fatigues (reinforced beaded headband, bullet-proof corduroys, and round purple sunglasses), but you will typically have the equipment for the Filthy Hippy Disguise by the time you have the capability of getting the War Hippy Fatigues.

Note that if you clear the infestation at the Hippy Store (a side-quest during the Island War main quest), you will be able to access the Hippy Store without having to wear a specific set (and you'll gain ~4000 meat every day by visiting).

A little tip: don't go into hardcore unless you want to spend a month to ascend. Since the Valhalla update you can now upgrade skills to HC if you have enough karma.

Start of with SC and learn all there is to a fast ascension. As for your pick, I would go with the Musk of Moose which really helps at the Sonofa Beach or the Hide of the Walrus since it's always good to have a passive skill.