Getting started
WoW Forever rulesets: how to play with friends
Choose the same ruleset and faction as your friends. Removing the traditional realm list does not remove ruleset or faction restrictions.
Choose the experience your group wants
| Ruleset | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Normal | Cooperative play; player-versus-player combat requires consent. |
| PvP | Contested territory can lead to open-world fights. |
| Roleplaying | A community focused on inhabiting the fantasy world. |
| Hardcore | Planned after launch; a separate ecosystem with death consequences. |
Grouping has clear boundaries
The deep dive describes connected communities within a ruleset, rather than a long list of traditional realms. Players cannot group across rulesets. Alliance and Horde cannot group together either.
Before anyone creates a character, write down the account region, ruleset and faction your group has chosen. Language preference alone does not establish that you can play together.
Hardcore progression is one-way
Collections and Legacy points can be shared across regular rulesets on an account. Hardcore progression can leave Hardcore, but regular progression cannot enter it. After death, a Hardcore character can transfer to another ruleset, including PvP.
Hardcore is announced for later, not as a launch-day option. Do not plan a launch group around an unannounced Hardcore opening date.
Turn the information into a plan.
Save your preparation progress and add the launch to your calendar.
Sources & scope
Pre-release reference, checked September 27, 2026. Announced features may change. Original explanations; no claim of in-game testing.
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