FOREVER
PATH
·
Azeroth companion
Heroes

Rulesets

Official update: 22 Oct 2026
5 Official Rulesets
Choose a ruleset for each new character instead of selecting a realm.
At launch
Balanced · PvE Focus

Normal

Cooperation; optional PvP.
World Risk & Combat Intensity
35%
Factions on one account
Both factions
Test This Ruleset in Talent Calculator →
At launch
High Stakes · Contested Zones

PvP

Conflict in contested territory.
World Risk & Combat Intensity
85%
Factions on one account
One faction
Test This Ruleset in Talent Calculator →
At launch
Immersive · Lore Community

Roleplaying

A roleplaying community.
World Risk & Combat Intensity
40%
Factions on one account
Both factions
Test This Ruleset in Talent Calculator →
At launch
Veteran · RP + World Conflict

Roleplay-PvP

Roleplaying with PvP.
World Risk & Combat Intensity
90%
Factions on one account
Not specified
Test This Ruleset in Talent Calculator →
After launch
Extreme · Permanent Death

Hardcore

Death has lasting consequences.
World Risk & Combat Intensity
100%
Factions on one account
Both factions
Date not announced
Test This Ruleset in Talent Calculator →

Playing together

Playing together

Groups require the same ruleset and faction. Battlegrounds can mix rulesets, except Hardcore.
Changing ruleset requires a new character. Dead Hardcore characters can transfer, including to PvP.
Hardcore collections and Legacy progress carry outward; other rulesets cannot contribute progress into Hardcore.
Preferred Online Language applies account-wide and can change once every 24 hours.
Read it on Blizzard's site