How to choose which version of WoW Classic is best for you

World of Warcraft Classic has come a long way since its launch in 2019. Originally developed as an option for players to experience the original (or vanilla) World of Warcraft with #nochanges, WoW Classic has since evolved from its own game mode into multiple game modes with subtle differences in gameplay and different shelf lives. These factors can be confusing to anyone new to, or interested in returning to, WoW Classic so we came up with a quick guide on how to navigate the differences between each game version that players should be aware of, so they can play the version that best fits what they want.

At its core there are basically two versions of WoW Classic: Era and progression. Within each version are different game modes that have subtle gameplay and content differences. Each game mode is made up of realms are split into two categories: normal (synonymous with PVE) and PVP (which includes RPPVP), with the only real difference being whether or not players can kill each other freely in the open world. Regardless of version or mode, if you want to explore and play WoW Classic without fear of being killed by anyone then any kind of normal realm is where you want to start. If you don’t care, or actively want to hunt players from another faction, then you can take your risks on any PVP realm.

WoW Classic Era game versions

The Classic Era version of the game includes PVE and PVP WoW Classic realms that only have the original level 1-60 World of Warcraft content. Currently, there are three WoW Classic Era game modes available:

WoW Classic Era realms

The most common type of Classic Era realms contain the base, original World of Warcraft game content from the 2004 release, with the added quality-of-life updates and fixes from later versions phases of the vanilla game.

WoW Classic Hardcore realms

WoW Classic Hardcore realms only contain the original level 1-60 World of Warcraft content but with a permanent death system in place. In other words, if you die in this game mode, you cannot revive your character and instead need to create a new one. A sub-type of Hardcore, Self-Found, exists that players can opt-in to which then restricts them from trading, mailing, or purchasing items from other players, including from the Auction House.

WoW Classic Season of Discovery realms

Season of Discovery, as its name implies, was originally planned as a time-limited Classic Era version of the game that added some significant twists on gameplay, specifically being that each class can gain different abilities (some coming from different classes and others from different expansions) thanks to a rune engraving system. There are some new Classic-style activities that were created and added to the mode and while it fits into the level 1-60 gameplay loop, these activities are not present in other Classic Era realms nor were they present during WoW’s original release.

Because of its popularity, Blizzard has stated they do not plan to close Season of Discovery realms, even though no new content is planned for them. And of course the option of how long they want to keep this mode running remains up to them.

 WoW Classic progression game versions

Progression realms are WoW Classic realms that progresses through expansions. Progression includes PVE and PVP realms that start with vanilla WoW and add, or have plans to add, expansion content. Two versions of WoW Classic progression realms exist, though, both are at different points in WoW’s release timeline:

Mists of Pandaria Classic realms

Mists of Pandaria Classic started from the originally Classic realm splinter that saw some realms become Era realms, staying in the vanilla world, while all other realms moved on to The Burning Crusade Classic. These same realms then progressed through Wrath of the Lich King Classic, Cataclysm Classic, and finally into the Mists of Pandaria Classic expansion. The content from these expansions are still present for new characters to play through, with Mists Classic just having entered Phase 3, with Phase 4 likely coming in early 2026. Progression realms generally bring forward the best quality-of-life fixes and patches from each expansion but the most prominent gameplay addition to Mists Classic currently are Celestial Dungeons, an optional difficulty modifier for heroic dungeons that rewards certain raid tier gear.

Progression realms generally transition into a new Classic expansion every 18 or so months which would put a theoretical Warlords of Draenor Classic expansion on the table in mid-to-late 2026, though Blizzard has yet to announce future Classic plans, including how far they want to take expansion releases.

WoW Classic 20th anniversary realms

Released during WoW’s 20th anniversary celebrations, the WoW Classic 20th anniversary realms were a soft reset on Classic progression realms, giving all players a chance to start their Classic adventure over on new realms with new characters. Right now, Classic anniversary realms are in the final Classic phase content and players are preparing for these realms to become The Burning Crusade Classic anniversary realms on January 13, 2026. All anniversary realms will progress, except the Hardcore anniversary realms, which will join the Era realms instead. It stands to reason that anniversary realms will also continue on the progression track beyond The Burning Crusade though it will be some time before Blizzard announces any plans on anniversary realms beyond TBC Classic.