Realmless rulesets
Playing together
Players choose Normal, PvP or Roleplaying; Hardcore follows launch. Grouping requires the same ruleset and faction. Language preferences influence encounters with other players.[1]
Before creating characters for a regular group, write down everyone's intended region, ruleset, faction, and preferred language. Compare the actual selection screens together. This planning checklist does not promise cross-region play, unrestricted transfers, or a particular matchmaking result.
See Legacy's ruleset exception before assuming progress is available to another character. Character names covers the announced naming format.
Character creation and transfers
The September 21 guide clarifies these restrictions:[2]
| Ruleset | Faction choices on your account |
|---|---|
| PvP | One faction; population-balancing restrictions may also limit creation. |
| Normal / Roleplaying | Both factions allowed; grouping remains same-faction. |
| Hardcore (after launch) | Both factions allowed. Battlegrounds remain separate from other rulesets. |
Changing rulesets ordinarily requires a new character. A dead Hardcore character may transfer out, including to PvP. Collections and Legacy Points are shared across ordinary rulesets; Hardcore progress can flow outward, but outside progress cannot flow into Hardcore. These are announced rules, not confirmation that transfer services are available in beta.[2]
Set your language preference
Open Escape → Options → System → Languages and Social, then choose Preferred Online Language. This account-wide preference affects all characters and has a 24-hour change cooldown.[2]
Regional updates
Ion Hazzikostas said Forever updates would roll out at different times across regions to align maintenance with local off-peak hours and resets.[3]
Use the dated service notice for your region when arranging a session. A development interview does not establish a particular maintenance window or prove that a server is online.
Evidence still needed
Forever ruleset selection screens; Group invitation behavior by ruleset and faction; Observed language-preference behavior; Transfer interface and eligibility details; Regional maintenance notices
Record the Forever build, observation date, and a source or screenshot. Update the article and remove only the tasks your evidence resolves.
Related references
Beginner guide · Character names · Legacy system
September 17 developer clarification
Battlegrounds may mix rulesets. Characters cannot freely switch rulesets. Oceanic players generally use Australian datacenters, can join US friends, and share their ruleset auction house.[4]
Sources
- ↑ Blizzard Entertainment, Forever Deep Dive panel recap, 13 September 2026, “Playing Together in a Realmless Azeroth”; accessed 17 September 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Blizzard Entertainment, Choose Your Ruleset in World of Warcraft: Forever, 21 September 2026; checked 23 September 2026.
- ↑ Mila Grish, Ion & Holly Interview at BlizzCon 2026, Warcraft Tavern, 14 September 2026. Press interview transcript edited for clarity; accessed 17 September 2026.
- ↑ Blizzard Entertainment, World of Warcraft Developer Q&A, 17 September 2026, Forever segment 1:09:53–1:13:23. Official captions reviewed 19 September 2026; captions may contain transcription errors.