Choose your ruleset

Choose the Ruleset That Fits Your Journey

• Not in the files

  Normal: The baseline World of Warcraft experience, where players can focus on exploration, questing, cooperation, and player-versus-player combat when they choose to engage in it.

  The files How each ruleset plays is enforced by Blizzard's servers. The client only lists the game modes (GameMode tags 'wf' and 'wfhc') and an old blurb, GAMETYPE_PVE_TEXT, that says you fight other players 'at your own discretion'.

• Not in the files

  PvP: For players who want every trip into contested territory to carry more danger, excitement, and open-world conflict.

  The files PvP flagging in contested zones is a server rule. The client string GAMETYPE_PVP_TEXT says 'you are almost always at risk of being attacked by opposing players', which is UI text and proves nothing about live rules.

• Not in the files

  Roleplaying: For players who want to lean more deeply into the fantasy of Azeroth and seek out like-minded adventurers.

  The files Roleplaying rules are server policy and moderation. The client's GAMETYPE_RP_TEXT mentions 'strict naming conventions and behavior rules' and nothing more.

• Not in the files

  Hardcore: For players seeking the ultimate challenge, where every decision matters and death carries lasting consequences. (Hardcore will be available sometime after launch.)

  The files Permadeath and the launch timing are decided on Blizzard's side. The client already holds a game mode tagged 'wfhc' (GameMode 4) and GAMETYPE_HARDCORE_TEXT about 'permanent player character death', with transfer to other rulesets after death.