Players curious about alternate-history WoW with new class mechanics. Great if you want to WoW Classic 20th Anniversary Gold experiment, not great if you're seeking a long-term home.

Progressive Classic

What it is:

This is the Classic journey that began in 2019 and has been rolling forward through the expansions. Starting from vanilla, it moved into TBC, Wrath, Cataclysm.

Population:

Still healthy, with around 85,000 raid logs despite being at the tail end of Cataclysm. 

Who it's for:

If you want the retail-like progression path but with Classic pacing, this is where you belong. 

Hardcore WoW

What it is:

Originally a fan-made mode, Blizzard officially embraced Hardcore in 2023. The rules are simple: one life only. Die, and your character is gone.

Variants:

Standard Hardcore: You can trade, use the Auction House, and group normally-just don't die.

Self-Found Hardcore: No trading, no Auction House. Everything you wear, you earn yourself.

Community:

The U.S. realm, Doomhell, is the main hub. Raids do exist, but Hardcore's brutal nature means few players ever reach that stage.

Who it's for:

Thrill-seekers who want every fight to matter. Perfect for those who crave adrenaline and permanence.

Classic Anniversary (Fresh Servers)

What it is:

Released in November 2024, Anniversary servers are fresh vanilla servers with quality-of-life tweaks, such as dual talent specialization and fixes to resource spawns like Black Lotus.

Progression path:

These realms will eventually advance to Burning Crusade, but right now they're mid-vanilla, waiting for the Ahn'Qiraj and Naxxramas phases.

PvP differences:

There's no ranking decay here. That means if you want Rank 14 gear, you simply grind Alterac Valley matches until you get there. It's time-consuming, but achievable for anyone willing to put in the effort.

Raiding scene:

Very active and no GDKPs allowed. Loot is distributed through guild systems like soft reserve or loot council.

Who it's for:

Players who want a fresh start with long-term future progression. Great for cheap WoW Classic Fresh Gold leveling, raiding, or preparing for TBC Classic again.