Rulesets instead of server names

You pick a ruleset, not a server name. Four are live. Hardcore is not one of the launch four.

Last checked: 2026-11-12

Blizzard’s ruleset post is the source. Normal lets you choose whether you flag for PvP. PvP keeps you attackable most of the time and locks you to one faction. Roleplay adds strict name and behavior rules. Roleplay PvP combines those name rules with the PvP flag. You cannot group, dungeon or raid across rulesets. Battlegrounds can cross rulesets, except Hardcore. You cannot move an existing character to another ruleset. You make a new character. Hardcore was not in the launch set. When it exists, a dead Hardcore character can transfer out, including into PvP. Collections and Legacy points are account-wide across rulesets, with Hardcore as the exception that sends progress out and does not take it in.

There is no classic server list to pick from. Each ruleset is a region that uses layers inside it. The layering steps I have are from one fan guide: join a group and use Refresh Now. You cannot pick a layer from a menu. I mark that as one source. “Which ruleset is old Classic” does not have a one-to-one official answer. Normal is the closest experience, and it is still a ruleset, not a server name from 2019.