Summary
World of Warcraftis adding a new user interface banner that will allow players to quickly and easily swap betweenClassicEra modes while logged in. Similar to the character select screen banner used in modernWorld of Warcraft, this UI feature will simplify the process of changingClassicEra game modes significantly.
There are a lot of ways to playWorld of Warcraft Classicright now, all of which are sorted into two major categories: progression andClassicEra. The former will soon be transitioning fromWoW: Cataclysm ClassicintoMists of Pandaria, while the latter is split into tons of different options, including Season of Discovery, Hardcore, and the 20th anniversary realms.
Now, it seems likeWorld of Warcraftis creating a new system that will help fans swap between these differentClassicEra game modes. The Season of Discovery Phase 8 Public Test Realm was recently updated with a new banner at the top of the character select screen that includes a Modes, Shop, and Menu option. Similar to its modern counterpart, which also holds the button for Realms, limited-time game modes like Plunderstorm, and theCampsites customization feature added inWorld of WarcraftPatch 11.1, players can use this new menu to swap between the originalClassicEra, Hardcore, Season of Discovery, and the 20th anniversary realms and their Hardcore counterparts.
Game Mode Button in World of Warcraft Classic Era
This is technically possible to do in the live game right now, but it isn’t nearly as smooth or straightforward. In order to change one’s current game mode, fans must navigate to the Change Realm button, choose the Seasonal, Anniversary, orClassicEra tab, and thenselect theirWorld of Warcraftserver– with the Hardcore realms scattered within their respective sections. Alternatively, players can log out and choose their game mode via the Battle.net launcher.
World of Warcraft Classic Era Game Modes
It is important to note that this feature currently does not work with progression realms, as they require a different installation thanClassicEra. However, it could easily include other theoreticalClassicEra options in the future, like the successor to Season of Discovery, or maybe even an officialClassic+. It remains to be seen how it will change once some of the 20th anniversary realms begin transitioning intoThe Burning Crusadein late 2025 or early 2026.
This new feature has not been formally announced by Blizzard, meaning it could change before it is implemented. That said, given where it first appeared, it could possibly go live as early as the launch ofWorld of Warcraft ClassicSeason of Discovery Phase 8 on April 8.
