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ForeverGuide
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Rulesets

FreeUpdated

Rulesets, not realms: Normal, PvP, RP at launch, Hardcore later. What differs between them, and what is the same on all three.

On this page4 sections

What differs

The 3 rulesets at launch. Pick before you make a character.

  • Normal

    • You can make characters on both factions.

  • PvP

    • You pick one faction at creation and stay on it. Play the other faction on Normal or RP.
    • A faction creation limit can happen.

  • RP

    • The roleplaying ruleset. Both factions, as on Normal.

Hardcore, later

  • Hardcore

    Winter 2026Not announced The day.

    • A closed ruleset. A character who dies can move to Normal, PvP or RP.
    • Collections and Legacy earned in Hardcore can flow out. Progress from the other rulesets does not flow in.
    • Hardcore stays out of the mixed battlegrounds.

The same on all three

Can I move a character to another ruleset?
Can I move a character to another ruleset?
No. A different ruleset means a new character.
Can I group with friends on a different ruleset?
No. You group, run dungeons and raid only with players on your own ruleset and faction. Battlegrounds may mix rulesets.
Is my name taken on every ruleset?
Yes. The full name is unique per region across Normal, PvP, RP. Each part is 2–12 letters, and you can share a first or a last name with someone, just not both.
Do Legacy points and collections carry between rulesets?
Yes. Both are shared across Normal, PvP, RP. Your account can earn up to 65 Legacy points, and each character spends at most 16 at launch on every ruleset.
Is a ruleset one world for everyone?
Forever has no realms, but that is not one giant realm for everyone. Horde and Alliance stay separate on every ruleset.

Keep reading

Sources and what isn't confirmed

Not announced

  • The thresholds for a faction creation limit on PvP
  • The day Hardcore opens
  • Whether names on Hardcore share the same pool
  • Open-world PvP flagging rules on Normal and RP
  • Roleplay conduct rules on RP

Sources

  • Blizzard: Normal; PvP; RP; Hardcore; Characters; Groups and battlegrounds; Collections and Legacy
  • Blizzard roadmap: Hardcore
  • Blizzard, 21 Sep 2026: Names
  • Deep Dive recap: Realms and factions

Updated . Details can change in any later build or patch.