Updated July 2026. Each Classic version is a separate ruleset; characters and guides are not automatically interchangeable.
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Fix the version confusion first

Which Classic should I play?

Choose based on the experience you want—not whichever “Classic” button or guide happens to appear first.

Current overviewChecked against Blizzard’s listed Classic products · July 2026

Short answer

Pick Classic Era for permanent level-60 Vanilla, Hardcore for permanent-death Vanilla, or TBC Anniversary for the currently active fresh progression through Outland. Mists Classic and Season of Discovery use substantially different systems and need their own guides.

Most timelessClassic Era
Highest stakesHardcore
Active fresh pathTBC Anniversary
Best fit for this site

Classic Era

Permanent Vanilla realms capped at 60, with the original continents, classes, dungeons and raids.

  • Choose it for stable Vanilla rules.
  • Best match for our converted dungeon and leveling archive.
  • Endgame remains available rather than progressing to another expansion.
One life

Classic Hardcore

Vanilla-style progression where death is permanent on that realm.

  • Dead characters may move to a non-Hardcore Era realm.
  • Resurrection abilities do not reverse permanent death.
  • Use conservative routes and explicit danger notes.
Level 70

TBC Anniversary

The Anniversary realms progressed into Outland in February 2026, adding Blood Elves, Draenei, flying and Jewelcrafting.

  • Choose it for active Outland progression.
  • Vanilla 1–60 content still matters while leveling.
  • Do not use Era talent or endgame guides silently.
Progression

Mists of Pandaria Classic

The separate Classic progression branch with level 90, Pandaria and a very different class and talent structure.

  • Use Mists-specific pages only.
  • Era dungeon levels and class builds do not apply.
  • This section will grow separately from the Vanilla core.
Seasonal

Season of Discovery

A seasonal remix of Vanilla with runes, class changes, altered raids and profession additions.

  • Not “Era with a few extras.”
  • Builds and item priorities change by seasonal phase.
  • Pages must display an SoD label and update date.
Not a game mode

Classic+

Classic+ remains a community term for a possible alternate future of Vanilla. Rumours and proposals are not a playable ruleset.

Now choose a direction

Start with a useful decision

Three questions

Which class fits me?

Choose role, faction and playstyle.

Use the class matcher →Ten-second answer

Where should I level?

Get zones and dungeon options for your level.

Build my route →