Blizzard has unveiled an exciting new challenge for World of Warcraft players seeking a “challenging and perilous journey” – Classic Hardcore Realms. This new feature comes equipped with various safeguards, class changes, and permadeath mechanics.

“It’s official, Hardcore realms are coming to World of Warcraft,” teases Blizzard. “Players will have the opportunity to engage with Azeroth, its denizens, and their fellow players… to survive.”

What does this mean for players? It means that they will have only one chance to partake in dangerous activities such as the Molten Core raid. However, should they meet an untimely demise and choose not to continue as a spectre, they will have the option to transfer to a non-Hardcore Classic Era server free of charge.

Blizzard has also implemented changes to PvP mechanics. While Battleground queuing will not be available on Hardcore Realms, pre-organized Wargames will still be an option for groups looking to engage in deadly combat.

“Those wishing to truly test their mettle against others can initiate a duel-to-the-death mode by typing ‘/makgora’. This will prompt the receiving player to acknowledge and accept the high-stakes duel,” explains the Blizzard team. “A new tracking aura will visually communicate how many duels a player has completed and survived.”

Furthermore, the log-off timer has been reduced to mitigate the impact of server disconnections. Class abilities and spells have also been modified to ensure that death is permanent. Additionally, the 16 debuff limit and 32 buff limits have been removed on Hardcore realms.

“One of the things we love about the Hardcore mode of play is that endgame is not the focus, and most of the gameplay revolves around the journey, not the destination,” Blizzard clarifies. “This also makes Hardcore gameplay ‘evergreen’, meaning that it’s always a good time to pop in and experience it, regardless of what else is happening in other versions of World of Warcraft.”