Classic Hardcore realms are an exciting way to challenge yourself and your class knowledge. Can you make it to level 60 without dying? And if so, how much further can you go?

It Ain't Over 'Til it's Over

Not every hero will reach the finish line on their first attempt—or maybe even their second. For those who have fallen along the way, there’s a choice to be made on how to handle their newfound permanent death status.

Linger On

If you have unfinished business in the Hardcore realm, you may continue to exist in the game world as a ghost. This will allow you to communicate with your in-game friends, as well as pass on guild leadership to a new (preferably alive; dead heroes make for poor leaders) guild member.

Keep in mind that ghosts cannot complete quests, speak to the living or otherwise do most of anything other than haunt their local graveyards—quietly, and ponder what went wrong in their last moments of life in Azeroth.

Enter a New Era

Maybe you've grown too attached to life. Maybe your character had an unlucky encounter with Lord Kazzak after you made a wrong turn at the Blasted Lands. Maybe you just miscalculated how high that jump was. Or perhaps your character hasn't died at all, but you've decided that you're looking for a more relaxed experience. No matter the reason, if you want to keep playing your recently departed character or make sure your currently living character doesn't face a sudden mishap, you can utilize the Free Character Move service and move any character to a non-Hardcore Classic Era realm. To learn more about how to start a Free Character Move, refer to this support article.

Once the move is complete, the hero may resurrect as normal at the closest Spirit Healer, but the way back to a Hardcore realm will be closed to them permanently.

Try Again!

Death—although permanent in Classic Hardcore realms—isn't the end. Every hero that meets their end leaves behind valuable lessons that the next hero will benefit from. Keep trying until you triumph and build on the lessons learned.

As they say, the journey is often more important than the destination. We hope yours is filled with adventure, excitement, and hopefully minimal deaths.