Hardcore servers for Classic World of Warcraft have recently caused a great deal of drama within the community. The announcement by Blizzard about these servers has sparked intense debates and disagreements among players. In this guide, we will delve into the drama surrounding the rules of these servers and try to understand the perspectives of different player groups.  Keep in mind that this discussion might be triggering for some individuals, so take a moment to relax and prepare yourself before diving in.

• The Two Sides
• Addressing Concerns
• Embracing Diverse Playstyles
• Inclusivity and Community

↖ The Two Sides

The drama revolves around the ruleset for the Official Hardcore Servers. Blizzard stated that they would not impose any additional rules beyond the "One Life" rule, aiming to preserve the social elements and provide a more social experience in Classic WoW. This announcement has created a divide among players, with two distinct groups emerging:

Group 1 - Strict Ruleset Advocates

This group desires the implementation of the current ruleset used in Hardcore with the Hardcore Addon. This ruleset enforces a Solo-Self-Found Challenge, meaning no grouping, no trading, and no use of the Auction House. They believe that allowing these social features would diminish the challenge and make the game too easy.

Group 2 - Flexible Ruleset Supporters

The second group embraces the notion that the Hardcore servers should offer a regular Classic WoW experience with the added element of permadeath. They welcome the ability to group, trade, and use the Auction House. They argue that the challenge lies in the risk of permadeath itself and that gear and trading would have minimal impact on overall difficulty.

↖ Addressing Concerns

The drama intensifies as players from Group 1 argue that trading, grouping, and the Auction House would undermine the Hardcore challenge, allowing players to breeze through the game effortlessly. However, experience has shown that a vast majority of deaths in Hardcore are a result of individual mistakes, not gear or trading advantages. Even with optimal gear, players can still make errors and face untimely deaths.

Furthermore, concerns about early-level gear advantages are largely unfounded. Since Hardcore Servers start from scratch, building a robust economy and acquiring high-level gear would take time and substantial effort. Obtaining items such as Crusader enchants, full epics, and mooncloth bags would only be achievable several months into the server's lifespan. Thus, the argument that trading would significantly impact the difficulty of levelling is only partially accurate.

↖ Embracing Diverse Playstyles

It's important to recognize that both playstyles can coexist on the Hardcore Servers. Players who prefer strict solo self-found challenges can still adhere to those rules, even if the servers allow trading, grouping, and Auction House usage. This flexibility enables players to have the freedom to choose their preferred way of experiencing Hardcore mode.

↖ Inclusivity and Community

The Hardcore community has traditionally been known for its supportive and helpful nature. However, recent developments have seen a shift towards gatekeeping and elitism. It is crucial to foster an inclusive environment where players can enjoy the challenge of Hardcore mode without marginalizing others. A server with a single baseline rule, "One Life or Death = ghost," can accommodate various challenges and ensure the longevity of the Hardcore servers.

Conclusion:

The drama surrounding the rules of Hardcore Servers in Classic WoW reflects differing opinions within the community. While some players advocate for strict solo self-found challenges, others welcome the availability of trading, grouping, and the Auction House.  Both playstyles can coexist on the Hardcore Servers, allowing players to choose their preferred level of challenge. It is essential to maintain a respectful and inclusive community that embraces diverse playstyles and encourages the enjoyment of the game. Remember, at the core of Classic WoW lies the spirit of helping and supporting one another, and it is vital to preserving this ethos even in Hardcore mode.