Modern vs Classic visual presets

There are two visual presets: modern and Classic. Blizzard hasn't said yet exactly which settings each preset changes.

HD vs SD character models

Character models come in HD and SD. Blizzard's comparison shots put the same dwarf in the same snowy spot with each model. SD is the classic model; HD is the higher-detail one.

Dwarf character standing in snow, HD model
A dwarf standing on a frozen lake, HD model · Image: Blizzard Entertainment
Source / rights
Image / usage information: (c) Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. Official World of Warcraft: Forever media from Blizzard announcement pages (downloaded 16 Sep 2026); shown with source link, no ownership asserted. · Image source ↗
Dwarf character standing in snow, SD (classic) model
The same dwarf in the same spot, SD (classic) model · Image: Blizzard Entertainment
Source / rights
Image / usage information: (c) Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. Official World of Warcraft: Forever media from Blizzard announcement pages (downloaded 16 Sep 2026); shown with source link, no ownership asserted. · Image source ↗

The part animation purists will care about: HD models get restored Classic animations. Going HD doesn't mean your character moves any differently than in Classic.

World rendering updates

Old zones get a lighting and rendering pass. Blizzard's examples are flowing rivers in Elwynn Forest, mist over the water in Darkshore and moonlight in Ashenvale.

The official Forever page also has update videos for Ashenvale, Darkshore, Dustwallow Marsh, Felwood, Mulgore and The Barrens.

Which look should you go with?

It's personal taste, and Blizzard leaves both doors open. If you want to stay close to how Classic looked, the Classic preset and SD models are the obvious picks. If you want sharper characters, go HD. Since HD models get the Classic animations back, you keep those whichever model you choose.

What hardware do you need?

WoW Forever graphics-related requirements
SpecMinimumRecommended
Windows GPU DirectX 12, 4 GB: GeForce GTX 10 series, AMD RDNA 1 or Intel Iris Xe2-LPG DirectX 12, 8 GB: GeForce RTX 40 series, AMD RDNA 3 or Intel Arc B-Series
Mac GPU Metal, 4 GB: Apple M2 (8 GB) Apple M4 (16 GB)
RAM 8 GB 16 GB
Storage 128 GB free on an SSD 128 GB free on an SSD
Resolution 1280×720 minimum 1280×720 minimum

For input, the minimum spec lists keyboard and mouse, and the recommended spec asks for a multi-button mouse with a scroll wheel. Official gamepad support is there too.

FAQ

Does SD mode improve performance?
There's no official word on that. The system requirements come as a single set, with no separate specs for HD, SD or the visual presets.
Is Classic Mode the same as the Classic visual preset?
Nothing official ties the two together. Classic Mode is the first-launch option that turns transmog off, while the Classic preset is described as a visual option.
Can you play WoW Forever with a controller?
Yes, Blizzard announced official gamepad support. Forever is on Windows and Mac, and no console version has been announced.

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