Classic vs Enhanced: which preset should you pick?
The first time you log in to WoW Forever, before you choose a ruleset, the game asks you to choose your experience preset: Classic or Enhanced. According to the game, it's a starting point for your art and interface settings that you can customize later. Blizzard says you can change everything under Game Menu > Options, and the screen won't show up again. If you're unsure, Blizzard recommends Enhanced.
Classic vs Enhanced UI and graphics: what changes
| Starting settings | Classic | Enhanced |
|---|---|---|
| Character models | Standard Definition | High Definition |
| Keyboard | turns the camera | strafes |
| One-bag | off | on |
| Quest markers | off | on |
| Transmog | off | on |
| UI layout | classic | centralized |
Source: the game's preset screen and Blizzard's New Player's Starter Guide (Oct 28, 2026).
Which one fits you?
- You want WoW the way it looked and played back then: Classic. The game describes it as a more traditional presentation with simpler visuals and less automatic guidance.
- You're new or coming from current WoW: in our view, Enhanced. It turns on quest markers, One-bag, transmog and the centralized UI layout. Blizzard recommends it if you're unsure.
- You want a mix: Pick either one and change single settings afterwards in Options, for example Classic with HD models. Transmog can also be turned on or off on its own.
HD or SD for each character
Separately from the preset, you choose HD or SD models every time you create a character. According to Blizzard, that only changes how the character looks, and you can switch later in Options or at the barber.
Changing it later
The preset screen only appears at your first login. After that, every setting from the preset can be changed under Game Menu > Options, according to Blizzard. According to the game, the preset only covers art and interface settings.
Beginner's guide · Launch checklist · Rulesets · Transmog · Forever vs Classic · System requirements
FAQ
Classic or Enhanced: what should I pick?
According to Blizzard, the preset is just a starting point that you can change anytime in Options. If you're unsure, Blizzard recommends Enhanced.
Can I change the preset later?
Yes. According to Blizzard, you can switch the preset later in the Options menu under System; in the game the option is called "Preset". The selection screen from your first login won't appear again, though.
Is "Modern" the same as Enhanced?
Yes. Blizzard used to call it Modern; it's now Enhanced.
Does Classic turn off transmog?
Yes, transmog is off in the Classic preset. You can turn it on separately later; appearances are still collected. More: Transmog
Does the preset change my graphics quality?
According to the game, the preset only covers art and interface settings: character models, keyboard turning, One-bag, quest markers, transmog and UI layout. Graphics quality isn't on that list. For hardware, see System requirements.
As of Oct 28, 2026
More WoW Forever Guides
- Beginner's guide
Getting started in WoW Forever: picking a class, leveling route and checklist. - Launch time worldwide
When WoW Forever launches in your time zone. - What's New in WoW Forever?
Every change compared to Classic at a glance. - Which class suits me?
Quiz with 8 questions and a class recommendation. - Professions 1–300
Leveling routes for every profession with materials and a shopping list. - Raids
Barrow Deeps, Hyjal Summit and Onyxia's Lair from Dec 9, 2026.
Follow usNew guides, clips and launch news land on our channels first.