How to make WoW Forever look like original Classic
Pick the Classic visual preset, switch the global model toggle to SD, leave transmog off and turn on Classic Mode so other players' transmog is hidden. If you prefer HD models, Forever restores the classic animations on them.
In the beta, character creation offers an Experience Preset. Classic gives SD models, no quest markers or map points of interest, transmog off and the old bag layout. Enhanced gives HD models, quest markers, one combined bag, transmog on, strafe keybinds and a centred interface. Every option can be changed later in Options. Blizzard also confirmed in the Q&A that HD and SD models share one skeleton and animation set, so there is no separate classic skeleton. Reported
WoW Forever graphics and Classic toggles confirmed so far
| Setting | What it does | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Classic preset | Choose the Classic visual preset instead of Modern. Blizzard has not listed everything it switches yet. | Official |
| HD or SD models | A global toggle between HD and SD character models. Choose SD for the original look. | Official |
| Classic animations | Restored classic animations on HD models, if you keep HD. | Official |
| Transmog off | Transmog is fully opt-in, so your own gear shows as it is unless you turn it on. | Official |
| Classic Mode | Hides other players' transmog, so everyone looks like what they are wearing. | Official |
| Controller | Built-in controller support. Not a Classic look, but it is an official option. | Official |
That is everything Blizzard has confirmed. Anything else you read about Classic presets is not confirmed yet. For more on appearances, see how transmog works.
What is known, with sources
- Official Global HD or SD model toggle.Blizzard Forever panel videos, 2026-09-13
- Official Restored classic animations on HD models.Blizzard Forever panel videos, 2026-09-13
- Official Transmog is fully opt-in. Toggle it at an NPC or through presets.Blizzard Forever panel videos, 2026-09-13
- Official Classic Mode hides other players' transmog.Blizzard Forever panel videos, 2026-09-13
- Official Built-in controller support.Blizzard Forever panel videos, 2026-09-13
- Official A choice of Modern or Classic visual presets.Blizzard What's Next panel recap, 2026-09-13
Sources
Official means Blizzard said it. Reported means an independent outlet said it and Blizzard has not confirmed. Checked 2026-09-14.