The pre-patch of WoW BC Classic is finally playable and many players are experimenting with the new races. Some have noticed that a previously unimplemented feature is already usable: cross-realm groups.
Update from May 21: Blizzard has now confirmed that the function is a bug (via WoW forums). A hotfix is on the way and according to some players, inviting from other realms is no longer working.
Original message – What is this feature? It is about cross-realm groups and group finding. These are conveniences that retail players are probably familiar with: with a glance at the tool and a click, you can join groups from all possible servers.
In Classic and Burning Crusade, this is actually not possible. Although with the pre-patch of BC Classic many realms have been merged, the interaction between different realms should not work.
Players have now discovered: There is no tool, but invitations and even dungeons with cross-realm functionality do work.
In our test, it also worked flawlessly. Through an invite command, cross-realm groups worked perfectly. It is not quite clear whether this is the preparation of a feature or a bug.
Will this come as a proper feature? At BlizzCon 2021, Blizzard teased that BC Classic might receive a tool for group finding that functions similarly to the one from retail WoW (“LFG”; via wowhead.com).
So far, the feature has not been playable in the beta or on the PTR. Only with the pre-patch of BC on the live servers does a cross-realm invitation in groups work.
Whether and how the feature will be implemented is still open. A similar tool was already available in The Burning Crusade with patch 2.0.1. The proper LFG tool with cross-realm functionality only came with Wrath of the Lich King.
Community is debating – Is this good?
This is what players say: A small discussion has erupted in the community about whether a cross-realm function should come. There are voices both for and against.
Closed servers somehow belong to the classic feeling; after all, you shouldn’t act like a rude blockhead. Those who do will quickly find no groups if their name spreads. According to opponents, an LFG tool would lead to a decline in manners. On reddit, cross-realm would be a reason for many players to uninstall the game (via reddit.com).
Even in WoW Classic, there was an apparent LFG tool that the community reacted to in panic. Apparently, part of the player base really does not want to see something like that.
Other players believe that this promotes social interaction. Already there are problems when characters appear as “boosted.” They then cannot find groups because no one wants them. With cross-realm groups, it is easier to connect and play better with others or even play with your friends (via wowhead.com).
When will BC Classic be released? We will likely learn with the release of Burning Crusade Classic how cross-realm features will come into the game. The expansion is set to release on June 2, 2021.
An LFG tool in the form of retail WoW would be a change that would differ significantly from the original TBC. It would also not be the only change compared to the past:
WoW: A small change makes TBC Classic more enjoyable for all players
What do you think of cross-realm and LFG? Are you for or against?
