WoW’s Season of Discovery is Getting An Official Self-Found Hardcore Mode This Month

During Blizzcon, WoW Classic’s 2024 Roadmap was updated to include an official, toggleable Self-Found mode. This mode is confirmed for a February 2024 release, and it made its first debut on the PTR today.

What is Self-Found Mode in World of Warcraft?

WoW’s Hardcore is simple enough to understand – die once, die forever. But Self-Found kicks things up a notch, disallowing the use of Trading, Mail, and the use of the auction house. Self-Found is toggled in the character creation screen – the only place it can be activated. If you’re playing a Self-Found character, you’ll be marked with a special buff icon to indicate to others that you’re superior to them, and they shouldn’t bother trading with, or perhaps even talking to you.

If you decide Self-Found is a little too punishing for your taste, you can have it removed by talking to an NPC. Once it’s gone, you can’t get it back, so be mindful if you choose to give up the SF-life.

So that’s what Self-Found mode is: a self-imposed restriction solely existing for bragging rights. But what isn’t it? Well, I’ve seen some folks say the phrase “Solo Self-Found,” which is not the case here. You can still group with other players to clear content – it wouldn’t be much of an experience if you couldn’t even run dungeons or raids. The only thing this mode limits is your ability to receive money or items from others. Struggling to find a rare drop? Need a certain craftable item? Too bad, do it yourself.

The official release date isn’t nailed down just yet, but, as with all things hitting the PTR, it’ll likely be within two or three weeks. Worst case scenario, the absolute tail-end of February. Plenty of time to scuff your current Hardcore run and get ready to start a new, even harder one!