Guide ·
HD or SD Models and the Two-Name System in WoW Forever
In World of Warcraft: Forever (WoW Forever) you pick High Definition (HD) or Standard Definition (SD) character models each time you create a character, and every character has a main name plus a secondary name whose full combination must be unique within your region. Both rules come from Blizzard's New Player's Starter Guide of October 28, 2026, and this page was reviewed on November 12, 2026.
Quick answer: HD or SD changes only how your character looks, not abilities or progression, and you can change it later in the Options menu or at a Barbershop. The secondary name can be hidden under Options > Nameplates > My Secondary Name, but it still appears in chat.
Key facts
- Model choice: made each time you create a character, per character (Blizzard)
- What it affects: appearance only, not abilities or progression (Blizzard)
- Changing it later: in the Options menu or at a Barbershop in game (Blizzard)
- Names: a main name and a secondary name; the complete combination is unique in your region (Blizzard)
- Hiding the second name: Options > Nameplates > My Secondary Name; it still appears in chat (Blizzard)
What is the difference between HD and SD models?
Blizzard says HD uses higher-detail models and updated visuals, while SD offers the style associated with the original look of World of Warcraft. It does not describe the two looks further, so compare them on the character creation screen.
The Experience Preset also sets a default. Blizzard says the Classic preset starts you with Standard Definition character models and the Enhanced preset starts you with High Definition ones. Our page on the Classic or Enhanced preset lists the other settings the presets change.
Does HD or SD change gameplay?
No, per Blizzard. The guide calls it a character-specific choice that affects only appearance, not abilities or progression.
Can I change HD or SD later?
Yes. Blizzard says you can change it in the Options Menu or by visiting a Barbershop in game. The guide does not say what a Barbershop visit costs or where the Barbershops are.
How does the two-name system work?
Blizzard says WoW Forever uses a main name and a secondary name, and the complete combination must be unique within your region. Our character name rules page covers the naming rules, and how to reserve your name covers the reservation period.
Can I hide my secondary name?
Partly. Blizzard says you can hide it under Options > Nameplates > My Secondary Name, though it still appears in chat. The menu labels are as the guide writes them and may differ slightly in game.
What is not confirmed yet
- Barbershop cost and location: not in Blizzard's guide; check in game
- Name length and character limits: not in the guide; see the character name rules page
How can the Lore Forever add-on and Willo help with character choices?
The free Lore Forever add-on narrates the story of the zones, quests and NPCs around you as you play. It is fan-made, not affiliated with Blizzard, and has no internet access. Willo is a separate companion app for Windows 10 or 11 and Apple Silicon Macs (macOS 12 or later), free to start, that you can ask questions out loud; she can be wrong, so Blizzard's guide and the in-game menus are the source of truth. See the Lore Forever add-on guide and the Willo companion guide.
Frequently asked questions
Should I pick HD or SD?
Blizzard describes them without recommending one. Enhanced defaults to HD and Classic to SD.
Can I switch between HD and SD?
Yes, in the Options Menu or at a Barbershop, per Blizzard.
Is my secondary name visible to everyone?
It can be hidden on nameplates but still appears in chat, per Blizzard.
Does the name have to be unique?
The complete combination of main and secondary name must be unique within your region.
Where do I choose the models?
When you create a character, per Blizzard. See the character creation guide.
Sources
Reviewed November 12, 2026. Lore Forever and Willo are fan-made and are not affiliated with Blizzard Entertainment.