Are you feeling adrift in the current vanilla wow landscape? Maybe you are thinking about trying out classic era wow for the very first time but have no idea where to start? Are you sick of the megaclusters like on Anniversary or Whitemane?
Might I recommend checking out one of the smaller realms? On the classic era client there are still several standalone server realms and some of them are working on building up a community. Playing on a small realm is a unique way to experience the game and while it inherently comes with many challenges, those same challenging aspects end up being the things that keep people around for years and years…
Don’t expect active auction houses or people spamming LFG chats, almost all trading and dungeoneering groups are coordinated thought Discord or in guild chat, as most of these realms will just have a single guild running the whole show on a given faction.
Tell us about your realm! I’m going to list as many as I know about here in the OP.
Faerlina - PVP
Elusive Ops of Azeroth is an ambitious Alliance guild who have just downed Kazzak after just a couple short months of getting back to raiding. They are currently running ZG and Azzy kills and would love to push farther into more content. Last summer they managed to get through Firemaw in BWL, so they’re hungry to get back in there for more! They also love to host fun community events like RP outfit contests and friendly arena battles. If an Alliance PVP faction sounds like a fun time please check them out!
< Elusive Ops of Azeroth > https://discord.gg/VdePcaG7
Bloodsail Buccaneers - RP (PVE)
Marooned (Alliance) are a very social and extremely friendly group of gamers who have been raiding more and more the past few months. They are currently clearing MC on a weekly basis and trying to push there way into BWL. Another couple players is all it would take to get them past those pesky DPS checks at the start of the dungeon. If being in a socially-focused guild who take things easy and keep the pace noob-friendly, then please come check out BSB Alliance and say hi to any Marooned you see online with /who! There are also a few peeps still keeping unofficial HC alive on BSB, and I’m sure they would love some company from anyone who might be familiar with the old BSB HC scene.
< Marooned > https://discord.gg/SPkrYygmGP
Deviate Delight - RP-PVP
After the release of Anniversary realms, the DD “fresh” movement has all but evaporated. Those who stayed behind are the Remnant - a horde guild who started with just 7 raiders doing weekly UBRS clears and, after a few short months of building the server back up, just took down Majordomo in MC! This guild is full of somewhat quiet, but dedicated and generous gamers who value a “self-found” style of gameplay, while freely helping out new players and creating a welcoming atmosphere. If you are looking to hop into classic era WoW and would like a slower paced and more fresh-friendly raid prog group, then the DD horde would love to meet you!
< Remnant > https://discord.gg/kBhKsTXz
Kromcrush - PVP
After a 2 year hiatus, the Bananas guild have returned as the Krom Krusaders!!! This horde guild is very PVP-focused and are currently raiding in UBRS, but they would love to start working on Azzy and ZG in the coming weeks! They are also currently building up a core dungeoneering team by doing BG weekends and earning all that sweet class armor. If you want to experience the power of teamwork and are looking to get in on the ground floor of a new horde effort then this is a great cluster to check out. The Krusade would love to have an alliance enemy guild to compete with in the open world… if any Alliance players are up for the challenge 
< Krom Krusade > https://discord.gg/TbBmpbEW
Grobbulus - RP-PVP
Grobbulus is the ultimate example of how a small-realm community can succeed. Legacy needs no introduction on these forums, thanks to Jarl, but for those who don’t know, they are a very experienced Alliance guild who turned an almost empty faction into a naxx-clearing powerhouse. Legacy have also used the HC transfer feature to break faction locks and start a Horde side guild called The Exiled, who collaborate raids with the long standing horde guild Requiem. Both factions are currently raiding mostly in MC and 20mans with reduced numbers, but Legacy are planning to push back into Naxx after Labor day. If you are looking for a cross-faction community who like experiencing the game from both perspectives then you will definitely find a home on Grobb. Tell them The Mayor sent you.
< Legacy > https://discord.gg/yDk2E4ut
I would love to hear about more realms who are building that WoW dreamhome. I will do my best to update the list with any other guild who want to join in the chorus of vanilla WoW fans that are keeping the game alive!
NOW is the time to return to era. With SoD ending and the immanent transition of Anniversary servers to TBC, classic players may be feeling a bit “aimless” in the coming months or maybe just looking for something a little bit different. Instead of going straight to one of the merged megaclusters, please consider checking out these communities. The people are there for the love of the game - and those are the best kind of gamer!
it’s a vibrant community imo. and you don’t have to worry about bored naxx geared 60s ganking you which is sadly a problem on whitemane. i’ve been hopping around a lot of mankrik guilds and they’re all lively and fun in their own unique ways.