Got it.
So the Blizzard support article still shows the following connected realms for Classic Era:
- Anathema, Arcanite Reaper, Bigglesworth, Blaumeux, Fairbanks, Kurinnaxx, Rattlegore, Smolderweb, Thunderfury, and Whitemane (PVP West)
- Arugal, Felstriker, and Yojamba (OCE)
- Ashkandi, Mankrik, Pagle, Westfall, and Windseeker (PVE East)
- Atiesh, Azuresong, Myzrael, and Old Blanchy (PVE West)
- Benediction, Faerlina, Heartseeker, Incendius, and Netherwind (PVP East)
- Earthfury, Herod, Kirtonos, Kromcrush, Skeram, Stalagg, Sulfuras, and Thalnos (PVP East)
Of those, I can speak to my personal experience on the Mankrik cluster (Ashkandi, Mankrik, Pagle, Westfall and Windseeker). It is PVE East (but the data center is in Chicago) and all those servers are connected with the same benefits as connected realms in retail (can join guild on any server, same AH, etc). Roll up a character on any of them and you’re playing with folk from all of them. I can only speak for Horde activity and it has really started popping lately. Seeing a whole lot of new faces there which is super encouraging.
The RP PVE server Bloodsail Buccaneers (East) is not on the list as it is not connected to any other realm. Neither is Grobbulus, the RP PVP server (West). If you are interested in playing the hardcore/Ironman style challenge, Bloodsail would be your choice for that. I don’t see Jarl posting here so I will direct you to his post promoting Grobbulus. It is enticing to me but I pretty much roll Horde all day erry day. But I’ll give it to Jarl - he’s selling it and I do have a soft spot for the stunties.
Best of luck, Thundahstahm, in finding a great Classic Era home.
edited to add timezones for the clusters if that might make a difference