Warcraft 3: Reforged, the upcoming remastered version of Blizzard Entertainment's iconic real-time strategy game, will not feature a traditional local area network (LAN) mode and will require a persistent online connection to play, according to information from PCGamer. This decision marks a significant departure from the original Warcraft 3: Reign of Chaos and its expansion, The Frozen Throne, both of which supported offline play and LAN multiplayer.
The absence of LAN support and the imposition of an always-online requirement have been met with disappointment by some members of the game's community. These features were integral to the original game's enduring popularity, allowing players to host and join games without relying on an internet connection or Blizzard's servers. The original Warcraft 3 was notable for its robust custom game scene, often facilitated by LAN play.
Blizzard has not yet provided an official statement detailing the reasoning behind these changes for Warcraft 3: Reforged. The game is set to launch with these specific connectivity requirements, a move that stands in contrast to the legacy of its predecessors. Players accustomed to the freedom of offline and LAN play may find this a notable shift in how they can experience the remastered title.