{
  "id": 7172600,
  "title": "Warcraft 3: Reforged adds always-online requirement, removes LAN mode",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/warcraft-3-reforged-adds-always-online-requirement-removes-lan-mode",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-13T20:26:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "PC Gamer",
    "slug": "pc-gamer",
    "url": "https://www.pcgamer.com/games/rts/warcraft-3-reforged-adds-always-online-requirement-removes-lan-mode/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Warcraft 3: Reforged, the controversial remaster of the 2002 real-time strategy game, has introduced an always-online requirement alongside its recent Forsaken Kingdom expansion. This change, along with the removal of the game's local area network (LAN) mode, has sparked backlash from fans. Blizzard has not provided a reason for these alterations in the patch notes. However, the legacy Warcraft 3 client, which still supports LAN and offline play, is included with Reforged. The company has provided instructions on its Battle.net support page for installing this legacy client. Despite the positive additions, such as a new graphics mode and doubled unit selection cap, the always-online requirement and removal of LAN mode are seen as significant setbacks for the game's redemption arc.",
  "summary": "A bit of a sour note.",
  "key_points": [
    "Warcraft 3: Reforged now requires always-online connection",
    "LAN mode removed from the remastered game",
    "Legacy client with LAN support still included"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}