Configuring a WoW private server comes down to three things: pointing each player's realmlist.wtf at your server's IP, setting rates and database details in the emulator's config files, and opening ports 3724 and 8085 in the firewall.

Realmlist Configuration

Your players will need to set their realmlist.wtf file to point to your server's IP address. In the 3.3.5a client the file is usually in the language folder inside the client's Data folder:

set realmlist your.server.ip.address

Server Configuration Files

The main configuration files (e.g., worldserver.conf and authserver.conf for TrinityCore) control your server's behavior:

  • Server Name - The name displayed in the realm list
  • Max Player Count - Limit concurrent connections
  • XP Rates - Customize leveling speed (1x for Blizzlike, higher for fun servers)
  • Loot Rates - Adjust drop rates for items
  • Database Connection - MySQL credentials for the world, characters, and auth databases

Database Setup

WoW emulators use MySQL/MariaDB with three main databases:

  • auth - Player accounts and realmlist
  • characters - Player characters, inventory, and progress
  • world - Game data (NPCs, items, quests, spells)

Opening Firewall Ports

Make sure the following ports are open on your server:

  • 3724 - Auth server (login)
  • 8085 - World server (gameplay)
  • 3306 - MySQL (only if you need remote database access)

Keeping Your Server Updated

Regularly update your emulator from its Git repository for bug fixes and security patches. Always back up your databases before updating.