← All news & articlesAn alt is another way to enjoy the world
A toon is simply a player character; an alt is an additional character alongside your main. Here, playing several at the same time means rotating between them over the week. You might keep a solo adventurer, a character for a friend’s regular evening and a different class for a change of pace. The benefit is variety. The cost is that every character needs some of your attention before its abilities begin to feel natural.
The advantages: variety, perspective and company
A different class can make a familiar quest feel different. Playing a healer may help you understand why your main needs to avoid unnecessary damage; trying a melee class may change how you think about positioning. An alt can also stay near a friend’s level without making your main wait. Separate characters give you room to try professions and routes you would otherwise skip. These are worthwhile reasons even when they do not produce the fastest possible progression.
The disadvantages: divided time and repeated setup
Your play time does not multiply with your character count. More toons mean more bags to sort, ability bars to learn and purchases to consider. Repeating the same opening route can become a chore, and switching too often can stop you learning any class well. A roster that looks efficient on paper may leave you with several half-finished goals. If logging in starts with administration instead of adventure, reduce the number of characters you actively maintain.
Where Legacy talents fit
Legacy is account progression with character-specific perk choices, separate from class talents. Class challenges reward reaching levels 25, 45 and 60 with each class, so different classes can contribute. Multiple characters are optional: Blizzard says all character advantages can be unlocked on one character. Do not assume another copy of the same class grants the same challenge again. See our Legacy guide for the system’s limits and unlocks.
A manageable plan: one main and one companion
Give your main most of your sessions and keep one alt for a clear purpose. Choose a different class if you want variety, or reserve the alt for playing with a particular friend. Set one small goal per session, such as a quest chain or a profession errand, and stop when you have enjoyed enough. Use different routes when possible. Keep a note of where each character is heading so returning after several days does not begin with detective work.
When to focus, and when to switch
Focus on one character when you are still learning basic controls, enjoying a story or preparing to join a regular group. Switch when curiosity is pulling you toward something specific, rather than because a checklist says you should. Our first-character suggestions can help you choose a complementary class. Returning after a long break? The returning-player article offers a gentler starting routine.
Sources & further reading
Read Blizzard’s announcements
Official information checked on 15 October 2026. Beta details can change; recommendations in this article are the Club’s editorial advice.