Where is realmlist.wtf in WoW 3.3.5a?

In your WoW folder under Data\enUS\realmlist.wtf, where enUS is replaced by your client locale, for example enGB, deDE or ruRU. There is one file per locale and only the one matching your client is read.

Why is my WoW client stuck on connecting?

Almost always a realmlist problem: an old logon line left in the file, the wrong locale folder edited, or the client launched through Launcher.exe which restores the retail address. Clear the file, set one realmlist line, save it read-only and start Wow.exe.

What does 'unable to connect' mean?

The client reached no logon server at the address in realmlist.wtf. Check for typos, remove any http:// prefix or trailing spaces, and confirm the realm is online.

Do I need to patch the client?

A clean 3.3.5a build 12340 client needs no patches for a standard realm. Custom-content realms ship their own MPQ patch files that go in Data.

Changing realmlist.wtf on 3.3.5a

One line in one file decides which server your Wrath client talks to. Nine out of ten "it won't connect" posts are this file. Here is the whole thing in three minutes.

The five steps

1
Open your WoW 3.3.5a folder, then Data, then your locale folder (enUS, enGB, deDE, ruRU...).
2
Open realmlist.wtf in Notepad and delete everything in it.
3
Add a single line: set realmlist <your realm address>. Save.
4
If the file keeps resetting, set it to Read-only in Properties.
5
Start Wow.exe — never Launcher.exe — and log in with your realm account.

The WoWClick launcher writes this file for you, so on our realm you never have to touch it by hand.

Every common error

Stuck on "Connecting..." forever: The client is trying an address that answers nothing. Re-check realmlist.wtf for a leftover logon line, make sure you edited the locale folder your client actually uses, and confirm no firewall is blocking Wow.exe.
"Unable to connect" straight away: Typo, stray space, or a http:// prefix in the address. The line is just: set realmlist <address> — nothing else, no quotes.
"The information you have entered is not valid": You reached the server but the account was rejected. 3.3.5a truncates passwords at 16 characters and ignores capitalisation, and the account must exist on this realm.
The file keeps resetting to Blizzard's address: You are starting Launcher.exe, which rewrites realmlist.wtf. Start Wow.exe instead and mark the file read-only.
"Wrong game version": Your client is not build 12340. Wrath realms only accept 3.3.5a; retail and Classic clients cannot connect at all.

Skip the setup

Our launcher configures the client and realmlist automatically. Instant 80, full gear, 1v1 arena.

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