HardcoreBuddy v0.2.5 Beta

Release update for WoW Classic Era / Hardcore (interface 11509).

Published as a normal Release. Beta is the pre-1.0 display label only.

• Scroll recommendations now follow the selected class and level.
• Hunter Supplies > Class shows active pet spell ranks, available upgrades, and beasts to tame with level ranges and zones. Trainer skills point to the pet trainer; preview mode does not assume learned ranks.
• Automatically join the localized HardcoreDeaths channel after login/reload and rejoin if membership is lost, independently of death-banner settings.
• Add 226 faction-aware elite/NPC exclusions, including flight masters, based on Unitscan Hardcore defaults. Excluded NPCs receive no alert or automatic marker; rare and rare-elite warnings remain enabled.

Installation

Extract the ZIP into World of Warcraft/_classic_era_/Interface/AddOns. The resulting path should be AddOns/HardcoreBuddy/HardcoreBuddy.toc. Restart WoW after installing, then use /hcb or the minimap button. No other addons are required. Existing settings and death history are retained.

Validation

Automated tests cover Lua 5.1 loading, saved settings, recommendations, pet rank tracking, channel membership, exclusions, alerts and packaged assets. Live in-game rendering and playback still require beta testing. Report issues with reproduction steps, class/level, client version and any Lua error text.