The primary progressive element is Varden Dawngrasp, a non-binary blood elf mercenary introduced in the 2021 Forged in the Barrens Mercenaries mode, explicitly using they/them pronouns with flavor text noting that "labels felt trivial" and voiced by trans actress Kayleigh McKee; this is framed as the franchise's first non-binary character and integrated into story content. Blizzard has run Pride Month promotions, merch, and social posts celebrating LGBTQ+ identities, alongside public commitments to diversity and inclusion in events and community representation.

These elements add noticeable identity-focused representation without making it the game's premise or primary driver. Community discussions and some forum backlash highlight the deliberate nature of the non-binary addition, while esports controversies center more on player demographics and toxicity than in-game content.