World of Warcraft: Forever expands Azeroth on November 4

Blizzard is presenting World of Warcraft: Forever as more than a mode, season or new version of Classic. The studio describes it as a lasting expansion of the original Azeroth, shaped by what it learned from WoW Classic and Season of Discovery. The journey from level 1 to 60, and the social experience built around it, remain at the center.

Forever launches worldwide on November 4, 2026, at 6pm ET (midnight CET on November 5). The beta begins September 17. Raids will follow later, with the first openings planned for December 9, followed by additional raids, dungeons, PvP updates and world content.

A wider journey from level 1 to 60

The expansion adds more than a thousand quests across new and reworked areas of the Eastern Kingdoms and Kalimdor. Players will help restore Mount Hyjal, investigate the history of Shen'dralas and travel to the Riverglades, a frontier region with more than 150 quests aimed roughly at levels 35 to 45. Zephras Isle serves as a new starting area for levels 1 to 12.

Zephras Isle is also home to the playable Skyborne. During character creation, players choose whether their Skyborne joins the Horde or Alliance. Horde Skyborne can play Shaman, while Alliance Skyborne can play Mage; both factions also have access to Warrior, Hunter, Rogue and Druid. Blizzard is adding unique druid forms, racials, cosmetic options, voices and dances for the race.

The new dungeon lineup includes nine instances, among them Hall of Thanes beneath Ironforge, Ruins of Lordaeron, City of Dalaran, Alcaz Prison and Shaper's Terrace. Blizzard also lists Blackmaw Hold, the Drowned City and Krol'dok Stronghold. The expansion's raids are Hyjal Summit and Barrow Deeps, with Barrow Deeps designed for ten players at the level cap and Hyjal Summit built for twenty.

PvP players get Darkspear Islands, a 15-versus-15 Battleground off the coast of Kalimdor. Its objectives combine control points with capturing and defending flags in a style reminiscent of Arathi Basin.

Classic rules, with room to experiment

Forever keeps several familiar Classic principles intact: no flying mounts, no level scaling and a strong emphasis on preparation, communication and teamwork. Classes will gain new abilities, talents and race-class combinations, while Blizzard says their individual identities should remain intact.

New systems include Legacy progression for players with multiple characters and Camping. Players can set up campfires in the open world, allowing others to join in, contribute through professions and share campsite buffs. Blizzard is also promising optional transmog, modern and Classic visual presets, HD and SD character models, restored Classic animations for HD models and official gamepad support.

After launch, Blizzard plans to continue expanding Forever with features including Hardcore, a revamped iconic raid and additional quests throughout the full leveling journey. The exact timing of content after the first planned raid openings has not yet been fully revealed.