World of Warcraft: Forever confirmed for 4 November launch

Blizzard has confirmed World of Warcraft: Forever, the long-rumoured Classic+ version of its online fantasy game, for global launch on 4 November. The reveal followed BlizzCon's opening ceremony, according to Eurogamer.

Blizzard describes Forever as a new permanent home for WoW alongside Modern and Classic. It does not replace either version. Modern is the current game, updated through expansions; Classic recreates the original 2004 release.

Forever is set after the Forsaken Kingdom campaign and before the original Molten Core raid. That places it between a recent story chapter and one of the early game's large group challenges, where teams cooperate against difficult bosses. Players return to the original continents of Kalimdor and the Eastern Kingdoms. The cap is 60.

The launch package is large. Blizzard lists three new zones, more than 1,000 new quests and nine new dungeons. Dungeons are smaller group missions, typically for five players. There will also be two new raids at launch, supporting 10-player and 20-player groups.

Forever adds a new playable race called the Skyborne. Blizzard has not yet detailed the race's abilities or lore beyond its starting zone. New races in WoW come with their own starting area, which introduces their story and teaches basic play.

Access to Forever is included with an existing WoW subscription. No separate purchase is required. Players can pay extra for early or added extras through upgrade packs.

The Skyborne Heroic Pack unlocks the Skyborne race and starting zone early. The Skyborne Epic Pack provides beta access, a month of Game Time and additional cosmetics, which are customisation items that change a character's look. Beta access begins on Thursday 17 September for anyone who pre-purchased an upgrade pack.

Blizzard detailed the project in a dedicated Forever panel featuring Ion Hazzikostas, Tim Jones, Nora Mills and Clay Stone. The company has also published first-party posts, including "Carve a New Path with World of Warcraft: Forever", with launch timing listed as 4 November 2026 at 3:00 p.m. PST globally, according to Blizzard.

For fans, this means a third way to play. Classic preserves the past. Modern carries the ongoing story forward. Forever reworks the old world with new zones, quests and endgame challenges.