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Blizzard Announces World of Warcraft: Forever, a Permanent Classic+ Version of Azeroth

The game freezes progression at level 60 and launches a public beta on Sept. 17 ahead of a full release on Nov. 4, 2026 to offer a long-term, parallel way to play WoW.

Overview

  • Blizzard unveiled World of Warcraft: Forever at BlizzCon and said the title will remain a permanent, separate branch that sits alongside Modern WoW and Classic.
  • A public beta for Forever begins on Sept. 17, 2026 and the full launch is scheduled for Nov. 4, 2026, with the base experience included in the existing WoW subscription.
  • Forever is set in a Year One timeline with the level cap fixed at 60 and launches with three new zones, over 1,000 new quests, nine dungeons, two raids, new reputations, and a new playable race called the Skyborne Elves.
  • Blizzard will sell optional paid upgrade packs on Battle.net that include things like early Skyborne access and cosmetics, a move some players have flagged because it is the first time a race is being offered as a paid add-on.
  • The Forever design mixes preservation and modern options by adding horizontal progression systems, an SD/HD model toggle, opt-in transmog, camping and Legacy perks, gamepad support, and an optional Hardcore mode while signaling a wider multiyear Blizzard slate that includes Diablo V and a StarCraft project.