World of Warcraft: Forever
News, coverage and analysis tracking World of Warcraft: Forever across the outlets.
Latest coverage
BlizzCon 2026: World of Warcraft Forever encouraged Blizzard to ‘go again!’ with its hardcore mode
Blizzard Entertainment announced at BlizzCon 2026 that World of Warcraft Forever will receive its own hardcore mode, inspired by Diablo II's single-life challenge. This mode, which will launch several months after the game, will feature enhanced preparation mechanics, character protection against lag, and the ability to transfer fallen characters to other realms with earned legacy points. The developers aim to offer a more 'pure' and 'fair' way to play the game, drawing parallels to roguelike design.
World of Warcraft 2 isn't happening because Blizzard isn't sure what a sequel to the MMO would "give you…
Blizzard Entertainment principal designer Kris Zierhut stated that a direct sequel to World of Warcraft, referred to as World of Warcraft 2, is unlikely to be developed. He explained that the ongoing development of the original MMO and the upcoming World of Warcraft: Forever provide continuous improvements and new experiences, making a complete restart unnecessary. Zierhut emphasized the strength of the existing engine, infrastructure, and lore, questioning what a sequel could offer that the current game doesn't already provide.
World of Warcraft: Forever will get a hardcore mode by winter, say devs—which'll be interesting, given all the new and undiscovered ways to die
Blizzard Entertainment announced that World of Warcraft: Forever, a Classic+ reimagining of vanilla WoW, will receive a Hardcore mode by winter. This mode proved popular in World of Warcraft Classic and will be added to Forever with new content, offering a fresh challenge for players.
Casually Classic: Basking in the glow of World of Warcraft Forever
The author expresses immense excitement for Blizzard Entertainment's announcement of World of Warcraft Forever, a new iteration of World of Warcraft Classic. This new version is seen as a thoughtful evolution that retains the core Classic feel while incorporating modern features like transmog and account-wide perks, promising a long-term home for players weary of retail's endgame.
Talent calculators have already been assembled for World of Warcraft: Forever, and there's some real interesting…
Online talent calculators for World of Warcraft: Forever are already available, compiled from streams and datamined information. These tools offer insights into potential class changes, such as Arms Warriors gaining Searing Strike and Retribution Paladins receiving Holy Twist, though the developers note that these are early designs and subject to change before the game's November release.
World of Warcraft: Forever devs say a direct sequel like Guild Wars 2 is unlikely: 'Why would you throw that away…
World of Warcraft: Forever principal designer Kris Zierhut explains why a direct sequel like Guild Wars 2 is unlikely, citing the value of World of Warcraft's continuously developed engine and infrastructure. The article discusses the merits of remaking classic WoW versus starting anew, touching on technical debt and the appeal of older MMO design philosophies.
New StarCraft title to launch in 2030, will be an open-world FPS
Blizzard Entertainment announced at BlizzCon 2026 that the next StarCraft title will be an open-world first-person shooter, scheduled for release in 2030. This marks a significant departure from the franchise's real-time strategy roots. The game will feature a standalone story with a definitive ending, and Blizzard also revealed Diablo 5 for Spring 2029 and World of Warcraft: Forever.
World of Warcraft: Forever devs have "no plans" to implement Tokens or level boosts, confirms Blizzard, as…
Blizzard Entertainment has confirmed that World of Warcraft: Forever will not feature WoW Tokens or purchasable experience boosts at launch. Associate production director Clayton Stone emphasized the importance of the leveling journey, stating there are currently no plans for such microtransactions. Despite Blizzard's assurances, some players on social media express skepticism about the long-term commitment to this monetization-free approach.
Blizzard explains why it's revealing StarCraft and Diablo 5 release dates so far away: "We want to convey confidence in some of our biggest bets"
Blizzard Entertainment has announced release dates for Diablo 5 (spring 2029) and a new StarCraft open-world shooter (2030), a departure from their usual 'done when it's done' approach. President Johanna Faries stated this is to "convey confidence in some of our biggest bets." The company also revealed World of Warcraft: Forever, a Diablo Netflix series, and other updates, amidst ongoing Microsoft layoffs.
MMO Week in Review: Foreverrrrr
BlizzCon 2026 saw major announcements including a new open-world StarCraft shooter, Diablo V for 2029, and World of Warcraft Forever launching soon. The event also revealed World of Warcraft's next retail expansion, The Last Titan, and sparked controversy over World of Warcraft Forever's monetization. Other news included the sunsetting of Ship of Heroes, layoffs at Pantheon Rise of the Fallen, and business dealings involving ArcheAge.
BlizzCon 2026: World of Warcraft Forever’s deep-dive panel talks group play, progression, and item updates
A BlizzCon 2026 panel delved into the mechanics of World of Warcraft Forever, focusing on group play, player progression, and item updates. Key features discussed include a new campfire system for buffs, extensive tradeskill overhauls, an improved transmog system with opt-out options, and a new legacy system with account-wide points for customization. The game will also be 'realmless' within chosen rulesets to manage population.
World of Warcraft Forever is already scaring lapsed MMORPG players
Blizzard Entertainment has announced World of Warcraft Forever, a new take on the MMORPG designed to evoke nostalgia and focus on community. Executive Producer Holly Longdale pitched it as a laid-back experience with a level cap of 60, but the game's name and planned updates suggest it may still be a significant time commitment, sparking both excitement and apprehension among players.
Fans raise a ruckus over the paywalling of World of Warcraft Forever’s Skyborne ‘cash elves’
Players are expressing significant dissatisfaction with World of Warcraft Forever's decision to lock the new Skyborne race behind a paywall, rather than including it with the game or subscription. Multiple bundles are offered, ranging from $30 to $80, with some including WarCraft III: Reforged. This move has sparked debate about value and the precedent it sets for future monetization in MMORPGs.
Diablo 4's new season brings back Deckard Cain and all three Prime Evils as the game arrives on Switch 2
Diablo 4's upcoming Season of Hell's Legacy, launching September 15th, will celebrate the franchise's 30th anniversary and mark the game's debut on the Nintendo Switch 2. The season features the return of Deckard Cain and the Prime Evils Diablo, Baal, and Mephisto, alongside new Legacy Uniques and challenges. Diablo 4, including its expansions, will be available on Nintendo Switch 2 on the same day.
The World of Warcraft "Classic+" rumours were true and it's called World of Warcraft: Forever
Blizzard Entertainment has officially confirmed World of Warcraft: Forever, a new "Classic+" experience set to launch on November 4th. Beta access begins September 17th for pre-purchasers of upgrade packs. The game will be included with an existing World of Warcraft subscription and features new zones, quests, dungeons, raids, and playable races, set between existing lore points.
BlizzCon 2026: World of Warcraft shows off what’s next for Midnight
Blizzard Entertainment provided updates on World of Warcraft: Midnight at BlizzCon, detailing upcoming content including patch 12.1.5 which introduces a mini-raid and the new roguelite mode 'Talebound'. Patch 12.2, 'Eclipse', will feature a new zone, dungeon, and the Worldcore raid with Xal'atath as the final boss. Future content for The War Within and a Wrath of the Lich King remix event were also teased.
World of Warcraft: Forever revamps WoW: Classic with new lands & quests in November 2026
Blizzard Entertainment announced World of Warcraft: Forever, a new chapter for World of Warcraft: Classic, set to release on November 4, 2026 for PC. The game will feature a reimagined Azeroth with new races, locations, and over 1,000 new quests. A beta allowing players to reach Level 30 will launch on September 16, 2026.
BlizzCon 2026: World of Warcraft Forever deep dive promises ‘adventures worth telling in the original world of Azeroth’
Blizzard Entertainment provided a deep dive into World of Warcraft Forever at BlizzCon 2026, detailing new features like camping, Legacy System, and transmog. The new version of the classic MMO aims to be approachable and nurture social experiences, with new regions, raids, a new playable race called the Skyborne, and updated class mechanics.
BlizzCon 2026: World of Warcraft Forever is a ‘permanent home’ for Classic players
Blizzard Entertainment has announced World of Warcraft Forever, an expanded version of the Classic MMORPG set to launch on November 4th with a beta starting this Thursday. The game will retain the level cap of 60 but introduces over a thousand new quests, expanded and new zones, more dungeons, new raids, new class combinations, new skills and talents, a new battleground, an SD/HD toggle, world visual improvements, and a new playable race, the Skyborne. This new iteration is described as a 'permanent home' for Classic players.
BlizzCon 2026 Opening Ceremony: Starcraft Returns, Diablo V Announced, Warcraft news and more
BlizzCon 2026 featured major announcements across Blizzard's franchises. StarCraft is returning as an open-world shooter in 2030, Diablo V is slated for Spring 2029 with Diablo IV receiving new content and a new class. Overwatch celebrates its 10th anniversary with new hero Doctrine and story updates. World of Warcraft continues The Worldsoul Saga with 'Eclipse' and 'The Last Titan', while Warcraft III: Reforged gets a new campaign and a new 'Forever' mode for World of Warcraft launches November 4, 2026. Hearthstone introduces a new Journal, 'Reign of the Black Empire' expansion, and the Monk class, while Heroes of the Storm adds Xal'atath.
