World of Warcraft: Forever Announced — New Reimagined Azeroth Launches November 4, 2026
Blizzard Entertainment has unveiled World of Warcraft: Forever, a brand-new permanent addition to the Warcraft universe that sits alongside modern World of Warcraft and WoW Classic. Designed as a fresh entry point for veterans, returning players, and newcomers alike, Forever reimagines the original continents of Azeroth with new stories, systems, and a philosophy that puts the world and community first.
Launch Date, Beta Access, and Deep Dive Livestream
World of Warcraft: Forever launches globally on November 4, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. PST. Access is included with an active World of Warcraft subscription or Game Time — no separate purchase required.
Players eager to step in early can gain beta access starting September 17 by pre-purchasing the Skyborne Epic Pack or the limited-time Warcraft Forever Collection.
Before launch, the development team will host a Deep Dive panel livestream on Sunday, September 13, at 10:00 a.m. PDT. Senior Game Director Ion Hazzikostas, Lead Classic Designer Tim Jones, Lead Software Engineer Nora Mills, Associate Production Director Clay Stone, Senior Game Designer Josh Greenfield, Lead Software Engineer Ana Resendez, and Principal Game Designer Kris Zierhut will detail the philosophy, systems, and design choices shaping this reimagined Azeroth.
Setting and Core Vision
Forever is set chronologically after the events of Warcraft III Reforged: Forsaken Kingdom and before the opening of Molten Core. Players will adventure across the original Eastern Kingdoms and Kalimdor, leveling to 60 and progressing through brand-new stories, experiences, and updates inspired by years of player passion and feedback.
Built as a new permanent home alongside modern and Classic WoW, Forever invites past, current, and new players into a familiar yet fresh Azeroth where the world takes center stage, community comes first, and the journey matters as much as the destination.
Pre-Purchase Editions and Rewards
Three optional upgrade editions are available now on the Battle.net Shop. Each adds cosmetic and convenience perks on top of the base game access included with a subscription.
Skyborne Heroic Pack
- Access to the new Skyborne race and the Zephras Isle starting experience
- Early Name Reservation
- Cerulean Prideclaw ground mount (riding skill must be purchased in-game to use)
- Cosmetics and housing decor
- One Invite-A-Friend Launch Code
Skyborne Epic Pack
Includes everything in the Heroic Pack, plus:
- Beta access beginning September 17
- 30 days of World of Warcraft Game Time starting November 4
- Additional cosmetics, pets, and tabards
- Three total Invite-A-Friend Launch Codes
Warcraft Forever Collection (Limited Time)
Includes everything in the Epic Pack, plus:
- Warcraft III: Reforged
- Warcraft III Reforged: Forsaken Kingdom campaign
- Forsaken and Human Figurine decor for Housing in modern World of Warcraft
Visit the Battle.net Shop to learn more and pre-purchase.
Collector’s Edition Available
For players who want a physical commemorative edition, the World of Warcraft: Forever Collector’s Edition is available for purchase through the Blizzard Gear Store while supplies last.
Panel Recaps: What’s Next, Deep Dive, and Found Photos
BlizzCon 2026 kicked off the reveal with three dedicated panels. Full recaps are available for each:
- What’s Next Panel Recap — Senior Game Director Ion Hazzikostas, Lead Classic Designer Tim Jones, Lead Software Engineer Nora Mills, and Associate Production Director Clay Stone shared how new regions, dungeons, raids, systems, the Skyborne race, and the road ahead are taking shape.
- Deep Dive Panel Recap — Associate Production Director Clay Stone, Senior Game Designer Josh Greenfield, Lead Software Engineer Ana Resendez, and Principal Game Designer Kris Zierhut detailed how this full new World of Warcraft game set in a reimagined original Azeroth is being shaped around the moments that make the world feel alive.
- Found Photos Panel Recap — The team explored familiar corners of Azeroth — mountain trails that seemed to keep going, sealed gates, names on the map, ruins tucked behind trees — and how they become starting points for new adventures.
BlizzCon 2026 was only the beginning of what we have to show you of World of Warcraft: Forever. We can’t wait to welcome you into the beta beginning September 17 and continue the journey into World of Warcraft: Forever together on November 4.
