Something to look forward to: At BlizzCon 2026, Blizzard announced that the highly anticipated expanded version of the classic 2004 World of Warcraft will release on November 4, roughly two weeks before GTA 6's scheduled November 19 launch. Dubbed World of Warcraft: Forever, the new game offers a setting and gameplay dynamics similar to the original, while introducing new content and storylines.
The new MMORPG is Blizzard's answer to WoW fans who've been clamoring for a Classic+ version of the original title, and it will serve as the third permanent version of the game alongside Modern (Retail) and Classic.
It expands the original level 1-60 bracket with a wave of new content, including more than 1,000 new quests, nine new dungeons, and two new raids.
WoW: Forever is set during the first year of the original 2004 Azeroth era, shortly after the events of Warcraft III Reforged: Forsaken Kingdom and before Molten Core. The game takes players to familiar continents and untamed frontiers, where they'll encounter "warring factions, untold perils, and unseen mysteries."
Forever includes four new playable zones: Zephras Isle, Mount Hyjal, Riverglades, and Shen'dralas. Zephras Isle is where the new Skyborne elf race begins its journey, while Mount Hyjal revisits the aftermath of Archimonde's defeat from Warcraft III, with players helping restore the land and its wild gods.
Riverglades is a brand-new zone on the eastern coast of the Eastern Kingdoms, offering more than 150 quests for Horde and Alliance players. Shen'dralas, tucked between Mulgore and Desolace, centers on the ancient Highborne lineage tied to Eldre'Thalas and Dire Maul, with a storyline built around the rival Gelkis and Magram centaur clans.
Like the original WoW, Forever also permanently locks the level cap at 60. It will, however, deliver an enhanced visual experience with real-time shadows, volumetric particle effects, and an upgraded water renderer.
The game also includes an SD/HD character graphics toggle, letting players switch between the original low-polygon character models and modern high-definition versions.
WoW: Forever officially launches on November 4 and will be available to anyone with an active WoW subscription or game time, meaning fans won't have to purchase it separately. Blizzard will, however, offer optional upgrade packs to unlock the new race and exclusive cosmetics.
Players unwilling to wait until November to try Forever will be able to access the public beta beginning Thursday, September 17.
The beta will reportedly be capped at level 30. It's also worth noting that beta access isn't part of any subscription package, and will only be available to players purchasing the $60 Skyborne Epic Pack or the $80 Warcraft Forever Collection (Blizzard's $150 physical Collector's Edition also includes beta access).
