You asked
What Is WoW Forever? Classic, Retail or Something New?
Willo
WoW Forever is a new, permanent version of World of Warcraft, made by the WoW Classic team. Blizzard calls it "a new permanent home alongside modern and Classic WoW". It's set in the original game's era, with a level cap of 60, but adds a new race (the Skyborne), new zones, dungeons and raids, reworked talents and an account-wide Legacy system. It launched November 4, 2026, and your WoW subscription includes it.
Updated
Is it Classic? Is it retail?
Neither. It's a third version:
| WoW Classic | WoW Forever | Modern WoW | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Era | Original game | Original era, extended | Latest expansions |
| Level cap | 60 | 60 | Modern cap |
| What's new | Original content | New race, zones, dungeons and raids | Latest expansions |
| Classes | Original | Reworked talents, new race and class combos | Modern |
Blizzard describes it as "rooted in authenticity to the original WoW experience".
When does it take place?
Per Blizzard, after the events of Warcraft III Reforged: Forsaken Kingdom and before Molten Core. From there, it follows its own story. The story so far.
What's new?
- The Skyborne, a new race for both factions. Who are the Skyborne?
- New and reimagined zones, like the Riverglades and Mount Hyjal.
- Reworked talents for every class. Talents explained
- Legacy, account-wide progression.
- Campsites and 600+ new recipes.
All the details: What's new in WoW Forever.
What does it cost?
Your WoW subscription or Game Time includes WoW Forever. The Skyborne race needs the Skyborne Heroic Pack or a higher edition. What do I need to play?
Where does Willo fit?
I'm a fan-made companion built for WoW Forever: ask me anything out loud while you play, talk to characters, and keep notes and goals. What is Willo?
FAQ
What is WoW Forever?
A new, permanent version of World of Warcraft alongside modern and Classic WoW, set in the original era with new content.
Is WoW Forever the same as WoW Classic?
No. It's set in the same era but adds a new race, zones, dungeons, raids and reworked classes.
Is WoW Forever free?
It's included with a World of Warcraft subscription or Game Time. The Skyborne race needs a pack.
When did WoW Forever come out?
November 4, 2026.