Classic Plus is now official: Blizzard announced World of Warcraft: Forever at BlizzCon on September 12, 2026, launching November 4, 2026 at 3 p.m. Pacific. It is a third WoW experience next to Modern and Classic, built by the Classic team, included with a regular subscription or Game Time, with the level cap locked at 60 for good. Launch brings three new zones, nine new dungeons, two new raids and the Skyborne elf race.
Classic Plus news at a glance
| Official name | World of Warcraft: Forever (community shorthand: Classic+) |
| Launch | November 4, 2026, 3 p.m. Pacific, worldwide |
| Price | Included with an active subscription or Game Time; no separate purchase |
| Beta | September 17 – October 21, 2026; capped at level 30; requires Skyborne Epic Pack or Warcraft Forever Collection |
| Name reservation | October 27 – November 3, up to three characters, any upgrade pack |
| Level cap | 60, permanently; new content arrives in patches, not expansions |
| New zones | Zephras Isle (1–12), the Riverglades (30–45), Mount Hyjal (endgame), plus expanded Shen'dralar content |
| New dungeons | Nine: Hall of Thanes, Ruins of Lordaeron, City of Dalaran, Excavation Site (Wetlands), Drowned City, Blackmaw Hold, Alcaz Prison, Shaper's Terrace, Krol'dok Stronghold |
| New raids | Barrow Deeps (10-player) and Hyjal Summit (20-player), unlocking December 9, 2026 alongside 40-player Onyxia's Lair |
| New race | Skyborne elves: Windshaper (Horde) or High Order (Alliance); requires the Heroic Pack or higher |
| New class combos | Forsaken Paladin, Dwarf Shaman |
| New PvP | The Darkspear Islands, a 15v15 battleground; all original battlegrounds return |
What else Blizzard confirmed
- All nine Classic classes return, fully revamped; Paladins get a tanking seal, stronger group healing and a complete Retribution toolkit. No new class was announced, but the panel said nothing is off the table.
- New systems: Camping (build campsites with tradeskill buffs), Legacy (account-wide non-combat perks earned through challenges), updated professions, a reworked Honor system, a new legendary, gamepad support.
- No flying mounts, no level scaling. Transmog is opt-in per player. HD and SD graphics can be toggled.
- Hardcore is coming to Forever; its rules have not been published.
- Roadmap: Spring 2027 adds two raids, two dungeons and a legendary questline; Summer 2027 adds a revamped iconic raid, a new raid and two more dungeons.
- Editions: Skyborne Heroic Pack (€29.99 on the EU Battle.net shop), Skyborne Epic Pack (adds beta access and 30 days of game time), and the Warcraft Forever Collection (adds Warcraft III: Reforged and the Forsaken Kingdom campaign; sold until January 11, 2027).
Is Classic Plus the same thing as WoW: Forever?
Yes. "Classic Plus" and "Classic+" were the community's placeholder names for years. Blizzard's official title is World of Warcraft: Forever. When you see either term in news coverage, it refers to the same game.
Only what Blizzard published counts as confirmed. Earlier leaks, datamined rumors and fan wishlists are not sources, and several of them contradict what was actually announced.
When is the Classic Plus release date?
November 4, 2026 at 3 p.m. Pacific, per Blizzard's roadmap, which may change. The beta runs September 17 to October 21, capped at level 30. Name reservation opens October 27. Raids do not open at launch: Barrow Deeps, Hyjal Summit and Onyxia's Lair unlock together on December 9.
Do I need to buy Classic Plus separately?
No. Forever is included with any active WoW subscription or Game Time. The paid packs are optional: the Skyborne race, Zephras Isle start, name reservation and cosmetics require the Heroic Pack or higher. Beta access needs the Epic Pack or the Collection. Invite-A-Friend codes go out from October 20 and let a friend play November 4–11 without a subscription.
What is still unknown about Classic Plus?
Realm names, realm types and regions have not been announced. Blizzard has not said what happens to Classic Era, Anniversary or Season of Discovery realms, whether anything carries over, or whether Molten Core and Blackwing Lair exist at launch. Dungeon boss lists, loot tables, Hardcore rules, system requirements and exact Epic/Collection prices are also unpublished.
If you would rather have vetted human players handle the launch grind, PewPewShop takes Forever pre-orders until November 4: leveling 1–30 from EUR 13, Forsaken Paladin 1–60 from EUR 25, Drowned City and Excavation Site dungeon runs from EUR 16, battleground wins from EUR 13, and the Launch-Ready Pack (1–60, pre-raid gear, 500g) from EUR 219. Raid clears open December 9. Full 1–60 takes about 2–3 weeks at launch.