Is the Skyborne Pack Worth Buying in WoW Forever? Heroic vs Epic vs Collection

WoW Forever is included with a World of Warcraft subscription. The one thing a subscription doesn't unlock is the new Skyborne race, and that's what the three paid packs are for. Here's what each pack costs, what you actually get, and who should buy which.

Prices and contents below come from Blizzard's announced editions and may change before launch on November 4.

What each pack includes

Do I need a pack at all?

No. If you just want to play Classic-style WoW with the eight classic races, a subscription is enough. Every class, zone, dungeon and raid is included. The packs only matter if you want to play a Skyborne or get the cosmetics.

What the Skyborne can actually play

The Skyborne aren't open to every class. At launch they can be:

• Druid, Hunter, Rogue and Warrior on either faction
• Mage, High Order (Alliance) only
• Shaman, Windshaper (Horde) only

Paladin, Priest and Warlock aren't available. If your favorite class is one of those, the pack gives you a different race for nothing you can use. See our Skyborne guide for every racial and the best class picks.

The Druid is the standout: Skyborne is a second race option for Druids on each faction, with wind-themed forms (Bear, Cat, avian Travel Form and Moonkin). If you wanted new Druid looks, that's the pack's best argument.

Who should buy which

• Heroic ($29.99): you specifically want a Skyborne Druid, Mage, Shaman, Hunter, Rogue or Warrior, and the cosmetics are a bonus. It also reserves your character name before launch.
• Epic ($59.99): you were going to pay for a month of Game Time anyway. The 30 days are included, so the real extra cost over Heroic is smaller than the sticker price. Beta access also lets you try the game now.
• Collection ($79.99): only if you want Warcraft III: Reforged and the Forsaken Kingdom campaign for their own sake. It adds nothing to WoW Forever itself beyond the Epic Pack.

Is the Skyborne worth it for the gameplay?

Their racials are mostly utility rather than raw power. Walk on Air is a steerable glide that cancels fall damage, Wind Blessed gives 1% haste, and Elemental Insight adds 5% damage against Elementals. The High Order also gets Read Ley Line, which speeds up mana and health regeneration, and Windshapers get a short run-speed boost.

In plain terms: Skyborne is a fun and good-looking pick, but not a must-have for performance. Pick it for the style, the starting zone on Zephras Isle (levels 1–12) or the Druid forms.

What if I want to choose a faction later?

You choose High Order (Alliance) or Windshaper (Horde) when you create the character. Both factions speak Darnassian, so Skyborne on opposite sides can understand each other. Compare the sides in Alliance vs Horde.

More details: release date and editions and the beginner guide.