WoW Forever Beginner Guide
Everything you need to know before your first character: what WoW Forever is, what it costs, which class and race to pick, and what to do in your first hours. Follow the links for the detailed guides.
Updated October 13, 2026 · details may change at launch
What is WoW Forever?
WoW Forever is a permanent classic-style version of World of Warcraft that sits next to modern WoW and Classic. It is set after the third war and before Molten Core.
The level cap is 60 and stays there. New content adds raids, dungeons and zones instead of levels. There is no flying, no level scaling and no automatic dungeon finder, so the world stays big and dangerous.
It launches on November 4, 2026, with the first raids following on December 9, 2026.
More: release date and roadmap.
What does it cost?
| Subscription only | Included | All classes, races (except Skyborne), zones, dungeons and raids. Needs an active WoW subscription or Game Time |
|---|---|---|
| Skyborne Heroic Pack | $29.99 | Skyborne race and Zephras Isle starting zone. Early name reservation. Cerulean Prideclaw mount and cosmetics |
| Skyborne Epic Pack | $59.99 | Everything in the Heroic Pack. Beta access. 30 days of Game Time from launch. Extra pets and tabards |
| Warcraft Forever Collection | $79.99 | Everything in the Epic Pack. Warcraft III: Reforged and the Forsaken Kingdom campaign. Limited time |
Most players only need a subscription. The packs are for the new Skyborne race.
Step 1: Pick a faction and race
- Pick the faction your friends play. Leveling speed is the same, and from level 30 both factions share most zones.
- Your race gives you four racials (two active, two passive) and decides your starting zone.
- Six new race and class combinations exist: Orc Mage, Undead Paladin, Troll Warlock, Human Hunter, Dwarf Shaman and Gnome Priest.
- The Skyborne is a new race that starts on Zephras Isle and can join either faction.
See Alliance vs Horde and all races and racials.
Step 2: Pick a class
- Hunter (Beast Mastery) is the most forgiving first class: the pet takes the hits and you rarely die.
- Paladin and Warlock are also easy to learn and sturdy while leveling.
- Healers and tanks get dungeon groups fastest, but they are harder to learn.
- You only get your first Hunter pet at level 10, so expect a short wait before the pet shows up.
Not sure? Take the Class Picker quiz, read Best Class or check the leveling tier list.
Step 3: Level from 1 to 60
- The XP curve is the same as Classic, so there are no big shortcuts. Quest in the zone that matches your level.
- Campfires and rested XP help you recover in the open world, and crafted food can give a small XP bonus.
- Dungeon quests give extra XP, and dungeons are tuned to be close to questing speed.
- You can't fly. Pick up flight paths whenever you see them.
Follow the leveling guide for your faction.
Dungeons and groups
The first dungeons open at level 13. There is no in-game automatic group finder, so you form groups yourself through chat and friends.
Use the Dungeon Finder on this site to see which dungeons fit your level and what each boss drops.
Professions
- Every gathering and crafting profession has a personal perk, such as 5% more health for miners.
- Cooks build campfires, and other professions add camp objects that buff the group.
- Take one gathering profession with one crafting profession if you want money while leveling.
Legacy: your account-wide progression
Legacy turns goals like leveling classes, maxing professions and clearing dungeons into points you spend on small quality-of-life perks across your account. It rewards alts and never makes new players fall behind.
First hours checklist
- Reserve your character name early if you buy a pack with name reservation.
- Finish the starter quests and learn your first abilities.
- Visit your class trainer every two levels.
- Pick two professions and level them as you quest.
- Pick up flight paths as you go.
- Hunters: tame your first pet at level 10, then see the pet families guide.
- Install only the addons that work in Forever.
FAQ
Do I need a subscription to play WoW Forever?
Yes. WoW Forever is included with a World of Warcraft subscription. Only the Skyborne race needs a paid pack.
What level is the max level in WoW Forever?
Level 60, and it stays there. New content adds raids, dungeons and zones instead of levels.
Is WoW Forever easier than Classic?
Not really. There is no flying, no level scaling and no automatic dungeon finder, and the XP curve is the same as Classic. Campfires and Legacy perks make some things friendlier.
What is the best class for a beginner?
Hunter (Beast Mastery) is the most forgiving: your pet takes the hits and you rarely die. Paladin and Warlock are also good first picks.
Which faction should I pick?
Pick the one your friends play. Both factions level at the same speed and share most zones from level 30.
When does WoW Forever launch?
Launch is November 4, 2026, and the first raids open on December 9, 2026.