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[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE] · [TECHNOLOGY]

4 clusters · 22 sources · 17 days · First seen · Last updated

World of Warcraft development and feature updates

Overview

Blizzard Entertainment has introduced several updates and structural changes to the World of Warcraft franchise. Initially, the company implemented an official Armory feature for World of Warcraft Classic characters, allowing players to view equipment and talents on the official website. During this period, Game Director Ion Hazzikostas confirmed that ‘Borrowed Power’ mechanics would remain part of the game due to player engagement. Subsequent developments focused on expanding account-wide progression. With the upcoming Patch 12.1.5, reputation systems from the ‘Legion’ and ‘Battle for Azeroth’ expansions will become account-wide, allowing progress to be shared across all characters on a single account.

Addressing long-standing community speculation regarding a ‘WoW Classic+’ experience, Blizzard announced ‘World of Warcraft Forever’ at BlizzCon 2026. This project aims to expand the level 60 experience through horizontal progression rather than the traditional vertical expansion model. The initiative includes revamping three classic zones, adding three new zones, introducing three new raids, a new battleground, and a new playable race called ‘Skyborne elves’. The project also promises thousands of new quests and content updates within existing classic environments, responding to interest in legacy gameplay and the popularity of independent custom-ruleset servers.

Further details released in September 2026 confirm that ‘World of Warcraft: Forever’ will run alongside the existing Retail and Classic ecosystems, with a global release scheduled for November 4 and a public beta starting September 17. This version will maintain a level cap of 60 and eschew flying mounts and level scaling to preserve the original gameplay feel. Content updates include four new zones—such as the Island of Zephras, Carrofluvial, and Mount Hyjal—over 1,000 new quests, nine dungeons, and two major raids. Players will also access expanded class-race combinations, including Dwarf Shamans and Undead Paladins.

Entities

World of Warcraft · Blizzard Entertainment · Holly Longdale · Azeroth · BlizzCon

Timeline

  1. about 13 hours ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 18 sources
    Blizzard announces World of Warcraft Forever for November 2026 launch

    Blizzard has announced World of Warcraft Forever, a permanent ‘Classic Plus’ experience launching November 4, 2026, featuring a level 60 cap, new zones, and the Skyborne race. Beta begins September 17.

  2. 3 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 3 sources
    Blizzard Entertainment announces World of Warcraft Forever

    Blizzard Entertainment has announced ‘World of Warcraft Forever,’ a ‘Classic Plus’ style expansion that adds new zones, raids, and the Skyborne elf race to the level 60 experience.

  3. 9 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    Blizzard expands World of Warcraft account-wide progression

    Blizzard is expanding account-wide reputation in World of Warcraft via Patch 12.1.5, while rumors of a potential “Classic+” version circulate ahead of BlizzCon.

  4. 17 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 3 sources
    Blizzard updates World of Warcraft with Classic Armory and design insights

    Blizzard has added the official Armory feature to World of Warcraft Classic, while Game Director Ion Hazzikostas confirmed that ‘Borrowed Power’ mechanics will remain a staple in the game.

Sources

albiladpress.com · esports.as.com · eurogamer.net · gamefragger.com · gameluster.com · gamezone.de · in.ign.com · khelnow.com · mein-mmo.de · micromania.es · nordic.ign.com · pcgames.de · pcgamesn.com · que.es · saudigamer.com · shiftdelete.net · techgear.gr · thegeek.hu · videogameszone.de · weekend.at · windowscentral.com · world-today-journal.com

This summary has been updated 3 times: see revision history