World of Warcraft: Forever takes us to a new version of Azeroth back when everything began, but this time reimagined as something both familiar and curiously different.
Introduced as a completely separate experience from Retail and Classic, this new World of Warcraft promises a return to what made the original 2004 MMO an icon in gaming. We already got a taste of our new adventures in the beta, and now the rest of the world can retake their first steps in Azeroth when World of Warcraft: Forever finally releases. Here’s when the game goes live.
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World of Warcraft: Forever release countdown
WoW: Forever goes live on Wednesday, Nov. 4. Blizzard already announced this release date, with reservations for character names opened on Oct. 27 (and ending today, Nov. 4!). It’s very doubtful that Blizzard will make a sudden change to the release schedule. This countdown will expire when Blizzard launches the game, and we’ll be well on our way to Azeroth.
The countdown is based on the following times:
- 3pm PT
- 5pm CT
- 6pm ET
- 11pm UTC
- Nov. 5, 12am CET
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What to expect from World of Warcraft: Forever
WoW: Forever reimagines the original WoW with a new overarching ethos: adventure is forever. Return to Azeroth as it appeared in WoW’s 2004 launch, but this time revamped as a completely new experience outside the intensity of modern Retail and the nostalgic Classic lines. No Outlands or alternate timelines (for now) – just Azeroth rebuilt with a far larger horizon.
While built with the framework of the Vanilla launch, WoW: Forever boasts improved graphics with your choice of standard and high-definition models, as well as atmospheric and immersive lighting. These fit right up the alley of the game’s reimagined zones and new destinations (like Zephras Isle, Shen’dralas, Riverglades, and Mount Hyjal), which are some of the sites of Forever‘s 1,000+ new quests.
What are the biggest changes in WoW: Forever
WoW: Forever comes with the arrival of the Skyborne Elves, or the Shen’dorei, who took up residence on Zephras Isle in the Elemental Plane of Air. They vanished from the face of Azeroth since the Sundering in the First War, having only resurfaced after thousands of years. The Skyborne now share an ancestry deeply rooted in the air and whatever’s left of their ancient Kaldorei culture – something far different from their Night Elf cousins.
Built with the broader Warcraft audience in mind, Forever offers a little something for everyone. Instead of realms, you now make a character based on a specific ruleset, whether it’s traditional, PVP-focused, roleplay-centric, or RP with PVP. You can also choose a unique last name exclusive to your region, while the new Legacy system offers account-wide rewards when leveling up different characters.
Gameplay still offers the original nine Classes, but this time offering new combinations (and lore) with other Races. Classes and Professions have been revamped to be more flexible and useful throughout leveling, and the Camping system aims to foster a culture of camaraderie among adventurers. WoW: Forever also features a revamped UI, improved accessibility features, and complete controller support.
You can get World of Warcraft: Forever for free if you’re already a paid subscriber of World of Warcraft Retail.
