WoW Forever vs WoW Classic: Every Big Difference Explained
WoW Forever is not another Classic server: it keeps Classic's level 60 cap, ground travel and pacing, then adds a new race, six new race and class combinations, four new zones, nine new dungeons, more than 1,000 new quests, reworked talents and rulesets instead of realms. Blizzard runs it as a third, permanent version of the game next to modern WoW and WoW Classic, and the same subscription covers all three.
WoW Classic | WoW Forever | |
|---|---|---|
Level cap | 60 | 60, permanently |
Races | 8 | 8 plus the Skyborne |
Race and class combinations | Fixed | Six new pairings |
Classes | 9 | Same 9, reworked |
New zones | None | Riverglades, Shen'dralas, Mount Hyjal, Zephras Isle |
New dungeons | None | Nine, for levels 13 to 60 |
Talents | Patch 1.12 | Reworked, new milestone at 16, dual spec at 40 |
Servers | Realms | Rulesets |
Graphics | Original | HD/SD toggle and new lighting |
Price | Subscription | Same subscription |
Same Foundations
Forever goes back to original Azeroth: the cap is 60 and stays there, there are no flying mounts and no level scaling. The pace, the danger and the journey from 1 to 60 will feel familiar to anyone who played Classic.
What Is New
A new race. The Skyborne join either faction and start on Zephras Isle. They need a paid pack. See our Skyborne guide.
New race and class combinations. Human Hunter, Dwarf Shaman, Gnome Priest, Orc Mage, Undead Paladin and Troll Warlock. Alliance Shamans and Horde Paladins are now possible.
New world. Four new zones, more than 1,000 new quests and nine new five-player dungeons spread from level 13 to 60. Raids open on December 9, according to Blizzard's roadmap.
Reworked classes. All nine classes have revised talents and new trainer abilities. Trees keep the Classic shape with milestones at 11, 21 and 31, plus a new one at 16. Key buffs like Blessing of Kings and Divine Spirit are baseline, and dual spec unlocks at level 40.
New systems. Rulesets replace realms, wilderness camping adds campsites and rested XP in the wild, and the account-wide Legacy system adds progression beyond 60.
Modern client. HD and SD character models, new lighting, the Enhanced preset with quest markers and one bag, and modern addon rules, which is why old Classic addons need Forever versions. See our addons guide and graphics settings.
Which Should You Play?
Play Classic if you want the original game exactly as it was.
Play Forever if you love the 1 to 60 journey but want new ground inside it.
Since one subscription covers both, many players try Forever first. New players should start with our beginner guide.
Ready for Group Content?
Leveling is only half of WoW Forever. The other half is the nine new dungeons and the raids that open on December 9, according to Blizzard's roadmap. If you want to get through them with an experienced group, WoW Forever dungeon runs are built for exactly that. Coming back from Classic? We also run WoW Classic dungeons.
FAQ
Is WoW Forever the same as Classic? No. It keeps the level 60 cap and original world, but adds a new race, new combinations, zones, dungeons, quests and reworked classes.
Is WoW Forever Classic Plus? It is the closest thing to it: Blizzard describes it as a new permanent version of WoW next to modern and Classic.
Do I need a separate subscription for WoW Forever? No. Your WoW subscription or Game Time covers it.
Can I transfer Classic characters to WoW Forever? No. Forever is a fresh start.
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