Blizzard says WoW: Forever will not modernize its classes. In a TechRadar interview summarized by Wowhead on October 12, 2026, the team said it wants to keep the Classic classes players know, aim for simpler kits with engaging depth, and only add mechanics where a class was too thin.
What Blizzard said about classes
According to TechRadar, the Forever team does not plan to rebuild the original classes. It prefers to keep their identity and the slower combat rhythm of original WoW, rather than bring in modern rotations or Retail systems.
The design rule is to lean toward simpler classes that still have depth. TechRadar reports Blizzard saying some Classic era classes were too simple, so those received a few extra mechanics.
Not modernized vs the class deep dives
This can sound like a contradiction, since Blizzard's class deep dives list many changes. The difference is scale: the deep dives add tools and fix weak spots inside the familiar class, they do not replace it.
| Class | Example change from the deep dives | Type of change |
|---|---|---|
| Mage | Frostfire Bolt at level 40, counts as Fire and Frost | New spell |
| Shaman | Longer weapon imbues, faster totems, Totemic Recall | Less setup |
| Rogue | Sap no longer breaks Stealth, one handed axes allowed | Quality of life |
| Warlock | Banes split damage from utility Curses; pets scale with the Warlock | Added depth |
| All classes | Talents from level 10, Dual Specialization at level 40 | Systems |
Details are in our Mage and Warlock class pages, and the full class changes list. Blizzard notes that abilities and talents can still change during the beta.
Respecs and dual spec
Blizzard told TechRadar it does not want cheap respecs. The cost rises quickly with each respec and resets once per week, so frequent switching stays expensive.
Dual Specialization is the main flexibility tool and is set for level 40 in the current beta. On the October 8 podcast, Josh Greenfield said the team is discussing a lower unlock level such as 30, but nothing is confirmed. See our talent trees.
Races and Summoning Stones
Blizzard also said there are no plans to add Retail races; the team wants to build on the original lore. On travel, it argued that quick teleports such as Summoning Stones make the world feel smaller and cut into the Warlock's role as the class that summons players.
What this means for players
Expect classes that play close to what Classic veterans remember, with fixes for known weak spots. Leveling pace and combat speed are meant to feel like the original game. If you want to skip some of that time, our boost and leveling prices page lists current options.
Frequently asked questions
Will WoW: Forever classes play like Retail?
No. Blizzard says it will not modernize the classes and wants to keep original pacing and combat speed.
Why do the class deep dives show so many changes then?
The changes add mechanics or remove tedious setup inside the familiar class design. They are additions, not a rebuild.
How much does a respec cost?
Blizzard gave no exact price. It said the cost climbs quickly and resets once per week.
Will Retail races come to Forever?
Blizzard says there are no plans for that.
Sources
- TechRadar: WoW: Forever's classes won't be modernized
- TechRadar: Why WoW: Forever won't have Summoning Stones
- Wowhead: WoW: Forever classes won't be modernized, TechRadar interview
- Blizzard forums: Class Deep Dives, Mage and Shaman
- Wowhead: Rogue and Warlock class deep dive
- Wowhead: Possible change to dual spec unlock level