Blizzard announced on October 7, 2026 that standard definition (SD) Skyborne character models, including SD Druid forms, are in development for WoW: Forever and due in early 2027. The team is also revising the high definition (HD) Skyborne Druid forms so they fit the game's classic look better.
What Blizzard announced
In a post titled The Future of Skyborne Visual Updates, Blizzard explained that the SD or HD character toggle was first built around the original races, since many players are attached to those models. The Skyborne, the new race in Forever, only had HD models.
Blizzard agreed with feedback that HD Skyborne can look out of place next to SD characters and the SD world. SD Skyborne characters, with SD Druid forms, are its answer for players who prefer the older look.
Changes to HD Skyborne Druid forms
Blizzard used the HD Skyborne Druid forms as an example of visuals it is revisiting. It listed three adjustments, shown in the table below.
| Item | Change | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| HD Skyborne Druid forms | Less softness, more detailed fur textures, adjusted color saturation | Revision shown October 7, 2026; release date not given |
| SD Skyborne player models | New SD option to match SD races and world | Early 2027 |
| SD Skyborne Druid forms | SD versions of the animal forms | Early 2027 |
Blizzard said the Skyborne come from an exotic environment and their forms should reflect that, but not clash with the visual language of other creatures in the world.
Why it matters for Druid players
Skyborne Druids spend much of their time in animal forms, so form visuals matter more than for most race and class pairs. Until early 2027, Skyborne Druids will use HD forms only, even for players who run every other model in SD.
Blizzard did not say whether the HD form revision ships at launch on November 4, 2026 or with the SD update. We will update this page when a date is given. For Druid gameplay changes in the beta, see our Druid talents and the Druid class page.
Picking a Skyborne at launch
The update changes only visuals, not racials or class options. If you are deciding on a race now, our Skyborne race, classes and racials guide and the Skyborne race page cover the gameplay side. Planned dates for Forever are collected on our roadmap page.
Blizzard framed this as part of a broader effort to keep the original WoW look while giving players choice. It said some ideas explored during development did not meet its consistency goals and will be revisited.
Frequently asked questions
When are SD Skyborne models coming to WoW: Forever?
Blizzard says early 2027. No exact date has been announced.
Will Skyborne Druid forms get SD versions?
Yes. Blizzard confirmed SD Druid forms are part of the SD Skyborne update.
What is changing on the HD Druid forms?
Blizzard removed some softness, added more detailed fur textures and adjusted color saturation.
Does the update change Skyborne racials?
No gameplay changes were mentioned. The announcement covers visuals only.